pointSixtyFive

5-12-4

Glidepath and Course Information

JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

Issue course guidance and inform the aircraft when it is on glidepath and on course, and frequently inform the aircraft of any deviation from glidepath or course. Transmissions with aircraft on precision final approach should occur approximately every 5 seconds.
Phraseology

HEADING (heading).
ON GLIDEPATH.
ON COURSE,
or
SLIGHTLY/WELL ABOVE/BELOW GLIDEPATH.
SLIGHTLY/WELL LEFT/RIGHT OF COURSE.

Note

Controllers should not key the radio transmitter continuously during radar approaches to preclude a lengthy communications block. The decision on how often transmitters are unkeyed is the controller's prerogative.
Issue trend information as required, to indicate target position with respect to the azimuth and elevation cursors and to describe target movement as appropriate corrections are issued. Trend information may be modified by the terms “RAPIDLY” or “SLOWLY,” as appropriate.
Example

“Going above/below glidepath.”
“Going right/left of course.”
“Above/below glidepath and coming down/up.”
“Above/below glidepath and holding.”
“Left/right of course and holding/correcting.”

Reference

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-12-7, Position Advisories.