Practice ASR or PAR approach w/ATC

[GuitarMan]

I talked to a FSDO inspector today, and he asked me to practice some ASR/PAR approach with my IFR students; maybe during the night when local ATC is not so busy.

The inspector said it could also benefit ATC's record of performance.

I'd like to find out ATC's thought about ASR/PAR approach before I request them.


Thank you

[SpiraMirabilis]

I've done a few practice surveilance approaches, also when ATC wasn't busy. I always like doing them and this is just an observation but it seemed like ATC liked it also, I'm just guessing they don't do them all that often and it was a change of pace?
I'm curious too what actual ATC-people have to say.

[fish314]

Originally Posted by SpiraMirabilis

I've done a few practice surveilance approaches, also when ATC wasn't busy. I always like doing them and this is just an observation but it seemed like ATC liked it also, I'm just guessing they don't do them all that often and it was a change of pace?
I'm curious too what actual ATC-people have to say.

I've been asked by the controllers if we wouldn't mind doing an ASR or a PAR for their training. I've always said yes. It's good for our training too, since it seems like we don't get them very often.

[AngelFuree]

I've done a few ASR approaches and the controllers didn't mind at all. The few I've flown have been at night when it's not so busy. Give it a shot if you've never done one. I would be interested, though, in getting an opinion from a controller.

[taildragger173]

I tried to do one in Fargo not to long ago and was denied due to traffic flow.

[Omdahl]

ASR's aren't that big of a deal to a controller. For us to decline one is mostly due to staffing and not having an extra controller to do it where I'm at. We have to give 3 ASR's per controller every quarter, 2 regular and 1 no-gyro. Don't be afraid to ask for one and it would be good experience to a pilot who has never done it.

[GuitarMan]

Thanks for the feedbacks; I will try it w/my students during the night in KRSW/KFMY area.

[airplanerik]

Originally Posted by GuitarMan

Thanks for the feedbacks; I will try it w/my students during the night in KRSW/KFMY area.

If you are in an area where staffing might be an issue, don't hesitate to call ahead of time. That's what they tell us to do with Fargo. Just to give em a heads up!

[PilotChip]

When i worked on the east coast at KNCA (military) we would actually solicit them on the ATIS because (as Omdahl said) there were monthly requirements for controllers AND developmentals. Civil aircraft weren't usually permitted to fly the approach unless in an emergency, but out here I guess it's available at times. A PAR is much of an aural system between pilot and controller - an interesting experience at that! I've never actually flown one, but our high ranking officials didn't forget to thank those behind the scope after they touched down in the soup of it all.

I suggest reviewing PAR and ASR approach basics before trying to take a practice approach for the first time. Of course, if you need more info we're here to help!

[X-Forces]

I actually didn't know that you could fly a PAR/ASR approach on a civilian field. I have only flown such approaches on military airfields.

[BobDDuck]

MikeD did a great write up on radar approaches a while ago.

http://forums.jetcareers.com/technic...html#post43550

[amorris311]

kyum has people do them all the time. i did a par approach there and thought it was so cool. they said they had to do it for training purposes. then again it is a shared civil and military airfield. i also believe ft huachuca does those approaches as well.

[mtsu_av8er]

Chip, when were you at New River?

[surreal1221]

Lawson AAF south of Columbus GA also solicits for such things. Some of the most fun I've had in a plane. . .at the time.