Blog Elements : IFR Focus

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Ask an IFR Expert: LPV vs. ILS—Which Should You Fly in Low Weather?

October 7, 2025/by Eric Radtke

I see more and more approaches labeled LPV in the GPS database, but I’ve heard pilots talk about them as ‘GPS ILS equivalents.’ What exactly is an LPV approach, how is it different from an ILS, and why should I care as an instrument pilot?

Video Tip: How to Fly an LPV Approach with a Garmin GTN 650

October 3, 2025/by IFR Focus Team

For many IFR pilots today, flying a GPS approach is second nature. Among the most capable options is the LPV approach, which offers ILS-like lateral and vertical guidance—but with far wider availability. Thanks to WAAS-enabled GPS, pilots can fly precision-style approaches at thousands of airports that don’t have an ILS installed.

Ask an IFR Expert: LPV vs. ILS—Which Should You Fly in Low Weather?

October 7, 2025/by Eric Radtke

Video Tip: How to Fly an LPV Approach with a Garmin GTN 650

October 3, 2025/by IFR Focus Team

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Ask an IFR Expert: LPV vs. ILS—Which Should You Fly in Low Weather?

October 7, 2025/by Eric Radtke

This is a question that comes up a lot, and it’s a perfect example of how IFR technology gives us more options—but also more decisions to make. Let’s break it down.

LPV vs. ILS—The Basics

An ILS is the classic precision approach, with a localizer for lateral guidance and a glideslope for vertical guidance. It’s reliable, predictable, and widely used around the world.

An LPV (Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance) is a GPS-based approach using WAAS. It gives you precision-like vertical guidance and often lower minimums than older non-WAAS GPS approaches. LPVs can even match or beat ILS minimums in some cases.

Pilot Perspective

Weather Minimums: Always check the published minima. If the LPV offers a lower minimum or better runway alignment than the ILS, it might be the safer option in low weather—but only if you and your aircraft are equipped and comfortable flying it.
Familiarity: In high workload situations, some pilots find the ILS easier to fly simply because it’s familiar and predictable.
Missed Approaches: LPV missed approaches can be more flexible, but always review the procedure. ILS missed approaches are well-established and widely flown.

ATC Perspective

From ATC’s point of view, LPV and ILS are largely interchangeable. However, they might favor an ILS in busy airspace because the procedure is predictable and familiar, helping with sequencing. In tricky, unfamiliar or challenging terrain, LPVs can sometimes offer safer vertical guidance.

What to Choose

Both LPV and ILS are highly capable precision approaches. Your choice should be guided by your equipment, training, familiarity, and current weather. LPV isn’t automatically “better” than an ILS—it’s another tool in your IFR toolbox. Always check your charts (and notes), know your aircraft, and communicate with ATC if you have a preference.

Video Tip: How to Fly an LPV Approach with a Garmin GTN 650

October 3, 2025/by IFR Focus Team

In this video tip from Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course, we’ll break down the key differences between a GPS LNAV and LPV approach, and demonstrate step-by-step how to fly an LPV using the Garmin GTN 650 navigator.

Ready to sharpen your IFR skills even further? Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course combines over 13 hours of in-flight HD training with powerful written test prep tools—everything you need to build confidence and earn your rating.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Ask an IFR Expert: LPV vs. ILS—Which Should You Fly in Low Weather?

Video Tip: How to Fly an LPV Approach with a Garmin GTN 650

Ask an IFR Expert: LPV vs. ILS—Which Should You Fly in Low Weather?

Video Tip: How to Fly an LPV Approach with a Garmin GTN 650

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Ask an IFR Expert: LPV vs. ILS—Which Should You Fly in Low Weather?

LPV vs. ILS—The Basics

Pilot Perspective

ATC Perspective

What to Choose

Video Tip: How to Fly an LPV Approach with a Garmin GTN 650

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