Definition
A head-up guidance system (HGS) is a type of head-up display (HUD) that projects flight guidance cues, primary flight information, and energy/path symbology onto a transparent combiner glass positioned in the pilot's forward line of sight. The system collimates the imagery to optical infinity so that flight information appears overlaid on the outside view, allowing the pilot to fly the aircraft and monitor instruments without looking down at the panel. Approved HGS installations may provide credit for lower approach minima, including certain low-visibility takeoff and Category III operations.
Plain English
A see-through display in front of the pilot's eyes that shows the key flight information and steering cues as if floating out beyond the windshield, so the pilot can keep looking outside while still flying the aircraft accurately.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of head-up displays, instrument approaches, and approved low-visibility takeoff or landing procedures.
Derivation
Head-up' means the pilot's head stays up and eyes stay forward (as opposed to 'head-down' on the panel instruments). 'Guidance system' indicates it is not just a display of information — it actively provides steering cues for flight path, energy, and approach tracking.
Why Pilots Care
It maintains continuous visual contact with the runway and terrain during critical phases, reducing the chance of losing situational awareness when transitioning from instruments to visual references.
Intuition Check
Do not read guidance as general advice. In this term, guidance means specific visual cues the pilot can follow to fly the required path.
Example Sentence 1
The captain selected the approach mode on the HGS and flew the symbology down to decision height while keeping the runway environment in sight.
Example Sentence 2
During the missed approach, the HGS provided immediate flight-path guidance without requiring the pilot to scan the instrument panel.