An ASR (Airport Surveillance Radar) in aviation refers to a type of radar system used primarily to provide radar approach control services at airports. ASR systems are ground-based radars operated by air traffic controllers to assist aircraft during the approach and landing phases. They provide range, azimuth and, in some cases, elevation information to controllers, allowing them to safely guide aircraft to the airport in various weather conditions and airspace environments.
ASR radar displays are typically integrated with other radar and communications systems to provide effective air traffic management in terminal airspace.
An ASR approach involves using the ASR radar system to guide an aircraft during the final approach phase to an airport. Unlike precision approach systems like ILS (Instrument Landing System), ASR approaches are non-process approaches that rely on radar guidance provided by air traffic controllers.
During an ASR approach, the controller provides the aircraft with flight headings and altitudes to maintain, based on radar observations of the aircraft’s position relative to the airport. Pilots must follow these instructions to safely align the aircraft with the runway and complete a landing under visual or instrument flight rules.
On an approach plate, ASR (airport surveillance radar) refers to the type of radar approach procedure that may be used by aircraft during the approach and landing phases at an airport.
The approach plate provides essential information for pilots producing instrument approaches, including runway details, navigation aids, minimum altitudes and approach procedures. ASR on an approach plate indicates that the approach procedure relies on radar guidance provided by air traffic controllers rather than precision navigation aids like ILs. Pilots use this information to understand how to safely execute the approach and comply with ATC instructions during the final approach and landing phases
