Which procedure is typically utilized to ensure safe landing in low-visibility conditions?

The Instrument Landing System (ILS) is the procedure specifically designed to ensure safe landings in low-visibility conditions. It provides precise guidance to aircraft as they approach the runway, allowing pilots to accurately align and descend the aircraft even when they cannot see the runway or surrounding terrain. The ILS uses a combination of radio signals and lighting systems to guide pilots along a safe flight path, particularly important during scenarios when weather conditions significantly reduce visibility.

In contrast, visual approaches rely on the pilot's ability to see the runway and surrounding area, which is not feasible during low-visibility situations. The Standard Instrument Departure (SID) is used for departures rather than landings and serves to streamline air traffic during takeoff. Likewise, a traffic pattern approach is typically used in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions and assumes that pilots can see the runway and maintain visual separation from other aircraft, making it unsuitable for low-visibility landings.