Instrument Landing System (ILS)

An instrument landing system is a system which operates as a ground-based instrument approach system that provides precision lateral and vertical guidance to an aircraft approaching and landing on a runway, using a combination of radio signals and, in many cases, high-intensity lighting arrays to enable a safe landing during instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), such as low ceilings or reduced visibility due to fog, rain, or blowing snow thus enables pilots to conduct an instrument approach to landing even if they are unable to establish visual contact with the runway.