The Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) is a crucial visual aid that helps pilots maintain the correct glide path when approaching a runway for landing. Found at airports worldwide, PAPI provides a simple yet highly effective way to ensure a stable descent, improving safety during approach and landing phases.
How PAPI works
The Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) is a crucial visual aid that helps pilots maintain the correct glide path when approaching a runway for landing.
⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️ – The aircraft is too high and should descend.
⚪️⚪️⚪️🔴 – The aircraft is slightly above the ideal glide path.
⚪️⚪️🔴🔴 – The aircraft is on the correct approach path.
⚪️🔴🔴🔴 – The aircraft is slightly below the glide path.
🔴🔴🔴🔴 – The aircraft is too low and should climb to avoid terrain or obstacles.
It is very important, because it
🎯Enhances Landing Accuracy: Helps pilots maintain a stabilized approach, reducing the risk of hard landings or runway overruns.
👀Improves Safety in Poor Visibility: Assists in low-light or adverse weather conditions where natural visual references may be limited.
🤝Supports Non-Precision Approaches: PAPI provides visual guidance at airports without an Instrument Landing System (ILS).
🧠 Universal and Easy to Understand: Standardized worldwide, PAPI is simple to interpret regardless of aircraft type.
Before PAPI, many airports used the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI), which had two rows of lights instead of one. While effective, PAPI offers greater accuracy and a continuous range of indications, making it the preferred system at most airports today.
The Precision Approach Path Indicator is a small yet powerful tool that greatly enhances flight safety. Whether in clear conditions or low visibility, PAPI provides pilots with real-time feedback to ensure a controlled and precise approach to the runway. It’s a perfect example of how a simple visual system can make a big difference in aviation safety.