What is the primary purpose of the ILS?

The primary purpose of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) is to provide an approach path that includes both lateral (horizontal) and vertical guidance to pilots during landing in poor visibility conditions. This guidance is essential for ensuring that aircraft can safely approach and land on the runway, particularly when visual references are limited or absent, such as in foggy or rainy weather.

The lateral component of the ILS helps maintain the aircraft on the correct course toward the runway, ensuring it aligns properly with the runway centerline. The vertical guidance, on the other hand, provides information on the correct descent angle, helping pilots achieve the proper glide slope during their approach. Together, these elements enhance safety by ensuring precise navigation and altitude control as aircraft land.

In contrast, while safe altitude for approach, visual aids for landing, and assistance during crosswind landings may support landing operations, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive functionality offered by the ILS, which is specifically designed to facilitate precision approaches.