Definition
An ICAO term for a low-power, low- or medium-frequency non-directional beacon (NDB) used as an aid to final approach, typically located in association with an instrument landing system (ILS). It provides bearing information to aircraft equipped with automatic direction finding (ADF) equipment, helping guide them onto the final approach course or to the missed approach point.
Plain English
A small radio beacon installed near a runway approach. Pilots use it with their ADF needle to line up with the runway or to mark a key point on the approach.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and in approach procedure descriptions, especially where a radio beacon helps guide the final part of the approach.
Derivation
From Latin 'locare,' meaning 'to place.' A locator helps the pilot place the aircraft accurately on the approach path.
Why Pilots Care
Provides reliable bearing and identification guidance close to the runway, helping maintain the correct flight path in low visibility.
Intuition Check
A locator is not just any location marker or place name. In this ICAO use, it means a specific radio beacon used to help a pilot find a point on final approach.
Example Sentence 1
The approach chart showed a locator co-located with the outer marker, so the crew tuned the ADF before starting the descent.
Example Sentence 2
During the ILS approach the pilot used the locator signal to maintain the correct inbound track toward the runway.