APRON - A defined area, on a land
aerodrome, intended to accommodate aircraft for
purposes of loading or unloading passengers, mail or
cargo, refueling, parking or maintenance.
ARC- The track over the ground of an aircraft flying
at a constant distance from a navigational aid by
reference to distance measuring equipment (DME).
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2/14/08
PCG A-12
AREA CONTROL CENTER - An air traffic
control facility primarily responsible for ATC
services being provided IFR aircraft during the en
route phase of flight. The U.S. equivalent facility is
an air route traffic control center (ARTCC).
AREA NAVIGATION- Area Navigation (RNAV)
provides enhanced navigational capability to the
pilot. RNAV equipment can compute the airplane
position, actual track and ground speed and then
provide meaningful information relative to a route of
flight selected by the pilot. Typical equipment will
provide the pilot with distance, time, bearing and
crosstrack error relative to the selected “TO” or
“active” waypoint and the selected route. Several
distinctly different navigational systems with
different navigational performance characteristics
are capable of providing area navigational functions.
Present day RNAV includes INS, LORAN, VOR/
DME, and GPS systems. Modern multi-sensor
systems can integrate one or more of the above
systems to provide a more accurate and reliable
navigational system. Due to the different levels of
performance, area navigational capabilities can
satisfy different levels of required navigational
performance (RNP). The major types of equipment
are:
a. VORTAC referenced or Course Line Computer
(CLC) systems, which account for the greatest
number of RNAV units in use. To function, the CLC
must be within the service range of a VORTAC.
b. OMEGA/VLF, although two separate systems,
can be considered as one operationally. A long-range
navigation system based upon Very Low Frequency
radio signals transmitted from a total of 17 stations
worldwide.
c. Inertial (INS) systems, which are totally
self-contained and require no information from
external references. They provide aircraft position
and navigation information in response to signals
resulting from inertial effects on components within
the system.
d. MLS Area Navigation (MLS/RNAV), which
provides area navigation with reference to an MLS
ground facility.
e. LORAN-C is a long-range radio navigation
system that uses ground waves transmitted at low
frequency to provide user position information at
ranges of up to 600 to 1,200 nautical miles at both en
route and approach altitudes. The usable signal
coverage areas are determined by the signal-to-noise
ratio, the envelope-to-cycle difference, and the
geometric relationship between the positions of the
user and the transmitting stations.
f. GPS is a space-base radio positioning,
navigation, and time-transfer system. The system
provides highly accurate position and velocity
information, and precise time, on a continuous global
basis, to an unlimited number of properly equipped
users. The system is unaffected by weather, and
provides a worldwide common grid reference
system.
(See ICAO term AREA NAVIGATION.)
AREA NAVIGATION - A method of
navigation which permits aircraft operation on any
desired flight path within the coverage of station-
referenced navigation aids or within the limits of the
capability of self-contained aids, or a combination of
these.
AREA NAVIGATION (RNAV) APPROACH
CONFIGURATION:
a. STANDARD T- An RNAV approach whose
design allows direct flight to any one of three initial
approach fixes (IAF) and eliminates the need for
procedure turns. The standard design is to align the
procedure on the extended centerline with the missed
approach point (MAP) at the runway threshold, the
final approach fix (FAF), and the initial approach/
intermediate fix (IAF/IF). The other two IAFs will be
established perpendicular to the IF.
b. MODIFIED T- An RNAV approach design for
single or multiple runways where terrain or
operational constraints do not allow for the standard
T. The “T” may be modified by increasing or
decreasing the angle from the corner IAF(s) to the IF
or by eliminating one or both corner IAFs.
c. STANDARD I- An RNAV approach design for
a single runway with both corner IAFs eliminated.
Course reversal or radar vectoring may be required at
busy terminals with multiple runways.
d. TERMINAL ARRIVAL AREA (TAA)- The
TAA is controlled airspace established in conjunction
with the Standard or Modified T and I RNAV
approach configurations. In the standard TAA, there
are three areas: straight-in, left base, and right base.
The arc boundaries of the three areas of the TAA are
published portions of the approach and allow aircraft
to transition from the en route structure direct to the
nearest IAF. TAAs will also eliminate or reduce
Pilot/Controller Glossary 7/31/08
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG A-13
feeder routes, departure extensions, and procedure
turns or course reversal.
