Glide Path

Glide Path

In aviation, a "glide path" or "glide slope" refers to the ideal descent trajectory an aircraft follows during its landing approach to ensure a safe and efficient landing. It's a fundamental concept in aviation, guiding aircraft down to the runway threshold.

Purpose

The glide path ensures the aircraft maintains a safe altitude above obstacles while descending, allowing for a gradual descent that aligns with the runway threshold.

Instrument Landing System (ILS)

The glide path is a key component of the Instrument Landing System (ILS), which provides vertical guidance to pilots during instrument approaches.

Visual Representation

The glide path is often visualized as a line or beam that an aircraft follows, with the aircraft's position relative to this line indicating whether it is above, below, or on the correct path.

Glide Slope (G/S)

The term "glide slope" is sometimes used interchangeably with "glide path," and both refer to the vertical guidance provided by the ILS.

Location of Glide Path Antenna

The glide path antenna is generally located on the right-hand side of the runway, with the signals referenced to the runway centerline.

Other Meanings

In other contexts, "glide path" can refer to a strategic roadmap or a course of action that leads to an expected outcome.

Retirement Funds

In the context of retirement funds, a "glide path" refers to a predefined investment strategy that adjusts the allocation of assets in a portfolio over time, usually based on an investor's expected retirement date.