Air Base Precision Approach Radar

An Air Base Precision Approach Radar (PAR) is a military radar system that provides detailed guidance to an aircraft during a landing approach, especially in poor visibility. A specially trained air traffic controller monitors a short-range radar display and issues verbal commands to the pilot to correct their horizontal (azimuth) and vertical (elevation) paths to the runway threshold. Unlike ILS systems, PAR relies entirely on the controller’s instructions, with no onboard equipment required on the aircraft. PAR is primarily used at military airbases but can also be used for practice approaches at some civilian locations and remains a critical tool for emergency landings.