What is the primary use of a PAR (Precision Approach Radar)?

• A. PAR is a weather radar.
• B. PAR provides azimuth and elevation guidance to the pilot for a precision approach under ATC guidance.
• C. PAR is a surveillance system for air traffic control.
• D. PAR replaces ILS for precision approaches.

Answer: (C)

The essential idea behind a Precision Approach Radar is to give the pilot precise navigational guidance during the final approach. The PAR is a ground-based radar system used by the controller to track an aircraft and provide two-axis guidance to the pilot—azimuth (horizontal alignment) and elevation (vertical position). Under ATC guidance, the pilot follows these radar-derived cues to fly a precise approach path to the runway. This is different from a weather radar or a pure surveillance tool; its primary purpose is to aid the aircraft in achieving a stable, instrumented approach when an ILS may not be available or suitable, rather than merely monitoring traffic. While ILS provides automatic localizer and glideslope guidance, PAR offers ATC-directed guidance for the approach, making it a valuable option for precision approaches in certain situations.