Tarkkuuslähestyminen

Tarkkuuslähestyminen, meaning precision approach in Finnish, refers to a specific type of instrument approach procedure used in aviation. It is designed to guide an aircraft safely to a runway in conditions of low visibility where visual reference to the ground is limited. This procedure relies heavily on navigational aids and ground-based equipment to provide the pilot with precise lateral and vertical guidance.

The key characteristic of a tarkkuuslähestyminen is its high degree of accuracy. This allows for a lower decision altitude or minimum descent altitude compared to other instrument approaches, meaning the pilot can descend closer to the ground before needing to see the runway environment visually to complete the landing. If visual contact is not established by this altitude, the pilot must execute a missed approach.

Tarkkuuslähestyminen procedures are typically associated with advanced navigation systems such as Instrument Landing Systems (ILS). An ILS provides both lateral guidance (azimuth) and vertical guidance (glideslope) to the runway. Aircraft equipped with suitable avionics can follow these signals precisely. The implementation and execution of tarkkuuslähestyminen are subject to strict regulations and pilot training standards to ensure safety. These approaches are critical for maintaining air traffic operations during adverse weather conditions, ensuring that flights can continue when visibility is significantly reduced.