Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lights are used as a visual approach sl

Question

Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lights are used as a visual approach slope aid for pilots landing aircraft. A typical glide path for commercial jet airliners is 3 degree . The space shuttle has an outer glide approach of 18 degree - 20 degree . PAPI lights are typically configured as a row of four lights. All four lights are on, but in different combinations of red or white. If all four lights are white, then the angle of descent is too high; if all four lights are red, then the angle of descent is too low; and if there are two white and two red, then the approach is perfect. Glide Path of the Space Shuttle Orbiter. If the pilot of the space shuttle Orbiter is at an altitude of 3600 feet when she is a horizontal distance of 15, 500 ft (approximately 3 miles) from the shuttle landing facility (ground distance), what is her glide slope angle? Round your answer to the nearest degree. The glide slope angle is approximately degree.

Explanation / Answer

tan = h/b

= 13.01 degrees

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