Definition
The published title of an instrument approach procedure that uses a Localizer-Type Directional Aid (LDA) to guide aircraft toward Runway 2 at a specific airport. An LDA provides lateral course guidance similar to a localizer, but its course is not aligned within 3 degrees of the runway centerline, so it is not classified as a precision or straight-in localizer approach. The '2' identifies the runway whose magnetic heading is approximately 020 degrees.
Plain English
The name of a published instrument approach that uses a special radio signal to bring you in toward Runway 2, but the signal points slightly off from the runway itself, so you'll need to maneuver visually at the end to land.
Context Anchor
Seen as the title of an instrument approach chart and in approach clearances, such as being cleared for the LDA RWY 2 approach.
Derivation
LDA' stands for Localizer-Type Directional Aid — 'localizer-type' because it uses the same kind of radio signal as an ILS localizer, and 'directional aid' because it gives directional guidance without being aligned with the runway like a true localizer. 'RWY 2' identifies the runway by its approximate magnetic heading (020 degrees), with leading zeros dropped.
Why Pilots Care
Provides a published instrument approach option when terrain or obstacles prevent a straight-in localizer alignment with the runway.
Intuition Check
Do not assume LDA RWY 2 is the same as an ILS to Runway 2. LDA gives localizer-like left-right guidance, but it may be offset and may not include glidepath guidance.
Example Sentence 1
Approach cleared us for the LDA RWY 2 and reminded us that the final approach course was offset 8 degrees from the runway.
Example Sentence 2
ATC cleared the flight for the LDA RWY 2 and advised the localizer was offset 3 degrees.