Definition
The angle, measured in degrees, between the descending flight path used for landing approach and the horizontal plane of the runway. For a standard ILS approach, the glidepath angle is typically 3 degrees.
Plain English
How steeply the aircraft descends toward the runway during the final part of the approach, expressed as an angle above level ground.
Context Anchor
Seen on approach charts, in approach briefings, and when using visual or instrument guidance to stay on the proper path to the runway.
Derivation
“Glide” comes from an old word meaning to move smoothly. In aviation, it points to a smooth descent path, and “angle” tells how steep that path is compared with level ground.
Why Pilots Care
It sets the proper descent rate for a safe touchdown while clearing obstacles.
Analogy
It is like the steepness of a ramp. A shallow ramp takes longer to get down; a steeper ramp gets down faster over the same distance.
Grounding Statement
On a typical approach, a glidepath angle near 3 degrees gives the airplane a steady, manageable descent toward the runway.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse glidepath angle with the runway’s slope or the airplane’s nose angle. It is the steepness of the intended path through the air down to the runway.
Example Sentence 1
The published glidepath angle for this ILS approach is 3 degrees, giving a descent rate of about 650 feet per minute at 120 knots.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot adjusted power to stay on the glidepath angle and land on the numbers.