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 instrument approach charts typically signifies the need for ATC radar vectors to initiate the approach, especially when a published Initial Approach Fix (IAF) is absent.
For aircraft without DME or GPS, pilots must explicitly request ATC to call specific fixes, as ATC cannot automatically identify all step-downs or the Missed Approach Point (MAP), requiring pilots to rely on timing for these.
The Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) approach provides a completely radar-guided option where ATC continuously vectors the aircraft, provides distance-to-runway calls, and determines the MAP, simplifying navigation for pilots.
Future updates to approach charts will increasingly replace "RADAR REQUIRED" with "GPS or RADAR Required," reflecting a shift towards GPS as an accepted alternative for approach entry and clarifying equipment needs.

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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.