glide slope
noun
1
: the proper path of descent for an aircraft preparing to land
especially
: such a path indicated by a radio beam
2
: the radio beam that marks a glide slope
Examples of glide slope in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This allows for Bombardier’s latest Global models to land at speeds associated with much smaller jets and gives them a steeper glide slope than other long-range counterparts.
—
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 26 July 2025
Two of the field’s approach lighting systems for the runway, which help to direct a pilot on the correct glide slope and to line up with the runway, were also down, and had been since October.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
From the late 1940s, ground stations began broadcasting omnidirectional VHF signals that planes could lock on to, while shorter-range systems indicated safe glide slopes to help pilots land.
—IEEE Spectrum, 21 Jan. 2021
That is where the glide slope should be centered, resulting in the airplane being on a standard descent path.
—John Cox, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2021
Is there a standard glide slope that is supposed to be used?
—John Cox, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2021
Aircraft typically arrive into airports using a flight path that is on a 3-degree glide slope — so as to apply minimal power to their engines, according to Landrum & Brown.
—Priscella Vega, latimes.com, 28 June 2019
This glide slope analysis must be done and submitted to the FAA before changes can be made to arrival patterns, according to a city staff report.
—Priscella Vega, latimes.com, 28 June 2019
The city believes keeping aircraft arriving into Long Beach Airport at the 3-degree glide slope may result in reduced noise for its residents.
—Priscella Vega, latimes.com, 28 June 2019
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Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 26 July 2025
Two of the field’s approach lighting systems for the runway, which help to direct a pilot on the correct glide slope and to line up with the runway, were also down, and had been since October.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
From the late 1940s, ground stations began broadcasting omnidirectional VHF signals that planes could lock on to, while shorter-range systems indicated safe glide slopes to help pilots land.
—IEEE Spectrum, 21 Jan. 2021
That is where the glide slope should be centered, resulting in the airplane being on a standard descent path.
—John Cox, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2021
Is there a standard glide slope that is supposed to be used?
—John Cox, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2021
Aircraft typically arrive into airports using a flight path that is on a 3-degree glide slope — so as to apply minimal power to their engines, according to Landrum & Brown.
—Priscella Vega, latimes.com, 28 June 2019
This glide slope analysis must be done and submitted to the FAA before changes can be made to arrival patterns, according to a city staff report.
—Priscella Vega, latimes.com, 28 June 2019
The city believes keeping aircraft arriving into Long Beach Airport at the 3-degree glide slope may result in reduced noise for its residents.
—Priscella Vega, latimes.com, 28 June 2019
Cite this Entry
“Glide slope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glide%20slope. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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