Ground Controlled Approaches (GCAS)

CHAPTER THREE

RADIO INSTRUMENTS

The Radar Vectors, Final Approach Course Brief is given upon learning that radar vectors will

be provided to the final approach course for the approach, but if holding is assigned, the brief is

not given until after entering holding.

During vectors, the pilot will fly headings and altitudes as assigned, and the student will perform

appropriate tasks for an initial approach segment:

Ensure that appropriate checklists are complete.

Confirm that the Final Approach Course is set in the course indicator.

When appropriate, report leaving the assigned altitude (mandatory).

Report any need to adjust rate of descent in order to comply with assigned altitudes.

Passing 5000 feet AGL report "Platform" to the instructor.

Monitor compliance with the "Minute-to-Live" rule, and report any deviations.

At seven miles prior to the FAF, the student will request: "Slow to Gear Speed." This is done

whether or not the aircraft is established on the Final Approach Course at that distance. The IP

will extend the landing gear. After the gear indicates down and locked, the student will

commence the Landing Checklist. Speedbrakes will normally be closed during this checklist.

Flaps may be up, one-half, or full down, at IP discretion. Provide angle of attack verification

speed appropriate for weight and flap setting. The student will provide a Missed Approach brief

or Climbout Brief, as appropriate. Once again, the speedbrakes will be extended at the final

approach fix at which time the landing checklist may be called complete.

During "RADAR Vectors, TACAN Final Approach Course, the TACAN Final Approach

segment and the TACAN Missed Approach segment" are flown as described above.

GROUND CONTROLLED APPROACHES (GCAS)

Radar control is one of the most precise methods for accomplishing an instrument approach. A

Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) system consists of Airport Surveillance Radar and

Precision Approach Radar (which consists of both azimuth and elevation radar equipment).

There are two basic types of GCA approaches: the precision approach and surveillance

approach. The precision approach provides the pilot with precise course and glideslope

information. The surveillance approach provides only course and range information and is thus

classified as a non-precision approach.

An aircraft is vectored to the GCA final approach course in the same manner as an aircraft is

vectored onto the final approach course for any other type of approach. Pilots will fly headings

and altitudes as assigned during vectors.

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RADIO INSTRUMENTS