1. STRAIGHT-IN AREA- A 30NM arc
centered on the IF bounded by a straight line
extending through the IF perpendicular to the
intermediate course.
2. LEFT BASE AREA- A 30NM arc centered
on the right corner IAF. The area shares a boundary
with the straight-in area except that it extends out for
30NM from the IAF and is bounded on the other side
by a line extending from the IF through the FAF to the
arc.
3. RIGHT BASE AREA- A 30NM arc centered
on the left corner IAF. The area shares a boundary
with the straight-in area except that it extends out for
30NM from the IAF and is bounded on the other side
by a line extending from the IF through the FAF to the
arc.
ARINC- An acronym for Aeronautical Radio, Inc.,
a corporation largely owned by a group of airlines.
ARINC is licensed by the FCC as an aeronautical
station and contracted by the FAA to provide
communications support for air traffic control and
meteorological services in portions of international
airspace.
ARMY AVIATION FLIGHT INFORMATION
BULLETIN- A bulletin that provides air operation
data covering Army, National Guard, and Army
Reserve aviation activities.
ARO(See AIRPORT RESERVATION OFFICE.)
ARRESTING SYSTEM- A safety device consisting
of two major components, namely, engaging or
catching devices and energy absorption devices for
the purpose of arresting both tailhook and/or
nontailhook-equipped aircraft. It is used to prevent
aircraft from overrunning runways when the aircraft
cannot be stopped after landing or during aborted
takeoff. Arresting systems have various names; e.g.,
arresting gear, hook device, wire barrier cable.
(See ABORT.)
(Refer to AIM.)
ARRIVAL AIRCRAFT INTERVAL- An internally
generated program in hundredths of minutes based
upon the AAR. AAI is the desired optimum interval
between successive arrival aircraft over the vertex.
ARRIVAL CENTER- The ARTCC having jurisdiction for the impacted airport.
ARRIVAL DELAY- A parameter which specifies a
period of time in which no aircraft will be metered for
arrival at the specified airport.
ARRIVAL SECTOR- An operational control sector
containing one or more meter fixes.
ARRIVAL SECTOR ADVIS ORY LIS T- An
ordered list of data on arrivals displayed at the
PVD/MDM of the sector which controls the meter
fix.
ARRIVAL SEQUENCING PROGRAM- The automated program designed to assist in sequencing
aircraft destined for the same airport.
ARRIVAL TIME- The time an aircraft touches down
on arrival.
ARSR(See AIR ROUTE SURVEILLANCE RADAR.)
ARTCC(See AIR ROUTE TRAFFIC CONTROL
CENTER.)
ARTS(See AUTOMATED RADAR TERMINAL
SYSTEMS.)
ASDA(See ACCELERATE-STOP DISTANCE
AVAILABLE.)
ASDA -
(See ICAO Term ACCELERATE-STOP
DISTANCE AVAILABLE.)
ASDE(See AIRPORT SURFACE DETECTION
EQUIPMENT.)
ASF(See AIRPORT STREAM FILTER.)
ASLAR(See AIRCRAFT SURGE LAUNCH AND
RECOVERY.)
ASP(See ARRIVAL SEQUENCING PROGRAM.)
ASR(See AIRPORT SURVEILLANCE RADAR.)
ASR APPROACH(See SURVEILLANCE APPROACH.)
7/31/08 Pilot/Controller Glossary
2/14/08
PCG A-14
ASSOCIATED- A radar target displaying a data
block with flight identification and altitude
information.
(See UNASSOCIATED.)
ATC(See AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL.)
ATC ADVISES- Used to prefix a message of
noncontrol information when it is relayed to an
aircraft by other than an air traffic controller.
(See ADVISORY.)
ATC ASSIGNED AIRSPACE- Airspace of defined
vertical/lateral limits, assigned by ATC, for the
purpose of providing air traffic segregation between
the specified activities being conducted within the
assigned airspace and other IFR air traffic.
(See SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE.)
ATC CLEARANCE(See AIR TRAFFIC CLEARANCE.)
ATC CLEARS- Used to prefix an ATC clearance
when it is relayed to an aircraft by other than an air
traffic controller.
