Radar Approach Control Facility (RAPCON): A terminal ATC facility that uses radar and non-radar capabilities to provide approach control services to aircraft arriving, departing, or transiting airspace controlled by the facility. This facility provides radar ATC services to aircraft operating in the vicinity of one or more civil/military airports in a terminal area. The facility may provide services of a ground-controlled approach (GCA). A radar approach control facility may be operated by FAA or a military service, or jointly. Specific facility nomenclatures are used for administrative purposes only and are related to the physical location of the facility and the operating service generally: Army Radar Approach Control (ARAC) (Army), Radar Air Traffic Control Facility (RATCF) (Navy/FAA), Radar Approach Control (RAPCON) (Air Force/FAA), Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) (FAA), Tower/Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) (FAA ­ only towers delegated approach control authority)

 

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