Definition
A radar-based instrument approach in which a ground controller, watching the aircraft on precision radar, gives the pilot continuous verbal instructions for heading and descent until the aircraft reaches the runway or a point from which a visual landing can be made. The procedure typically uses Precision Approach Radar (PAR) for glidepath and course guidance, or Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) for course guidance only.
Plain English
An approach where a controller on the ground watches you on radar and tells you, second by second, exactly how to steer and descend so you line up with the runway.
Context Anchor
Used during instrument flying, especially when a pilot needs radar guidance from air traffic control to approach a runway in poor visibility.
Derivation
The name describes the arrangement directly: the approach is controlled from the ground rather than flown by the pilot using onboard instruments alone. It dates from World War II, when ground radar operators first began talking pilots down through weather.
Why Pilots Care
Allows a safe landing when the pilot cannot see the runway or surrounding terrain until very late in the approach, reducing the risk of controlled flight into terrain.
Grounding Statement
Picture the controller watching your aircraft as a moving target on a radar screen and giving calm, step-by-step directions while you fly.
Intuition Check
Ground-controlled does not mean the airplane is flown from the ground. It means the guidance comes from a controller on the ground; the pilot remains in control of the aircraft.
Example Sentence 1
After his attitude indicator failed in the clouds, the pilot requested a ground-controlled approach and followed the controller's instructions down to the runway.
Example Sentence 2
Because the ceiling was below minimums for a normal ILS, the tower offered a ground-controlled approach instead.