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6.8 Precision Approach Radar (PAR)

6.8.1 General

Precision Approach Radar (PAR) is a surveillance-based precision approach in which the controller provides continuous lateral and vertical guidance to the pilot.

The Approach Controller shall provide precise and continuous instructions to enable the aircraft to maintain the correct approach path.

6.8.2 Application

PAR may be used in:

  • Military operations
  • Low visibility conditions
  • Situations where onboard navigation capability is limited

PAR shall only be conducted by controllers trained and authorised for PAR operations.

6.8.3 Characteristics

PAR is characterised by:

  • Controller-provided lateral and vertical guidance
  • Continuous communication between controller and pilot
  • High controller workload
  • No reliance on onboard glidepath systems

6.8.4 Controller Responsibilities

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Positively identify the aircraft
  • Position the aircraft on final approach track
  • Provide continuous and accurate guidance
  • Monitor centreline and glidepath deviations
  • Ensure separation from all other traffic

Separation responsibility remains with the controller throughout the PAR approach.

6.8.5 Talkdown Phases

(a) Initial Phase

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Position the aircraft on final approach heading
  • Issue descent clearance
  • Confirm readiness for PAR

(b) Intermediate Phase

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Provide regular heading corrections
  • Provide glidepath guidance
  • Maintain a continuous flow of information

Example phraseology:

Turn left 5 degrees.  
On glidepath.  
Slightly above glidepath, correcting.

(c) Final Phase

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Increase precision of instructions
  • Issue rapid and accurate corrections
  • Maintain continuous monitoring

Example phraseology:

Right 2 degrees.  
On centreline.  
Approaching decision height.

6.8.6 Phraseology

The Approach Controller shall use concise and standardised instructions:

  • Turn left/right X degrees
  • On centreline
  • Slightly left/right of centreline
  • On glidepath
  • Above/below glidepath
  • Begin descent

Instructions shall be continuous, clear, and unambiguous.

6.8.7 Decision Height

At decision height, the Approach Controller shall state:

At decision height.

The pilot shall:

  • Continue visually if the runway environment is in sight, or
  • Execute a missed approach

6.8.8 Missed Approach

If a missed approach is required, the Approach Controller shall:

Go around, fly runway heading, climb to [altitude].

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Protect the missed approach path
  • Ensure separation from other aircraft
  • Re-sequence the aircraft as required

6.8.9 Limitations

The Approach Controller shall not:

  • Interrupt guidance unnecessarily
  • Issue unclear or delayed instructions
  • Allow deviations to develop without correction
  • Conduct PAR without maintaining full situational awareness

6.8.10 Key Considerations

PAR operations involve:

  • High workload
  • Continuous monitoring requirements
  • Minimal tolerance for error

The Approach Controller shall maintain full concentration and control throughout the approach.

6.8.11 Key Principle

PAR is a precision control task.

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Provide continuous guidance
  • Act immediately on deviations
  • Maintain separation at all times

Effective PAR control requires accuracy, consistency, and continuous monitoring.