radar approach control facility

radar approach control facility (RAPCON)

A terminal ATC (air traffic control) facility that uses radar and nonradar capabilities to provide approach control services to aircraft arriving, departing, or transiting the airspace controlled by the facility. This facility provides radar ATC services to aircraft operating in the vicinity of one or more civil and/or military airports in a terminal area. The facility may provide the services of a ground-controlled approach (GCA)—that is, ASR (airport surveillance radar) and PAR (precision approach radar) approaches. Specific facility nomenclatures are used for administrative purposes only and are related to the physical location of the facility and the operating service.