ground-controlled approach

7.5

A way controllers use radar to guide pilots by radio to land in low visibility

noun

Specialized

: enfoque controlado desde tierra

The air traffic controller talked the plane down using a ground-controlled approach.

Examples

During bad weather, airports often rely on the ground-controlled approach system to assist incoming flights.
The pilots used a ground-controlled approach during the heavy fog.
Because of the fog, the pilot executed a ground-controlled approach to ensure a safe landing.
Can you explain what a ground-controlled approach is?
Because of the fog, the pilot executed a ground-controlled approach to ensure a safe landing.
During bad weather, airports often rely on the ground-controlled approach system to assist incoming flights.
The air traffic controller talked the plane down using a ground-controlled approach.

Synonyms

GCA

vsground-controlled approach

Specialized

1 8.5

A landing method where ground controllers guide a pilot using radar in bad weather

is the full phrase rather than the abbreviated form

How Guided

ground-controlled approach

Specialized

7.5

approach path

Specialized

1 5.5

instrument flying

Specialized

6.7

deadstick landing

Specialized

9.2

Surface Forms

ground-controlled approach singular

ground-controlled approaches plural

Morphology

ground-controlled + approach

The noun is directly compositional: 'approach' (a route/landing phase) is modified by 'ground-controlled', which a learner can parse as 'controlled from the ground' (ground + controlled). Although technical, the meaning 'an approach guided by ground-based controllers' is derivable from the constituents, so a B1 learner who knows the parts can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Ground-controlled approach comes from the image of people on the ground who control a plane's final approach by radio and equipment, guiding it toward the runway. So it means a way where ground controllers 'guide' the pilot to 'land' when the pilot cannot see well.