Precision VS Non-Precision

[jjsemperfi]

Hey guys, just wanted to ask your opinions on what single thing defines a difference between a Precision and NP Approach. I'm going with.... Precision has a DA / DH and NP has an MDA. Anyone agree with this?

[Flying Pig]

Well, for starters precision will have both lateral and vertical guidance ie. an ILS vs a VOR approach

[aeroscout]

Lateral, vertical and distance guidance to an altitude you dont' have to level off at.

The old ILS had a marker system to tell you your distance from dh(da).

The newer ILS/DME and even newer GPS WAAS gives continuous distance guidance.

[Gomer Pylot]

A precision approach has glideslope guidance.

 

From FAR 1:

 

Precision approach procedure means a standard instrument approach procedure in which an electronic glide slope is provided, such as ILS and PAR.

Edited June 25, 2014 by Gomer Pylot

[d10]

^^ that. It's not really an opinion, it's defined.

[Machinegun21]

+1 Gomer Pylot,

 

Precision approach has vertical guidance and hence a Decision Altitude, Non-Precision does not have vertical guidance and hence a Minimum Descent Altitude.

[HighCountry]

+2 to the definition provided by GP. Emphasis on the electronic glidepath is provided. For example a VNAV approach in which your glidepath is created by your nav system is NOT considered a precision approach even though it is effectively flown the same way.