How does ILS differ from VOR guidance?

How does ILS differ from VOR guidance?

• A. ILS provides general course guidance; VOR provides precision approach guidance to runway.
• B. ILS provides precision approach guidance to the runway; VOR provides general course guidance.
• C. ILS is a satellite-based system; VOR is radio-based.
• D. ILS is used only by helicopters; VOR is used by fixed-wing aircraft.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that ILS offers precision approach guidance to the runway, while VOR provides general course guidance without vertical guidance. ILS gives both lateral and vertical guidance—the localizer directs you along the runway centerline and the glide slope provides descent angle to the runway, allowing lower minimums and more precise alignment for landing. VOR, on the other hand, helps you navigate by indicating a specific bearing (radial) from the station and is used for en route or non-precision approaches that don’t include automatic vertical guidance. So, ILS is for precision approach to a runway, whereas VOR supplies general course guidance for navigation. The other statements mix up capabilities: ILS is not satellite-based (both systems are radio-based, and GPS is the satellite system), and these systems are used by fixed-wing aircraft as well, not just helicopters.

The main idea is that ILS offers precision approach guidance to the runway, while VOR provides general course guidance without vertical guidance. ILS gives both lateral and vertical guidance—the localizer directs you along the runway centerline and the glide slope provides descent angle to the runway, allowing lower minimums and more precise alignment for landing. VOR, on the other hand, helps you navigate by indicating a specific bearing (radial) from the station and is used for en route or non-precision approaches that don’t include automatic vertical guidance. So, ILS is for precision approach to a runway, whereas VOR supplies general course guidance for navigation. The other statements mix up capabilities: ILS is not satellite-based (both systems are radio-based, and GPS is the satellite system), and these systems are used by fixed-wing aircraft as well, not just helicopters.