Instrument Runway – Canadian Flight Trainers

An instrument runway is a runway equipped with navigation aids and suitable for the approach to the runway under instrument conditions. The aids and the runway itself are configured to support a published instrument approach procedure.

Types of Instrument Runways

Non-precision instrument runway: Equipped for approaches with only lateral guidance (localizer, VOR, NDB, GNSS LNAV)
Precision instrument runway: Equipped for approaches with both lateral and vertical guidance (ILS, GBAS landing system)

Runway Equipment

Instrument runways must have specific markings (precision or non-precision markings), adequate lighting (approach lights, runway edge lights, touchdown zone lights for CAT II/III), and obstruction clearance in the approach and departure surfaces meeting ICAO Annex 14 standards.

Related Terms

See also: ILS, Non-Precision Approach, Runway.