Definition
A ground-based radar system used by air traffic controllers to guide an aircraft along the final approach to a runway, providing the controller with continuous, highly accurate information about the aircraft's position relative to the desired glidepath (vertical) and course (lateral), as well as range from touchdown. The controller relays steering and descent instructions to the pilot by radio so the aircraft tracks the correct approach path to the runway.
Plain English
A radar on the ground that watches an aircraft on final approach and lets the controller talk the pilot down to the runway, telling them when to turn left or right and when they are above or below the correct descent path.
Context Anchor
You may encounter this term when reading about radar approaches, military or joint-use airports, or situations where a controller provides spoken guidance during the final part of an approach.
Derivation
From precision (exact, accurately measured), approach (the segment of flight leading to landing), and radar (radio detection and ranging). The name reflects that the radar is precise enough — both vertically and horizontally — to guide an aircraft all the way down to the runway, unlike a surveillance radar which only tracks horizontal position.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots a reliable way to complete a safe landing when standard instrument landing systems are not available or weather prevents visual reference until very late in the approach.
Grounding Statement
Picture a controller watching your aircraft on a radar display and calmly saying whether you are left, right, high, or low as you descend toward the runway.
Intuition Check
“Precision” does not just mean “pretty accurate” here. It means this radar approach gives guidance for both direction toward the runway and descent path toward the runway.
Example Sentence 1
With the ILS out of service, the pilot requested a Precision Approach Radar approach and flew the runway centerline using the controller's headings and altitude calls.
Example Sentence 2
During the PAR approach the pilot followed the controller's instructions based on continuous radar updates of position and glide path.