ATC INSTRUCTIONS- Directives issued by air
traffic control for the purpose of requiring a pilot to
take specific actions; e.g., “Turn left heading two five
zero,” “Go around,” “Clear the runway.”
(Refer to 14 CFR Part 91.)
ATC PREFERRED ROUTE NOTIFICATION-
URET notification to the appropriate controller of the
need to determine if an ATC preferred route needs to
be applied, based on destination airport.
(See ROUTE ACTION NOTIFICATION.)
(See USER REQUEST EVALUATION TOOL.)
ATC PREFERRED ROUTES- Preferred routes that
are not automatically applied by Host.
ATC REQUESTS- Used to prefix an ATC request
when it is relayed to an aircraft by other than an air
traffic controller.
ATCAA(See ATC ASSIGNED AIRSPACE.)
ATCRBS(See RADAR.)
ATCSCC(See AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM
COMMAND CENTER.)
ATCT(See TOWER.)
ATD(See ALONG-TRACK DISTANCE.)
ATIS(See AUTOMATIC TERMINAL INFORMATION
SERVICE.)
ATIS -
(See ICAO Term AUTOMATIC TERMINAL
INFORMATION SERVICE.)
ATS ROUTE - A specified route designed for
channelling the flow of traffic as necessary for the
provision of air traffic services.
Note:_The term “ATS Route” is used to mean variously, airway, advisory route, controlled or
uncontrolled route, arrival or departure, etc.
AUTOLAND APPROACH- An autoland approach
is a precision instrument approach to touchdown and,
in some cases, through the landing rollout. An
autoland approach is performed by the aircraft
autopilot which is receiving position information
and/or steering commands from onboard navigation
equipment.
Note:_Autoland and coupled approaches are flown
in VFR and IFR. It is common for carriers to require
their crews to fly coupled approaches and autoland
approaches (if certified) when the weather conditions are less than approximately 4,000 RVR.
(See COUPLED APPROACH.)
AUTOMATED INFORMATION TRANSFER- A
precoordinated process, specifically defined in
facility directives, during which a transfer of altitude
control and/or radar identification is accomplished
without verbal coordination between controllers
using information communicated in a full data block.
AUTOMATED MUTUAL-ASSISTANCE VESSEL
RESCUE SYSTEM- A facility which can deliver, in
a matter of minutes, a surface picture (SURPIC) of
vessels in the area of a potential or actual search and
rescue incident, including their predicted positions
and their characteristics.
(See FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 10-6-4, INFLIGHT
CONTINGENCIES.)
AUTOMATED PROBLEM DETECTION (APD)-
An Automation Processing capability that compares
trajectories in order to predict conflicts.
Pilot/Controller Glossary 7/31/08
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG A-15
AUTOMATED PROBLEM DETECTION
BOUNDARY (APB)- The adapted distance beyond
a facilities boundary defining the airspace within
which URET performs conflict detection.
(See USER REQUEST EVALUATION TOOL.)
AUTOMATED PROBLEM DETECTION IN­
HIBITED AREA (APDIA)- Airspace surrounding a
terminal area within which APD is inhibited for all
flights within that airspace.
AUTOMATED RADAR TERMINAL SYSTEMS
(ARTS)- A generic term for several tracking systems
included in the Terminal Automation Systems (TAS).
ARTS plus a suffix roman numeral denotes a major
modification to that system.
a. ARTS IIIA. The Radar Tracking and Beacon
Tracking Level (RT&BTL) of the modular,
programmable automated radar terminal system.
ARTS IIIA detects, tracks, and predicts primary as
well as secondary radar-derived aircraft targets. This
more sophisticated computer-driven system upgrades the existing ARTS III system by providing
improved tracking, continuous data recording, and
fail-soft capabilities.
b. Common ARTS. Includes ARTS IIE, ARTS
IIIE; and ARTS IIIE with ACD (see DTAS) which
combines functionalities of the previous ARTS
systems.
c. Program mable Indicator Data Processor
(P IDP). The PIDP is a modification to the
AN/TPX-42 interrogator system currently installed
in fixed RAPCONs. The PIDP detects, tracks, and
predicts secondary radar aircraft targets. These are
displayed by means of computer-generated symbols
and alphanumeric characters depicting flight identification, aircraft altitude, ground speed, and flight plan
data. Although primary radar targets are not tracked,
they are displayed coincident with the secondary
radar targets as well as with the other symbols and
alphanumerics. The system has the capability of
interfacing with ARTCCs.
