Which instrument approach is described as ATC issuing instructions for pilot compliance based on aircraft position relative to the final approach course and the distance from the end of the runway as displayed on the controller's radar scope?

• A. Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) Approach
• B. Localizer approach
• C. ILS approach
• D. VOR approach

Answer: (A)

Focusing on radar-guided control, this scenario describes an Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) approach. In ASR approaches, ATC uses the controller’s radar display to track the aircraft’s exact position relative to the planned final approach course and to measure how far the airplane is from the runway threshold. The controller then issues headings, turns, and altitude instructions to keep you aligned with the final approach path and to position you correctly for landing as you close in on the runway.

This relies on real-time radar guidance rather than navigation aids published on a plate. The other approaches use onboard or ground-based navigation signals (localizer for lateral guidance, ILS for both lateral and vertical guidance, VOR for course guidance) rather than ATC directing you based on radar position and distance to the runway.