Which type of approach does not provide vertical guidance?

The non-precision approach is designed to guide aircraft to the runway primarily using horizontal positioning without providing vertical guidance. Unlike precision approaches, which utilize an Instrument Landing System (ILS) or similar technology to provide both horizontal and vertical glide path information, non-precision approaches lack that crucial vertical component. They usually rely on navigational aids such as VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) or NDB (Non-Directional Beacon) and typically have step-down fixes that guide pilots down to a minimum descent altitude, but they do not offer the continuous vertical profile that a precision approach provides.

Visual approaches, while they do not use instrument systems for guidance, do allow pilots to see the airport and land visually, so they are not classified as approaches that lead to vertical guidance limitations in the same way as non-precision approaches. Instrument Approach Procedures also encompass a wide range of approaches, including precision and non-precision types, but this term does not inherently denote the absence of vertical guidance. Thus, the distinction of non-precision approach is clear in its lack of vertical guidance capabilities.