Definition
The published title of a non-precision instrument approach procedure that uses only the localizer signal (lateral guidance) to align the aircraft with runway 36. It provides course guidance to the runway centerline but no electronic glidepath, so the pilot descends using published step-down altitudes to a Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA).
Plain English
It is the name of a specific instrument approach chart that helps a pilot line up with runway 36 using a radio beam, but does not give vertical guidance down to the runway. The pilot handles the descent themselves using altitudes printed on the chart.
Context Anchor
Seen as the title of an instrument approach chart, such as “LOC RWY 36,” and in clearances or briefings for a localizer approach to Runway 36.
Derivation
LOC' is short for 'localizer,' the radio beam that defines the approach course. 'RWY 36' identifies the runway, where '36' refers to a magnetic heading of approximately 360 degrees (north). Naming the chart this way tells the pilot at a glance both the type of guidance and the runway it serves.
Why Pilots Care
It tells the pilot exactly which published procedure to load and fly when only lateral guidance is available for that runway.
Intuition Check
Do not read “36” as an exact runway heading. It means the runway points roughly toward magnetic north, rounded to the nearest 10 degrees. Do not assume “LOC” gives vertical guidance; it primarily gives left-right alignment.
Example Sentence 1
Approach cleared us for the LOC RWY 36 approach, so we briefed the step-down altitudes and the MDA before starting in.
Example Sentence 2
ATC cleared the flight for the LOC RWY 36 approach at the destination airport.