ground-controlled approach
Definition
- Noun:
- A method for landing aircraft under poor visibility conditions: A "ground-controlled approach" is a procedure where air traffic controllers on the ground use precision radar to guide a pilot verbally through the final stages of landing.
Usage
- This term is used specifically in aviation and air traffic control contexts.
- It describes a safety procedure, not a routine operation. It is typically invoked during instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) like fog, heavy rain, or low clouds.
- The phrase is often used in its full form, but can be abbreviated as GCA in technical and operational communications.
Examples
- Noun:
- The pilot, unable to see the runway, successfully executed a ground-controlled approach.
- Air traffic control initiated a ground-controlled approach for all incoming flights due to the sudden fog.
- Training for a ground-controlled approach is a critical part of instrument flight training.
Advanced Usage
- The procedure is a form of talk-down, where the controller provides continuous verbal instructions on altitude, heading, and descent rate.
- While the core procedure remains, modern systems often integrate it with other guidance, but the term still refers to the controller-directed radar approach.
Variants and Related Words
- GCA (abbreviation): The standard acronym for "ground-controlled approach."
- The airport's GCA system is highly reliable.
- Precision Approach Radar (PAR): The specific radar system used to provide guidance during a ground-controlled approach.
- Talk-down: A more general term for verbally guiding a pilot to a landing, which is the action performed during a ground-controlled approach.
Synonyms
- Radar-assisted landing: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the use of radar.
- Talk-down approach: A synonym highlighting the verbal guidance aspect.
Related Phrases
- To be on a GCA: A phrase meaning an aircraft is undergoing this specific landing procedure.
- Flight 234 is on a GCA for runway 27L.
- To conduct/perform a ground-controlled approach: The action taken by air traffic control.
- The tower will conduct a ground-controlled approach for the distressed aircraft.
Noun
-
aircraft landing in bad weather in which the pilot is talked down by ground control using precision approach radar
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