How to fly an ILS without an ILS

If youve ever seen the dramatic final scene of Strategic Air Command with Jimmy Stewart, youve seen a Precision Approach Radar, or PAR, approach. A PAR begins with vector- to-course, much like an ILS, but also adding trend info to help the pilot build situational awareness.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A Precision Approach Radar (PAR) approach uses ground radar and voice radio for Air Traffic Control (ATC) to provide precise headings and glideslope guidance to a pilot, eliminating the need for onboard navigation aids.
During a PAR, ATC gives explicit heading commands and glideslope trend information, while the pilot is responsible for meticulously matching headings and precisely controlling the aircraft's descent rate to stay on the glideslope.
PARs are a precise, "science-based" method of approach that demonstrate excellent instrument flying skills; though becoming rare, they are often available for civilian practice at military airfields.

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If you’ve ever seen the dramatic final scene of “Strategic Air Command” with Jimmy Stewart, you’ve seen a Precision Approach Radar, or PAR, approach. A PAR begins with vector- to-course, much like an ILS, but also adding trend info to help the pilot build situational awareness.

There’s no navaid. All you need is a voice radio. ATC uses special ground radar to give precise headings and tell the pilot when to “begin descent.” The controller also gives trends such as “left of course, and holding” or “going slightly above glideslope.” Trends are for guidance and situational awareness.