Definition
The minimum descent altitudes (MDAs) or decision altitudes (DAs) and visibility requirements published on an instrument approach procedure chart for use during a radar-controlled approach, such as an ASR (Airport Surveillance Radar) or PAR (Precision Approach Radar) approach. These minimums are listed on a separate page or section in the chart booklet and specify the lowest altitude to which the pilot may descend, and the minimum flight visibility needed, before the runway environment must be in sight to continue the approach to landing.
Plain English
The lowest altitude you're allowed to descend to, and the minimum visibility you need, when a controller is guiding you down using radar. If you reach that altitude and can't see the runway, you must go around.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach chart information for radar approaches, especially in the minimums area of the chart.
Derivation
Mins' is a shortened form of 'minimums' (or 'minima'). 'Radar' refers to the controller-provided radar guidance used during the approach. So 'radar mins' simply means 'the minimums that apply when flying a radar approach.'
Why Pilots Care
Tells the pilot the exact point to execute a missed approach if visual contact with the runway is not established.
Intuition Check
Do not read “mins” as minutes of time here. In this chart label, “mins” means minimums: the lowest allowed altitude and visibility limits for the radar approach.
Example Sentence 1
Before accepting the ASR approach, the pilot looked up the radar mins for the runway to confirm the MDA and required visibility.
Example Sentence 2
We reached radar mins with the runway in sight and continued the landing.