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A Locator Outer Marker, or LOM, is a navigation aid used as part of an ILS instrument approach for aircraft in the United States and other countries. An LOM is an NDB colocated with the outer marker beacon in the ILS approach, so that aircraft can navigate directly to the location using the NDB as well as be alerted when they fly over it by the beacon. The LOM is becoming less important now that GPS navigation is well established in the aviation community.

A Locator Outer Marker, or LOM, typically defines the final approach fix on an ILS approach, the point at which the aircraft may disregard earlier air traffic control restrictions and is only bounded by the approach procedure. The plane should be completely stabilized on the approach, with no sudden vertical or lateral movement required as they stride toward the runway threshold. The pilot must be alert, but should have the time to crosscheck his instruments... to reflect. In the common case, the approach ends successfully.

But not always; sometimes, a go-around is required... and the pilots have to take another stab at the approach. And that's OK.


Lights will guide you home...
Photo courtesy of midendian