Definition
A type of GPS-based instrument approach that provides both lateral (left-right) and vertical (up-down) guidance to a runway, using the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) to deliver accuracy comparable to an ILS approach. LPV is classified as an approach with vertical guidance (APV), not a precision approach in the formal ICAO sense, but it allows decision altitudes as low as 200 feet above the runway at suitably equipped airports.
Plain English
An LPV is a satellite-based approach that guides the pilot down to the runway with both side-to-side and up-and-down steering, getting the airplane almost as low as a traditional instrument landing system would.
Context Anchor
Seen on RNAV (GPS) instrument approach charts, usually as an LPV line in the published minimums section for the approach.
Derivation
The name describes what it does. 'Localizer Performance' means the lateral guidance is as tight and accurate as an ILS localizer. 'Vertical guidance' means a glidepath is also provided. So the label itself is the description: localizer-quality steering, plus a glidepath, generated by GPS instead of ground equipment.
Why Pilots Care
Provides precision-like minimums at airports without ground-based ILS equipment, increasing access in marginal weather.
Grounding Statement
On an LPV approach, the pilot follows both the centerline guidance and the glidepath to the published decision point before landing or going missed.
Intuition Check
LPV does not mean you are flying an ILS or receiving a runway localizer signal. It means approved satellite-based equipment is giving localizer-like sideways guidance plus vertical guidance.
Example Sentence 1
With WAAS installed, the pilot briefed the LPV approach to Runway 24 and planned for a 250-foot decision altitude.
Example Sentence 2
With LPV available, the flight was able to continue the approach instead of diverting.