Definition
A designation appearing in the title of certain RNAV (RNP) instrument approach procedures indicating that special FAA authorization is required before a pilot and aircraft may fly the procedure. AR procedures demand specific aircraft equipment capability, crew training, and operational approval because they involve tighter-than-standard navigation containment, lower minima, or paths through demanding terrain that allow no margin for navigation error.
Plain English
AR means the approach is restricted. Not every pilot or aircraft is allowed to fly it. You need formal FAA approval first, because the approach is built tighter and less forgiving than a normal one.
Context Anchor
Seen in approach chart titles and naming conventions, especially on certain highly precise area-navigation approaches.
Derivation
Authorization comes from authority, meaning official permission. Required means it must be in place before use. Together, Authorization Required means official approval is a condition for flying the procedure, not an optional extra.
Why Pilots Care
Attempting an AR procedure without the required authorization violates regulations and can compromise safety due to the demanding navigation and crew qualification standards involved.
Intuition Check
Do not assume ATC clearance alone gives you authorization for an AR approach. The AR label means you need prior FAA approval, not just permission to start the approach that day.
Example Sentence 1
Our operations specifications don't cover AR approaches, so we briefed the ILS instead of the RNAV (RNP) AR procedure into that airport.
Example Sentence 2
Only pilots who hold the necessary AR qualification are permitted to conduct the approach under the operator's ops specs.