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 relies entirely on Air Traffic Control (ATC) using ground radar and voice radio to provide precise headings and glideslope guidance to the pilot, with no onboard navigation aids required.
Pilots must precisely follow ATC's given headings for lateral control, while managing their descent rate based on ATC's glideslope trend information (e.g., "going slightly above glideslope") for vertical guidance.
The PAR is an excellent demonstration of precise flying and controller-pilot coordination, illustrating the skills needed for a well-flown instrument approach like an ILS.

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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.