Register

LPV—Precision or not?

We all know an ILS is a precision approach. But there’s much confusion about whether an RNAV (GPS) approach to LPV minimums is. (Spoiler alert: Sometimes …)

This FAA diagram nicely shows the various antennas associated with an ILS.
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • ILS is a traditional ground-based system providing lateral (localizer) and vertical (glideslope) guidance, recognized as the gold standard for precision approaches including Cat II/III, though susceptible to signal anomalies.
  • LPV utilizes satellite-based WAAS GPS for highly accurate, stable lateral and vertical guidance (glidepath), effectively mimicking ILS performance without signal bends.
  • Despite LPV's high accuracy and its classification as precision for pilot currency, the FAA technically designates it as an "approach with vertical guidance" (APV) for broader regulatory purposes (e.g., alternate airport planning) due to the lack of a *required* associated approach lighting system.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Perhaps it’d be best if we first take a broad look at the differences between an ILS and an LPV approach. A significant difference between the ILS and LPV is that the ILS is a ground-based system with several components that operate as a federated system to provide approach guidance. On the aircraft side, you must have a VHF localizer receiver, a UHF glideslope receiver, or a multimode receiver that incorporates both, and a method to determine noted distances from the runway threshold (marker beacon, compass locator, DME, radar, VOR cross radials). 

The LPV approach is satellite-based; however, it also requires a ground-based station(s) to determine any errors in the “raw” GPS position and broadcast a correction. The detection of errors in the GPS position is the basis for the wide-area augmentation system (WAAS). GPS errors are also monitored via receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (RAIM), but WAAS makes it redundant. Let’s dig into this in more detail. 

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE