Plain English Meaning

Two kinds of radar-guided approaches where a controller talks the pilot down to the runway. ASR is the basic version -- the controller tells you which way to turn but not how to descend. PAR is the precise version -- the controller tells you both which way to turn and how to manage your descent, all the way to the runway.

Full Definition

ASR/PAR are two types of radar approaches in which an air traffic controller provides verbal guidance to a pilot to align with and descend to a runway. An ASR (Airport Surveillance Radar) approach gives the pilot heading instructions to keep the aircraft on the final approach course, along with recommended altitudes at each mile from the runway, but provides no guidance. A PAR () approach gives both () and glidepath guidance, with the controller continuously telling the pilot whether they are on, above, or below the glidepath and on, , or of course.