Mastering the Art of Covert Aerial Surveillance: A Guide to Surveillance Approach (ASR)
In aviation, a Surveillance Approach (ASR) is a vital resource during equipment failures, emergencies, and poor weather conditions when visual approaches are not feasible. This radar-based non-precision approach procedure relies on air traffic control (ATC) to guide pilots towards the runway using lateral information.
**How ASR Works**
Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) is used to monitor aircraft positions within approximately 40–60 nautical miles and below 25,000 feet (7,620 meters) of the airport. ATC provides specific guidance via radio communication, issuing headings and altitude changes to guide the aircraft along a path towards the runway. It's important to note that ASR does not provide vertical guidance, making it a non-precision approach.
**Finding MDA for ASR in Publications/EFBs**
The Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) for ASR approaches can be found in various sources, such as the FAA Terminal Procedures Publication (TPP), Jeppesen EFB, or ForeFlight EFB. In the TPP, look for the “Instrument Approach Procedures” section and find the ASR approach listed explicitly, often as “Surveillance (ASR) RWY XX.” The MDA is published for each runway and is indicated in the approach plate.
In EFBs like Jeppesen or ForeFlight, select the desired airport, navigate to the instrument approach procedures, and choose the ASR (or Surveillance) approach for your runway. The published MDA will be clearly listed on the approach plate or in the procedure details.
**Key Components of an ASR Approach**
- Descend and maintain the MDA. - ATC will cross-check the position with the lowest available IFR altitude along the approach. - Turn Right/Left Heading XXX to maintain the centerline. - You will not talk to the tower before landing, as this is an ASR approach. - The MDA for ASR approaches can be found in the FAA TPP, Jeppesen EFB, or ForeFlight EFB. - A missed approach point, go-around instructions, and a new procedure (if applicable) will also be provided.
As you navigate through your ASR approach, remember that ATC will provide all the information needed for a safe and successful landing. Always check for the latest updates, as procedures may change.
[1] FAA, "FAA-H-8083-19B, AIM, Chapter 10 - Approach Procedures," Federal Aviation Administration, 2018. [2] FAA, "FAA-H-8083-19B, AIM, Chapter 10 - Approach Procedures, Section 5 - Radar Approaches," Federal Aviation Administration, 2018. [3] FAA, "FAA-H-8083-19B, AIM, Chapter 10 - Approach Procedures, Section 5 - Radar Approaches, Paragraph 5-1-1," Federal Aviation Administration, 2018. [4] FAA, "FAA-H-8083-19B, AIM, Chapter 10 - Approach Procedures, Section 5 - Radar Approaches, Paragraph 5-1-3," Federal Aviation Administration, 2018. [5] FAA, "FAA-H-8083-19B, AIM, Chapter 10 - Approach Procedures, Section 5 - Radar Approaches, Paragraph 5-1-4," Federal Aviation Administration, 2018.
- In aviation, a Surveillance Approach (ASR) is a crucial resource for pilots during equipment failures, emergencies, and poor weather conditions when visual approaches are impractical.
- Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) is employed to track aircraft positions within approximately 40–60 nautical miles and below 25,000 feet (7,620 meters) of the airport.
- Air traffic control (ATC) issues specific guidance via radio communication, providing headings and altitude changes to guide the aircraft towards the runway.
- ASR does not provide vertical guidance, making it a non-precision approach.
- The Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) for ASR approaches can be found in various sources such as the FAA Terminal Procedures Publication (TPP), Jeppesen EFB, or ForeFlight EFB.
- In the TPP, look for the “Instrument Approach Procedures” section and find the ASR approach listed explicitly, often as “Surveillance (ASR) RWY XX.”
- Descend and maintain the MDA during an ASR approach.
- ATC will cross-check the aircraft's position with the lowest available IFR altitude along the approach.
- Turn Right/Left Heading XXX to maintain the centerline while following an ASR approach.
- You will not communicate with the tower before landing in an ASR approach.
- The FAA TPP, Jeppesen EFB, or ForeFlight EFB provides an MDA for each runway and it is indicated in the approach plate.
- A missed approach point, go-around instructions, and a new procedure (if applicable) will also be provided during an ASR approach.
- Stay updated with the latest ASR approach procedures, as they may change in the aviation industry.
- Data-and-cloud-computing technology plays a significant role in the modern ASR approach, with EFBs like Jeppesen and ForeFlight simplifying navigation and procedure accessibility for pilots.
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