FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

What are the four components of an ILS approach?

1. Localizer, Glideslope, Marker Beacons, Approach Control

2. Localizer, Glideslope, Outer Marker, Ground Control

3. Localizer, Glideslope, Approach Lighting, Runway Signs

4. Localizer, Glideslope, Outer Marker, Inner Marker

The correct answer is: Localizer, Glideslope, Outer Marker, Inner Marker

The four components of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach are indeed the Localizer, Glideslope, Outer Marker, and Inner Marker. The Localizer provides the lateral guidance required for aligning the aircraft with the runway centerline. This is crucial for ensuring that the aircraft approaches the runway accurately and is set to the correct heading as it descends. The Glideslope offers vertical guidance, indicating the correct descent angle for the landing approach. This is essential for maintaining a consistent and safe glide path toward the runway, allowing pilots to understand how high or low they are compared to the ideal approach. The Outer Marker is an important point on the approach path that indicates the aircraft's position, usually located about 4-7 miles from the runway threshold, signaling the pilot to prepare for the final approach phase. The Inner Marker serves as an additional reference, positioned closer to the runway, usually indicating the point at which the aircraft is at a decision altitude during a Category II or III approach, increasing precision in poor visibility conditions. The combination of these elements ensures a safe and accurate approach and landing in various weather conditions, which is vital for flight safety.