An instrument landing system (ILS) is a ground-based instrument approach system that provides

precision lateral and vertical guidance to an aircraft approaching and landing on a runway, using a
combination of radio signals and, in many cases, high-intensity lighting arrays to enable a safe
landing during instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), such as low ceilings or reduced visibility
due to fog, rain, or blowing snow.
An instrument approach procedure chart (or 'approach plate') is published for each ILS approach to
provide the information needed to fly an ILS approach during instrument flight rules (IFR) operations.
A chart includes the radio frequencies used by the ILS components ornavaids and the prescribed
minimum visibility requirements.
Radio-navigation aids must provide a certain accuracy (set by international standards of
CAST/ICAO); to ensure this is the case, flight inspection organizations periodically check critical
parameters with properly equipped aircraft to calibrate and certify ILS precision.