Precision Approach Radar (PAR)

CHAPTER ONE

BASIC INSTRUMENT PROCEDURES

the nose to establish a descent. The glidepath is 3 degrees for all PAR approaches at NAS

Pensacola. The rate of descent required to remain on a three-degree glide path will be very close

to five times the aircraft groundspeed, so a 500 footper-minute rate of descent would be a good

starting place with a 100 knot final approach speed and no wind. Maintain 15 units angle of

attack.

To correct tendencies to go above or below glidepath, adjust power for rates of descent, readjust

nose position to maintain proper attitude and cross-check the angle of attack. Do not attempt

abrupt changes.

Establish a correction back to the glidepath, allow the aircraft to react; listen to the controller to

ensure you are getting the proper performance in the proper direction, and be prepared to

counter-correct when back on glidepath.

When making glidepath corrections, it is important to first check the angle of attack, since this

will determine what type of correction to make, (e. g., pitch attitude and power, pitch attitude

alone, etc.). For example, if flying at correct angle of attack, and below glidepath, add power

and increase pitch attitude to re-intercept the glidepath, maintaining the desired angle of attack.

If below glidepath and fast, simply increase pitch attitude to re-intercept the glidepath and

simultaneously decelerate; once back on glidepath (or airspeed), readjust the power (and pitch

attitude) to reestablish the proper rate of descent and airspeed. At decision height (DH), a

decision is made to land or to execute a missed approach.

1-36 BASIC INSTRUMENT PROCEDURES