MLchartDataset catalogue

Ground controlled approach

Term · Aviation and air traffic control · MLC-T-AVN-000457

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.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-AVN-000457
FieldAviation and air traffic control
AbbreviationGCA
ReferencesFAA Pilot/Controller Glossary
See alsoRadar approach
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-AVN-000457",
  "term": "Ground controlled approach",
  "field": "Aviation and air traffic control",
  "definition": "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.",
  "abbreviation": "GCA",
  "see_also": [
    "Radar approach"
  ],
  "references": [
    "FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/aviation/ground-controlled-approach/"
}

Record 457 of 1,122 in Aviation and air traffic control terminology (MLC-0104). Request the full dataset.