Definition
A precision approach and landing system that uses signals from GPS satellites, augmented by a local ground station at the airport, to guide an aircraft along a defined lateral and vertical path to the runway. The local ground station broadcasts correction data to nearby aircraft, improving the accuracy and integrity of the GPS signal enough to support precision approaches down to low decision heights.
Plain English
A landing aid that uses GPS satellites, helped by a small ground station at the airport, to guide an aircraft accurately down to the runway in poor visibility.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach procedures, avionics selections, and clearances for GPS-based runway approaches that provide both sideways and descent guidance.
Derivation
GPS stands for Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation network. 'Landing System' indicates this is a guidance aid used during the approach and landing phase, not just for en route navigation. Combining the two signals that the system uses GPS as its core source of position information to guide the aircraft to the runway.
Why Pilots Care
It allows precision approaches at airports that lack ground-based landing aids, increasing access and safety.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as simply “any landing where GPS is used.” A GPS Landing System specifically provides approved runway guidance, including both sideways path guidance and descent-path guidance.
Example Sentence 1
The airport's GPS Landing System allowed the crew to fly a precision approach even though the field had no ILS installed.
Example Sentence 2
With the GPS landing system active, the aircraft followed the glide path to the runway threshold.