Airline Pilot Anon here (long time lurker and MemeFag)
If you want some technical or operational info on the ILS to help with understanding the analogy/reference, happy to try and help out.
If you have specific questions that would make it easier to respond.
I can try and give a general outline without getting too technical (hopefully without sacrificing too much accuracy).
ILS has two main components.
Ground (runway specific) equipment that generates the signals.
Aircraft equipment that receives, interprets and uses the signals.
The ILS has a lateral signal or LLZ (localizer) for tracking the extended runway centreline and a GS (glide slope) component for vertical profile guidance.
The ILS is usually flown on autopilot (but can be flown manually).
Depending on the local factors, ground equipment, aircraft equipment and pilot qualifications, the minimum conditions for a successful approach and landing will vary.
CAT I minima (Category one minima) is typically down to 200’ AGL and 800m visibility.
There are several other Categories of lower landing minima requiring upgraded systems and qualifications.
The lowest category minima require auto-land capability.
Not sure how far you want me to go with this.
The thing about flying an ILS and also Auto-Land, the pilots don’t just flick a switch and sit back and watch.
The aircraft has to be set up correctly and many critical actions still have to be performed manually (eg gear and flap extension)
Also the autopilot can’t handle conditions as bad as what a pilot can handle manually. So conditions have to be reasonably good - seems to be relevant to what Q was suggesting.
Be confidant but remain alert.
Things can go pear-shaped at anytime for any number of reasons.
Always have a contingency.
Continue approach!
So far the plan is unfolding as expected, but don’t be complacent (is how I interpret it).
Some categories of landing (CAT IIIC) never need to see the runway until after landed (wouldn’t be using the landing lights in those conditions due reflective ‘dazzle’). Not so much as ‘pucker’, more like heightened state of alertness/awareness, actually can be kind of fun.