Which statement accurately describes Inner Marker (IM) in terms of its signaling on an approach?

Which statement accurately describes Inner Marker (IM) in terms of its signaling on an approach?

• A. Inner Marker provides an audio/visual cue at a precise position on the approach with a distinct signal.
• B. Inner Marker is used to indicate the final approach fix altitude.
• C. Inner Marker has been replaced by GPS overlays.
• D. Inner Marker is the first marker encountered on the approach.

Answer: (A)

The signaling on an ILS approach includes marker beacons, and the inner marker is a beacon that marks a very specific point along the final approach. It provides a distinct cue that you can both hear and see: a special audio signal and a white marker light, letting you know you’ve reached a precise position close to the runway. This helps you confirm your location and continue the approach with confidence, especially in low visibility. This cue is not used to indicate the final approach fix altitude—that altitude is determined by the published procedure and minima. It’s also not the first marker you encounter on the approach; the outer marker comes first, followed by the middle marker, and then the inner marker if installed. While some newer procedures may use GPS overlays or decommission marker beacons, when the inner marker exists, its signaling remains a distinct, location-specific cue that can aid decision-making during the approach.

The signaling on an ILS approach includes marker beacons, and the inner marker is a beacon that marks a very specific point along the final approach. It provides a distinct cue that you can both hear and see: a special audio signal and a white marker light, letting you know you’ve reached a precise position close to the runway. This helps you confirm your location and continue the approach with confidence, especially in low visibility.

This cue is not used to indicate the final approach fix altitude—that altitude is determined by the published procedure and minima. It’s also not the first marker you encounter on the approach; the outer marker comes first, followed by the middle marker, and then the inner marker if installed. While some newer procedures may use GPS overlays or decommission marker beacons, when the inner marker exists, its signaling remains a distinct, location-specific cue that can aid decision-making during the approach.