Definition
A predetermined boundary used during a Precision Approach Radar (PAR) approach beyond which the radar controller must issue a corrective instruction or initiate a missed approach. If the aircraft drifts outside this limit on glidepath, course, or distance from the runway, the controller is required to alert the pilot or direct a go-around to keep the approach safe.
Plain English
A safety boundary the radar controller watches during a PAR approach. If the aircraft strays too far from where it should be, the controller must speak up or send the aircraft around.
Context Anchor
Encountered during radar monitoring of instrument approaches, especially on final approach when a controller is watching the aircraft’s position on precision approach radar.
Derivation
PAR stands for Precision Approach Radar, a radar system accurate enough to show an aircraft’s position near the runway approach path. Limit comes from an old word meaning a boundary; here it means a boundary the aircraft should not cross during the monitored approach.
Why Pilots Care
Tells the pilot or controller exactly when the approach has become unsafe and a missed approach is required.
Grounding Statement
Picture a narrow protected corridor leading to the runway; the PAR safety limit is the corridor wall the controller does not want the aircraft to cross.
Intuition Check
Do not read safety limit as a casual comfort margin. In this context, it is a defined boundary used by ATC to decide whether the approach can safely continue.
Example Sentence 1
When the aircraft drifted above glidepath and approached the PAR safety limit, the controller called for an immediate correction.
Example Sentence 2
Staying inside the PAR safety limit kept the aircraft aligned for a safe landing under low visibility.