Definition
SAAAR is a former FAA designation for certain RNAV (RNP) instrument approach procedures that require specific aircraft equipment capabilities and specific aircrew training, qualification, and authorization before they may be flown. SAAAR approaches typically involve precise curved (radius-to-fix) flight paths, narrow containment requirements, and operations into terrain-challenged airports where standard RNAV approaches would not be feasible. The SAAAR label has since been replaced by AR (Authorization Required), but charts and references using SAAAR may still be encountered.
Plain English
A type of GPS-based approach that not every airplane and not every pilot is allowed to fly. The aircraft must have the right equipment, and the pilots must have special training and written approval from the FAA before using it.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach chart naming discussions, especially where older SAAAR wording is compared with newer authorization-required approach naming.
Derivation
The name is descriptive: 'Special' signals that this is not a standard approach, and 'Authorization Required' means the operator must hold specific FAA approval for both the aircraft and the aircrew before flying it. The term was retired in favor of the shorter 'AR' but means the same thing.
Why Pilots Care
Attempting the procedure without authorization violates regulations and may exceed aircraft or crew capabilities.
Grounding Statement
If the aircraft and crew do not have the required approval, treat the SAAAR approach as unavailable.
Intuition Check
Do not read “special” as meaning merely difficult or unusual. Here it means specific approval is required before the procedure may be used.
Example Sentence 1
The captain reminded the first officer that they could not select the SAAAR approach into the mountain airport because their operator did not hold the required authorization.
Example Sentence 2
Only aircraft and crews meeting SAAAR standards may fly this demanding approach.