Where does the glide slope/path symbol start for a precision approach?

Where does the glide slope/path symbol start for a precision approach?

• A. The FAF.
• B. The runway threshold.
• C. The missed approach point.
• D. The runway centerline.

Answer: (A)

In a precision approach, the vertical guidance is engaged as you reach the final approach segment, so the glide slope begins at the Final Approach Fix. From that point, you descend along the published glide path down to the runway threshold. Before the FAF, you’re relying on lateral guidance from the localizer; the glide slope isn’t active yet. The runway threshold is simply the end point of the glide path, not its start, and the missed approach point is a separate decision point. The runway centerline is just a visual reference, not where the glide path starts.

In a precision approach, the vertical guidance is engaged as you reach the final approach segment, so the glide slope begins at the Final Approach Fix. From that point, you descend along the published glide path down to the runway threshold. Before the FAF, you’re relying on lateral guidance from the localizer; the glide slope isn’t active yet. The runway threshold is simply the end point of the glide path, not its start, and the missed approach point is a separate decision point. The runway centerline is just a visual reference, not where the glide path starts.