Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of aircraft landing procedure: "gca" is an acronym for Ground-Controlled Approach. It refers to a system where an aircraft is guided to land during poor visibility by ground-based radar and verbal instructions from a controller.

Usage

• As a noun: The term is used almost exclusively in aviation contexts to describe the specific landing procedure or the system enabling it.
  • The pilot requested a gca due to the heavy fog.
  • The airport is equipped to perform a gca.

Advanced Usage

• The term is a technical acronym. In formal writing, it is often spelled out in full on first use: "Ground-Controlled Approach (gca)."
• It is typically used without articles when referring to the procedure as a concept or system.
  • The controller is trained in gca operations.
  • They are practicing gca today.

Variants and Related Words

• Ground-Controlled Approach: The full, non-acronym form of "gca."
• PAR (Precision Approach Radar): The specific radar system used in a gca.
• Talk down: The verbal process used by the controller during a gca.

Synonyms

• Instrument landing system (ILS): A different, more common electronic system for landing in low visibility. (Note: ILS is a related but distinct technology from gca.)
• Blind landing: An informal, older term for any landing in poor visibility.

Related Phrases

• To be talked down: The passive verb phrase describing the pilot's experience during a gca.
  • The pilot was talked down safely by the controller.

Noun

1. aircraft landing in bad weather in which the pilot is talked down by ground control using precision approach radar