Plain English Meaning

A landing aid that uses microwave radio signals to guide an aircraft down to the runway, telling the pilot if they are lined up correctly and on the right descent path.

Full Definition

A precision approach and landing guidance system that uses microwave signals to provide aircraft with horizontal (azimuth) and vertical (elevation) guidance to a runway, along with distance information. MLS was developed as a successor to the ILS, offering wider coverage and curved approach capability, but has seen very limited operational deployment.

Context Anchor

Seen in flight plan equipment codes and instrument approach information when listing what or landing the aircraft can use.