Instrument Landing System (ILS) Approach (Arrivals from the north) 

The ILS emits 2 radio beams, which extend approximately 20 nautical miles to the north.One beam ensures the aircraft is aligned with the runway centreline.The other provides a glidepath for aircraft to descend at a 3.1º angle towards the airfield.

This is an important system, as it allows aircraft to land in low visibility, such as when there is cloud cover.

This is the main method of approaching the airport from the north.

VOR (Radio Beacon) Approach(Arrivals from the south)

VOR – Very high frequency Omnidirectional Range finder. (Radio Beacon)

The VOR emits a radio signal allowing aircraft to align onto the correct approach path from the south. This signal is a straight line, which is offset from the runway centreline.

Aircraft will continue on this route until the pilots can see the runway and position the aircraft with the runway centreline.The point of this alignment will vary depending on weather conditions, such as cloud cover and rain etc.

Aircraft arriving at Southampton Airport are directed by NATS which tells the pilots which course to steer, and heights to fly, until the aircraft intercepts the appropriate approach guidance.

It is important to note that there are also other instrument approaches following different paths which will
occasionally be used, such as when the ILS is having maintenance work.

When the weather is good an aircraft may make a visual approach. This is where the pilot takes responsibility for the routeing, and visually lines up the aircraft with the runway centreline.The advantage to this is that the aircraft will land sooner, using less fuel. However, these approaches are becoming less common at Southampton Airport in order to let NATS efficiently sequence the flow of aircraft.