Definition
Vertical guidance data provided to a pilot during a precision radar approach (PAR), indicating the aircraft's position relative to the correct descent angle to the runway. The controller compares the aircraft's actual descent profile against the published glidepath and issues advisories such as 'on glidepath,' 'above glidepath,' or 'below glidepath' so the pilot can maintain the correct descent.
Plain English
Information that tells the pilot whether the aircraft is descending at the right angle to reach the runway, or whether it is too high or too low.
Context Anchor
Seen in radar approach descriptions, especially when the handbook explains whether the controller can provide vertical guidance during final descent.
Derivation
Glidepath' combines 'glide' (a smooth, descending flight) with 'path' (a route or track). Together they describe the angled descent line an aircraft follows down to the runway. 'Information' here means the data or advisories passed to the pilot about that path.
Why Pilots Care
Allows safe landing in poor visibility by correcting vertical deviations in real time.
Grounding Statement
On final approach, glidepath information is the height guidance that helps you stay on the planned slope down to the runway.
Intuition Check
Do not read “information” as general background data. Here it means specific guidance about your height compared with the desired descent path.
Example Sentence 1
During the PAR approach, the controller provided continuous glidepath information, advising the pilot when the aircraft drifted slightly above the descent angle.
Example Sentence 2
During the radar approach, continuous glidepath information helped us stay aligned for touchdown.