If you are below localizer minimums on an ILS and you lose the glideslope, what should you do?

• A. Go around
• B. Descend to minimums
• C. Continue descent visually
• D. Land immediately

Answer: (A)

When you’re on an ILS and you’re below the published localizer minimums, you’re not in a position to safely continue the approach if the glide slope is lost. The localizer minimums define the lowest altitude at which you can descend on the approach with the required obstacle clearance, and losing the vertical guidance removes a critical part of your safe descent path. In that situation, the proper action is to initiate a go-around and execute the published missed approach procedure. This climbs you to a safe altitude and gives you another opportunity to re-establish the approach or switch to another landing plan with proper guidance and visibility. Descending further to minimums or trying to land immediately aren’t safe because you don’t have the necessary vertical guidance or conditions to guarantee a safe landing, and continuing visually isn’t appropriate unless you have the runway environment and required visibility while staying above the minimums.