A radar approach system operated from the ground by air traffic control personnel transmitting instructions to the pilot by radio. The approach may be conducted with surveillance radar (ASR) only or with both surveillance and precision approach radar (PAR). Usage of the term “GCA” by pilots is discouraged except when referring to a GCA facility. Pilots should specifically request a “PAR” approach when a precision radar approach is desired or request an “ASR” or “surveillance” approach when a nonprecision radar approach is desired.

Listed in the Pilot/Controller Glossary as a cross-reference to GROUND CONTROLLED APPROACH, whose text is shown above.

Source FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary↗ · checked 2026-08-25