Ruth Haines
Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) approaches and Precision Approach Radar (PAR) approaches are two types of radar approaches available to pilots. ASR approaches are usually a backup to pilot-nav approaches, and PAR approaches are often used in military airports. In the US, PAR approaches are available in military airports and ASR approaches are available in two civilian airports in Florida: Key West and Tallahassee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports with ASR approaches | Key West, Tallahassee, Yeager Airport in Charleston, West Virginia, and seven military airports in Florida |
| Airports with PAR approaches | Tempelhof Airport in Berlin, military airports, and Navy and Marine bases |
| PAR equipment requirements | Two-way radio to communicate with ATC and functioning flight instruments |
| PAR benefits | Can execute a no-gyro procedure, vertical guidance |
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What You'll Learn
- Airports with PAR approaches are typically military or joint-use airfields
- PAR approaches are also called ground-controlled approaches (GCAs)
- ASR approaches are also called surveillance approaches
- ASR approaches are available at some civilian airports
- ASR approaches are not meant to provide precise altitude information
Airports with PAR approaches are typically military or joint-use airfields
Precision Approach Radar (PAR) is a ground-controlled approach that provides constant updates of azimuth and glideslope information to pilots through voice communication. It is considered a precision approach due to vertical guidance and does not require any navigation instruments other than a 2-way radio. Airports with PAR approaches are typically military or joint-use airfields.
A joint-use airport is an aerodrome used for both military and civil aviation and typically contains the facilities of both a civil airport and a military air base. For example, Changi Air Base in Singapore shares runway facilities with Singapore Changi Airport, the country's main international airport. In the United States, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport utilizes the runway and ATC services of Eglin Air Force Base, and Charleston International Airport uses the runways and services of Charleston Air Force Base.
Civil enclaves are a common feature of joint-use airports, where a designated area at a military air base is allotted for civil aviation. These are common in countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, where a portion of a World War II-era air base is used for domestic air traffic instead of building a new civilian airport. Civil enclaves often have curfews, altitude restrictions, and air traffic control managed by the armed forces or a joint civilian-military crew.
While some civilian airports still have Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) approaches, they are becoming less common with the advent of GPS approaches. However, ASR approaches are still prevalent in military airports, with seven such airports in Florida, United States, providing ASR approaches. Therefore, it can be assumed that airports with PAR approaches are predominantly military or joint-use airfields, given the current state of ASR approaches.
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PAR approaches are also called ground-controlled approaches (GCAs)
The PAR approach, using Precision Approach Radar, is a precision ground-controlled approach system. It is also called a ground-controlled approach (GCA) because it involves a ground radar controller directing the pilot flying the plane, similar to the directions given by Air Traffic Control. The GCA controller's job begins where the approach controller's job ends.
The GCA concept was originally developed by nuclear physicist Luis Alvarez of the University of California, Berkeley, in 1941. Alvarez was also a light aircraft pilot and was aware of the challenges of landing aircraft in poor weather. The first example of the new system, known as Mark I, began testing in November 1942.
GCAs are no longer in widespread use at civilian airports and are being discontinued at many military bases due to their labour-intensive nature. However, air traffic controllers at some locations in the United States are required to maintain currency in their use, and the Belgian Air Force still uses the PAR for ground-controlled approaches daily. NATO has also kept GCA active.
There are two types of ground-controlled approaches: the ASR approach and the PAR approach. The ASR approach is a non-precision GCA approach that uses Airport Surveillance Radar to determine the aircraft's position. The PAR approach, on the other hand, is a precision approach that provides both lateral and vertical guidance.
Pilots should specifically request a "PAR" approach when a precision radar approach is desired or an ""ASR" or "surveillance" approach when a non-precision radar approach is needed.
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ASR approaches are also called surveillance approaches
ASR stands for Airport Surveillance Radar, and these approaches are also called surveillance approaches. They are non-precision approaches where Air Traffic Control (ATC) provides lateral guidance to pilots using radar to monitor their position. ATC gives a series of headings and corrections to align the pilot's final approach with the runway's extended centre line.
Pilots are advised of their aircraft's position each mile on the final approach. They must be out of the clouds by the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), but there is also a Missed Approach Point (MAP) in case of issues. The MAP's location is also advised by ATC.
ASR approaches are available at a few civilian airports and more military/joint-use fields. In Florida, only two civilian airports have ASR approaches: Key West and Tallahassee. However, there are seven military airports with ASR approaches.
ASR approaches are particularly useful during equipment failures and emergencies when weather conditions do not allow for a visual approach. They are also useful for pilots to practice instrument flying.
PAR approaches, or Precision Approach Radars, are also called ground-controlled approaches (GCA). They are considered precision approaches due to vertical guidance. They are provided at military airports.
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ASR approaches are available at some civilian airports
ASR, or Airport Surveillance Radar, is a non-precision approach that provides course guidance only. It is usually a backup to pilot-nav approaches. Before the advent of GPS approaches, ASR approaches were provided by most civilian approach control facilities. However, with the advent of new technology, many airports have phased out ASR approaches. Today, only a handful of civilian airports continue to offer ASR approaches. For example, in Florida, only two civilian airports, Key West and Tallahassee, offer ASR approaches.
PAR, or Precision Approach Radar, on the other hand, is a precision approach that provides both azimuth and glideslope information to the pilot through voice communications with a dedicated controller. PAR approaches do not require any special equipment beyond a functioning two-way radio and flight instruments. PAR approaches are more commonly found at military airports, especially Navy and Marine bases, where they are the preferred precision approach.
ASR and PAR approaches are categorized as terminal procedures and are grouped together with other terminal approach procedures. Information on ASR and PAR approach minimums can be found in airport diagrams and approach plates. While ASR approaches are becoming less common, pilots can still request them at airports that offer them.
It is worth noting that, while ASR approaches may be less available, they still offer benefits. For instance, ASR approaches do not specify a particular runway, providing more flexibility in that regard. Additionally, ASR approaches can serve as valuable training opportunities for pilots who may not have experienced them before.
In conclusion, while ASR approaches are becoming less common at civilian airports, they are still available at a select few. Pilots can benefit from seeking out these airports to familiarize themselves with ASR approaches and take advantage of the flexibility they offer. Additionally, the availability of PAR approaches, particularly at military airports, provides pilots with a precision approach option that is relatively easy to request and execute.
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ASR approaches are not meant to provide precise altitude information
ASR, or Airport Surveillance Radar, is a non-precision approach where Air Traffic Control (ATC) provides lateral guidance using radar to monitor the aircraft's position. ATC provides a series of headings and corrections to align the aircraft's final approach with the runway's extended center line. This is done without the use of any navigational equipment.
ASR approaches are now less common, with only a few dozen available in the USA, but they can be a vital resource during equipment failures, in poor weather conditions, or other emergencies. They are typically used as a backup to pilot-nav approaches and are found at some civilian airports and many military airports.
PAR, or Precision Approach Radar, on the other hand, is a precision approach where a dedicated controller provides constant updates of both azimuth and glideslope information. PAR approaches are typically found at military airports and were notably used during the Berlin Airlift in 1948-1949.
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Frequently asked questions
In Florida, only two civilian airports have ASR approaches: Key West and Tallahassee.
Yes, there are seven military airports with ASR approaches in Florida. PAR approaches are usually found at military airports, so it is likely that there are military airports with PAR ASR approaches outside of Florida.
Yes, an alternative is the Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) approach.
