glide slope
[/ɡlaɪd sloʊp/]
nounpl: glide slopes
trajetória de descida
1. An instrument landing system (ILS) that provides vertical guidance to an aircraft during approach and landing, typically at a descent angle of about 3 degrees
The pilot followed the glide slope indicator during the final approach to the runway.
O piloto seguiu o indicador de trajetória de descida durante a aproximação final à pista.
2. The descending path or angle that an aircraft maintains when approaching an airport for landing
The aircraft descended at a steady glide slope of 3 degrees.
A aeronave desceu em uma trajetória de descida constante de 3 graus.
3. A metaphorical term used to describe a gradual or controlled decline in any context
The company was on a glide slope toward bankruptcy.
A empresa estava em uma trajetória de descida em direção à falência.
This term is primarily used in aviation contexts in both the United States and Brazil. In the USA, it is standard terminology taught to all pilots. In Brazil, the term is used in Portuguese as 'trajetória de descida' in all major airports and flight schools. The metaphorical use of 'glide slope' to describe a gradual decline in business or personal circumstances is more common in English-speaking contexts but is increasingly being adopted in Brazilian Portuguese as well.
Related Idioms & Phrases
on a glide slope to (something) - meaning heading steadily toward a particular outcome
follow the glide slope - meaning to proceed according to plan or guidance
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