ground-controlled approach

aviation technology

Also known as: GCA

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Ground-controlled approach (GCA) is an aviation technology that allows pilots to land an aircraft safely, even in conditions of poor visibility. This is achieved by using radar on the ground to monitor the aircraft's path and descent angle. Ground controllers then provide radio instructions to the pilot, guiding them along a safe glide path.1

GCA was particularly valuable during the Berlin blockade and airlift and was approved for civilian airline use in 1949. This system is a key part of avionics, which encompasses all electronic systems used in aviation for navigation, communication, and landing assistance.2

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history of flight
Avionics, passenger support, and safety
The ground-controlled approach (GCA), in which a ground observer monitors the course and descent angle of an aircraft via radar, enables pilots to land under extremely adverse weather conditions. GCA was used extensively by the U.S. military during the 1948 Berlin blockade and airlift and was…
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The ground-controlled approach (GCA), in which a ground observer monitors the course and descent angle of an aircraft via radar, enables pilots to land under extremely adverse weather conditions. GCA was used extensively by the U.S. military during the 1948 Berlin blockade and airlift and was…
Read More

military communication
World War II and after
…system was the GCA, or ground-controlled approach system. Combinations of radio direction-finding, radar, and communications systems were developed and used for ground control of intercept aircraft—the system called GCI (ground-controlled intercept). Radio-controlled guidance of falling bombs enabled an operator in a bomber to direct a bomb to the target. Electronic…
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…system was the GCA, or ground-controlled approach system. Combinations of radio direction-finding, radar, and communications systems were developed and used for ground control of intercept aircraft—the system called GCI (ground-controlled intercept). Radio-controlled guidance of falling bombs enabled an operator in a bomber to direct a bomb to the target. Electronic…
Read More