How should a student handle a practice instrument landing system (ILS) approach?

How should a student handle a practice instrument landing system (ILS) approach?

• A. Alternate between ILS and VOR approaches
• B. Fly by sight to the runway to save time
• C. Deviate from minimums to ensure safety
• D. Follow the ILS approach procedure, maintain minimums, and execute a stabilized approach and landing safely

Answer: (D)

When you conduct a practice instrument approach, you follow the published ILS procedure exactly, stay at or above the published minimums, and aim for a stabilized approach all the way to a safe landing. The ILS gives you precise lateral and vertical guidance, and the minimums are there to ensure obstacle clearance and a safe decision point. A stabilized approach means you’re on the correct path with the proper configuration and energy management, with a predictable descent and approach speed, by the time you reach the approach end. If you reach the minimums and you don’t have the runway environment ready or you’re not stabilized, you should execute a go-around. You should not switch to another system mid-approach, attempt to descend below minimums, or try to complete the approach visually if conditions require instrument procedures.

When you conduct a practice instrument approach, you follow the published ILS procedure exactly, stay at or above the published minimums, and aim for a stabilized approach all the way to a safe landing. The ILS gives you precise lateral and vertical guidance, and the minimums are there to ensure obstacle clearance and a safe decision point. A stabilized approach means you’re on the correct path with the proper configuration and energy management, with a predictable descent and approach speed, by the time you reach the approach end. If you reach the minimums and you don’t have the runway environment ready or you’re not stabilized, you should execute a go-around. You should not switch to another system mid-approach, attempt to descend below minimums, or try to complete the approach visually if conditions require instrument procedures.