Definition
A combined air traffic control facility that performs the functions of both an Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and a terminal radar approach control (TRACON) from a single location. A CERAP provides en route control for aircraft transiting its airspace as well as approach and departure control services for arrivals and departures at airports within its area.
Plain English
A control facility that does two jobs from one place: it handles aircraft cruising through the area at altitude, and it also handles aircraft arriving at and departing from nearby airports.
Context Anchor
Pilots may see CERAP in FAA materials, facility names, or radio instructions when flying in airspace where one control facility handles both between-airport traffic and airport-area arrivals and departures.
Derivation
A blend of 'center' (short for Air Route Traffic Control Center, which handles high-altitude en route traffic) and 'radar approach control' (the terminal facility that handles arrivals and departures using radar). The combined name reflects that one facility performs both roles.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots receive radar vectors and approach clearances from a CERAP when operating at airports without a dedicated local TRACON.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a CERAP is only an approach control facility. It is a combined facility that can handle both center-type and approach-type control duties.
Example Sentence 1
Because the area is served by a CERAP, the same facility provided both en route radar service and the approach clearance into the destination airport.
Example Sentence 2
CERAP managed both the en route segment and the final approach for the arriving flight.