Definition
An instrument approach in which an air traffic controller, using surveillance radar, provides the pilot with continuous heading instructions to align with the runway and advisories on when to begin descent and when published altitudes should be reached. The controller monitors the aircraft's position on radar throughout the approach but does not provide vertical guidance; the pilot maintains altitudes using the aircraft's altimeter and the published descent profile. The approach terminates at a missed approach point, from which the pilot either has the runway environment in sight to land or executes the published missed approach.
Plain English
A type of approach where a controller watches the aircraft on radar and tells the pilot what heading to fly to line up with the runway, plus when to start descending and what altitudes to be at. The pilot flies the headings and works the altitudes themselves, using the altimeter.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when discussing radar approaches provided by air traffic control, especially when a pilot may need an approach without using onboard navigation guidance.
Derivation
Surveillance comes from the French surveiller, meaning to watch over. In this procedure the controller is literally watching the aircraft on a radar screen and guiding it down — the name describes exactly what is happening.
Why Pilots Care
It offers a safe way to land using only ATC radar guidance when precision approaches or other navigation aids are unavailable.
Grounding Statement
Picture a controller watching your radar target move across the screen and giving you simple instructions to keep you lined up with the airport.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “surveillance” means ATC is only passively watching. In this procedure, ATC actively gives heading and distance guidance, but the pilot still controls the aircraft and altitude.
Example Sentence 1
With the ILS out of service and weather low, the pilot requested a surveillance radar approach to runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
In the practice area the instructor had the student fly a surveillance radar approach procedure using only headings and altitudes from the radar controller.