Trust ATC, But Verify

We spend most of our IFR lives wrapped in the warm cocoon of radar coverage, vectored from point to point by the all-seeing presence of ATC. And while controllers are human and occasionally make mistakes, the checks and safety nets in place rarely result in close calls, let alone bent metal. Its also true that when clearances get tight in the final descent to the airport, responsibility is handed over to the pilot.

jwanwest

Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

"RADAR REQUIRED" on approach charts primarily signifies the need for ATC radar guidance to commence an approach (e.g., vectoring to an intermediate fix) rather than for the final approach segment itself.
Pilots of aircraft without DME or GPS (/U) can request ATC to call specific fixes (like the FAF) for descent, but remain responsible for identifying the Missed Approach Point (MAP) and intermediate step-downs, typically via timing.
ASR (Airport Surveillance Radar) approaches offer an alternative where ATC provides full radar-based navigation, including headings, distances to the runway, and MAP calls, requiring only a transponder and radio from the pilot.
Approach chart notes are evolving, with "RADAR REQUIRED" being updated to include "GPS or RADAR Required" as GPS becomes more prevalent, and future charts will consolidate equipment requirements for better clarity.

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We spend most of our IFR lives wrapped in the warm cocoon of radar coverage, vectored from point to point by the all-seeing presence of ATC. And while controllers are human and occasionally make mistakes, the checks and safety nets in place rarely result in close calls, let alone bent metal. It’s also true that when clearances get tight in the final descent to the airport, responsibility is handed over to the pilot.

Except when it isn’t. Consider the LOC Rwy 6 to Shreveport, LA (KSHV) and the note “RADAR REQUIRED.” Requirements stated in the plan view and not the approach title mean the requirement is for something other than the final approach segment. Here radar can play at three different levels.