Definition
A backup system that allows a TRACON (terminal radar approach control) facility to continue providing radar services by feeding it long-range radar data from the nearby Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). It is used when the TRACON's own short-range terminal radar is unavailable or degraded. The center radar data is processed through the terminal facility's ARTS (Automated Radar Terminal System) computer so controllers see traffic on their normal displays.
Plain English
When the radar that approach control normally uses goes out of service, CENRAP lets them borrow the signal from the bigger en route radar so they can keep working traffic without losing radar coverage.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedure and radar approach discussions, especially where airport surveillance radar coverage or equipment is limited.
Derivation
The name describes its function: 'Center Radar' refers to the ARTCC (en route center) radar feed, and 'ARTS Processing' refers to feeding that signal into the terminal facility's ARTS computer. Knowing this tells you immediately what's happening — terminal controllers are using center radar data through their own system.
Why Pilots Care
Maintains continuous radar tracking when aircraft transition between center and terminal control, reducing the chance of losing surveillance during handoffs.
Intuition Check
CENRAP is not a type of approach the pilot flies. It is a controller-side radar data system that helps ATC display aircraft positions.
Example Sentence 1
Approach advised inbound traffic that radar services were being provided via CENRAP while the terminal radar was down for maintenance.
Example Sentence 2
CENRAP processing allowed seamless radar coverage as the flight crossed from the approach control sector into center airspace.