What essential information does a Marker Beacon provide in an ILS?

A Marker Beacon is a crucial component of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) that provides specific information about the stages of an approach during landing. The Marker Beacon system includes different types of beacons—typically, the outer marker, middle marker, and inner marker—that signal a pilot's position along the approach path. Each marker beacon has its own distinct tone and can help the pilot determine their location in relation to the runway, signaling when they are approaching key stages of the ILS approach, such as decisions to continue the approach or perform a go-around.

By identifying the stages of the approach, the Marker Beacon assists pilots in making informed decisions based on their proximity to the runway and the altitude they should be at during each phase of the approach. This information is vital for ensuring a safe landing and helps pilots adhere to proper approach procedures.

In contrast, while the location of the runway is important, it is not primarily provided by the Marker Beacon. The beacon does not directly indicate altitude during approach—it simply helps establish whether the aircraft is at the correct stage for the expected altitude. Lastly, wind direction is not a function of the Marker Beacon; that information typically comes from AWOS or ASOS systems.