Definition
An instrument approach procedure that provides the pilot with both lateral (left/right) and vertical (glidepath) electronic guidance to the runway, meeting precision standards for accuracy and integrity. Examples include the ILS, PAR, and GLS approaches.
Plain English
An instrument approach where you get electronic guidance for both keeping centered on the runway and staying on the correct descent path down to landing.
Context Anchor
You will see this term on instrument approach charts, in instrument training, and in clearances or briefings for approaches such as an instrument landing system approach.
Derivation
From Latin praecisio meaning 'a cutting off' or 'exactness.' Here, 'precision' refers to the tight accuracy standards the approach must meet — particularly the vertical guidance — not to the pilot's flying skill.
Why Pilots Care
It permits descent to lower altitudes and in reduced visibility compared with approaches that lack vertical guidance, raising the chance of completing the landing safely when weather is marginal.
Intuition Check
Precision approach does not simply mean “an approach flown carefully.” In FAA use, it means a specific kind of published instrument approach that provides approved alignment and descent-path guidance.
Example Sentence 1
Because the cloud ceiling was reported at 300 feet, the crew briefed the ILS as a precision approach to Runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
Because the runway had a precision approach available, the flight could land in weather that would have required a diversion otherwise.