ground-controlled approach

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Explanation of "Ground-Controlled Approach"

Definition:
The term "ground-controlled approach" (often abbreviated as GCA) refers to a method of landing an aircraft, especially in bad weather. In this process, the pilot receives instructions from ground control (the team of air traffic controllers on the ground) who help guide the aircraft down to the runway using special equipment called precision approach radar.

Usage Instructions:

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Context: Used in aviation, specifically when discussing landing procedures.
• When to Use: You can use this term when talking about how airplanes land safely, especially during difficult weather conditions like fog, rain, or snow.

Example:

• "During the storm, the pilot relied on the ground-controlled approach to safely land the plane at the airport."

Advanced Usage:

• In aviation training, pilots learn about various landing techniques, including ground-controlled approaches, to ensure safety during adverse weather conditions.
• "The air traffic control team was fully prepared to assist with ground-controlled approaches as visibility dropped to near zero."

Word Variants:

• Related Terms:
  • Precision Approach Radar (PAR): The radar system used in a ground-controlled approach.
  • Instrument Landing System (ILS): Another system used for guiding planes during landing but works differently than GCA.

Different Meanings:

• "Ground-controlled" on its own can refer to any controlled operation from the ground, not just in aviation. For example, ground-controlled military operations.

Synonyms:

• Instrument Landing: Similar concept, but typically involves different technology.
• Radar Approach: Refers to any approach using radar systems, though it can be broader than just GCA.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related directly to "ground-controlled approach," you can use phrases like:

  • "Talk down": This means to guide someone verbally, similar to how ground control guides a pilot.

Summary:

"Ground-controlled approach" is a specific aviation term that describes a technique used for landing aircraft in poor weather conditions, where air traffic controllers help pilots land safely using radar technology.

Academic

Noun

1. aircraft landing in bad weather in which the pilot is talked down by ground control using precision approach radar

Synonyms

• gca