AUTOMATED WEATHER SYSTEM- Any of the
automated weather sensor platforms that collect
weather data at airports and disseminate the weather
information via radio and/or landline. The systems
currently consist of the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS), Automated Weather Sensor
System (AWSS) and Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS).
AUTOMATED UNICOM- Provides completely
automated weather, radio check capability and airport
advisory information on an Automated UNICOM
system. These systems offer a variety of features,
typically selectable by microphone clicks, on the
UNICOM frequency. Availability will be published
in the Airport/Facility Directory and approach charts.
AUTOMATIC ALTITUDE REPORT(See ALTITUDE READOUT.)
AUTOMATIC ALTITUDE REPORTING- That
function of a transponder which responds to Mode C
interrogations by transmitting the aircraft's altitude
in 100-foot increments.
AUTOMATIC CARRIER LANDING SYSTEM-
U.S. Navy final approach equipment consisting of
precision tracking radar coupled to a computer data
link to provide continuous information to the aircraft,
monitoring capability to the pilot, and a backup
approach system.
AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE
(ADS) - A surveillance technique in which
aircraft automatically provide, via a data link, data
derived from on-board navigation and position
fixing systems, including aircraft identification, four
dimensional position and additional data as
appropriate.
AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE-
BROADCAST (ADS-B)- A surveillance system in
which an aircraft or vehicle to be detected is fitted
with cooperative equipment in the form of a data link
transmitter. The aircraft or vehicle periodically
broadcasts its GPS-derived position and other
information such as velocity over the data link, which
is received by a ground-based transmitter/receiver
(transceiver) for processing and display at an air
traffic control facility.
(See GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM.)
(See GROUND-BASED TRANSCEIVER.)
AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE-
CONTRACT (ADS-C)- A data link position
reporting system, controlled by a ground station, that
establishes contracts with an aircraft's avionics that
occur automatically whenever specific events occur,
or specific time intervals are reached.
AUTOMATIC DIRECTION FINDER- An aircraft
radio navigation system which senses and indicates
the direction to a L/MF nondirectional radio beacon
(NDB) ground transmitter. Direction is indicated to
7/31/08 Pilot/Controller Glossary
2/14/08
PCG A-16
the pilot as a magnetic bearing or as a relative bearing
to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft depending on
the type of indicator installed in the aircraft. In certain
applications, such as military, ADF operations may
be based on airborne and ground transmitters in the
VHF/UHF frequency spectrum.
(See BEARING.)
(See NONDIRECTIONAL BEACON.)
AUTOMATIC FLIGHT INFORMATION
SERVICE (AFIS) - ALASKA FSSs ONLY- The
continuous broadcast of recorded non-control
information at airports in Alaska where a FSS
provides local airport advisory service. The AFIS
broadcast automates the repetitive transmission of
essential but routine information such as weather,
wind, altimeter, favored runway, breaking action,
airport NOTAMs, and other applicable information.
The information is continuously broadcast over a
discrete VHF radio frequency (usually the ASOS
frequency.)
AUTOMATIC TERMINAL INFORMATION
SERVICE- The continuous broadcast of recorded
noncontrol information in selected terminal areas. Its
purpose is to improve controller effectiveness and to
relieve frequency congestion by automating the
repetitive transmission of essential but routine
information; e.g., “Los Angeles information Alfa.
One three zero zero Coordinated Universal Time.
Weather, measured ceiling two thousand overcast,
visibility three, haze, smoke, temperature seven one,
dew point five seven, wind two five zero at five,
altimeter two niner niner six. I-L-S Runway Two Five
Left approach in use, Runway Two Five Right closed,
advise you have Alfa.”
(See ICAO term AUTOMATIC TERMINAL
INFORMATION SERVICE.)
(Refer to AIM.)
AUTOMATIC TERMINAL INFORMATION
SERVICE - The provision of current, routine
information to arriving and departing aircraft by
means of continuous and repetitive broadcasts
throughout the day or a specified portion of the day.
