# AC 61-47A: Use of Approach Slope Indicators for Pilot Training

- Type: Advisory circular (guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it)
- Status: Historical
- Approved: March 26, 1979
- Last reviewed: October 11, 2024
- This change: Canceled by Memo signed by Robert M. Ruiz for Lawrence Fields (AFX-1); dated 07/25/2023.
- Family: AC 61-47
- Cancels: [AC 61-47](https://openairdocs.org/ac/61-47)
- 14 CFR parts: 3
- Pages: 2
- PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/ff/f2/fff2ff97074459051090cefbf0d9d83e2a3b0cd41e7c126e58f43f135cc5c272
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/D2D6EF3B5E7AB17A862569BA0052B7A1.0001
- DRS record last changed: November 21, 2025
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ac/61-47

## Versions

- [AC 61-47A](https://openairdocs.org/ac/61-47) (Historical), approved Mar 26, 1979, 2 pages. Canceled by Memo signed by Robert M. Ruiz for Lawrence Fields (AFX-1); dated 07/25/2023.

## Text

Each page's text from the PDF; open the PDF at a page with #page=N.

### Page 1

ADVISORY AC 61-k7A DATE 3/26/79

**CIRCULAR**

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FederaI Aviation Administration Washington, D.C.

Subject: USE OF APPROACH SLOPE INDICATORS FOR PILOT TRAINING 1 0 PURPOSE. This advisory circular informs pilot schools, flight instructors,and student IJilots of the recommendation of the Federal Aviation Administration for the use of approach slope indicator systems for pilot training.

2 l CANCELLATION. Advisory Circular 61-47, dated g/16/70, is canceled.

3 l BACKGROUND. Approach indicators are available at many airport locations.

The systems include the VASI (Visual Approach Slope Indicator), the AVASI (Abbreviated Visual Approach Slope Indicator), and the VAPI (Visual Approach Path Indicator). These indicators consist of colored-light displays deployed on the airport surface, or projected to the pilot from a device near the approach end of the runway. At some airports, simple devices which are effective in daylight only are used. All of these provide visual guidance to assist a pilot in maintaining a uniform approach to a landing. The Airman's Information Manual contains a description of the arrangement and use of the VASI system.

4 0 RECOMMENDATION. The Federal Aviation Administration recommends that all student pilots be introduced early&in their flight training to the use of any available approach slope indicator, and taught to use it regularly in planning standard, uniform landing approaches. The use of uniform-approach angles and descent rates is important to the safe, efficient operation of modern airplanes, especially in congested airport traffic. Instruction in the use of approach slope indicators should also be extended to other pilots during recurrent or upgrading of training.

-J. A. FERRARESE Acting Director Flight Standards Service , Initiated by: AF5-820

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