Approach slope

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An approach slope is the path that an airplane follows on its final approach to land on a runway. It takes its name from the fact that this path is ideally a gentle downward slope. A commonly used approach slope is 3° from the horizontal. However certain airports have steeper approach paths based on the topography and buildings. London UK City airport has a 5° approach, and only aircraft that can maintain such an approach are permitted to use the airport

The term glide slope is often applied to mean approach slope. Although this is technically incorrect, it is now a standard part of aviation talk. The technical incorrectness arises because an aircraft aiming for a perfectly failsafe landing or one that is landing without engine power will use its glide slope as its approach slope. However, in non-emergencies, approach slopes for non-gliders are usually shallower than the glide slope as this makes for a softer landing.

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