AUTOROTATION- A rotorcraft flight condition in
which the lifting rotor is driven entirely by action of
the air when the rotorcraft is in motion.
a. Autorotative Landing/Touchdown Autorotation. Used by a pilot to indicate that the landing will
be made without applying power to the rotor.
b. Low Level Autorotation. Commences at an
altitude well below the traffic pattern, usually below
100 feet AGL and is used primarily for tactical
military training.
c. 180 degrees Autorotation. Initiated from a
downwind heading and is commenced well inside the
normal traffic pattern. “Go around” may not be
possible during the latter part of this maneuver.
AVAILABLE LANDING DISTANCE (ALD)- The
portion of a runway available for landing and roll-out
for aircraft cleared for LAHSO. This distance is
measured from the landing threshold to the
hold-short point.
AVIATION WEATHER SERVIC E- A service
provided by the National Weather Service (NWS) and
FAA which collects and disseminates pertinent
weather information for pilots, aircraft operators, and
ATC. Available aviation weather reports and
forecasts are displayed at each NWS office and FAA
FSS.
(See EN ROUTE FLIGHT ADVISORY
SERVICE.)
(See TRANSCRIBED WEATHER BROADCAST.)
(See WEATHER ADVISORY.)
(Refer to AIM.)
AWW(See SEVERE WEATHER FORECAST
ALERTS.)
AZIMUTH (MLS)- A magnetic bearing extending
from an MLS navigation facility.
Note:_Azimuth bearings are described as magnetic
and are referred to as “azimuth” in radio telephone
communications.
Pilot/Controller Glossary 7/31/08
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG B-1
B
BACK-TAXI- A term used by air traffic controllers
to taxi an aircraft on the runway opposite to the traffic
flow. The aircraft may be instructed to back-taxi to
the beginning of the runway or at some point before
reaching the runway end for the purpose of departure
or to exit the runway.
BASE LEG(See TRAFFIC PATTERN.)
BEACON(See AERONAUTICAL BEACON.)
(See AIRPORT ROTATING BEACON.)
(See AIRWAY BEACON.)
(See MARKER BEACON.)
(See NONDIRECTIONAL BEACON.)
(See RADAR.)
BEARING- The horizontal direction to or from any
point, usually measured clockwise from true north,
magnetic north, or some other reference point
through 360 degrees.
(See NONDIRECTIONAL BEACON.)
BELOW MINIMUMS- Weather conditions below
the minimums prescribed by regulation for the
particular action involved; e.g., landing minimums,
takeoff minimums.
BLAST FENCE- A barrier that is used to divert or
dissipate jet or propeller blast.
BLIND SPEED- The rate of departure or closing of
a target relative to the radar antenna at which
cancellation of the primary radar target by moving
target indicator (MTI) circuits in the radar equipment
causes a reduction or complete loss of signal.
(See ICAO term BLIND VELOCITY.)
BLIND SPOT- An area from which radio
transmissions and/or radar echoes cannot be
received. The term is also used to describe portions
of the airport not visible from the control tower.
BLIND TRANSMISSION(See TRANSMITTING IN THE BLIND.)
BLIND VELOCITY - The radial velocity of
a moving target such that the target is not seen on
primary radars fitted with certain forms of fixed echo
suppression.
BLIND ZONE(See BLIND SPOT.)
BLOCKED- Phraseology used to indicate that a
radio transmission has been distorted or interrupted
due to multiple simultaneous radio transmissions.
BOUNDARY LIGHTS(See AIRPORT LIGHTING.)
BRAKING ACTION (GOOD, FAIR, POOR, OR
NIL)- A report of conditions on the airport
movement area providing a pilot with a degree/
quality of braking that he/she might expect. Braking
action is reported in terms of good, fair, poor, or nil.
(See RUNWAY CONDITION READING.)
BRAKING ACTION ADVISORIES- When tower
controllers have received runway braking action
reports which include the terms “poor” or “nil,” or
whenever weather conditions are conducive to
deteriorating or rapidly changing runway braking
conditions, the tower will include on the ATIS
broadcast the statement, “BRAKING ACTION
ADVISORIES ARE IN EFFECT.” During the time
Braking Action Advisories are in effect, ATC will
issue the latest braking action report for the runway
in use to each arriving and departing aircraft. Pilots
should be prepared for deteriorating braking
conditions and should request current runway
condition inform ation if not volunteered by
controllers. Pilots should also be prepared to provide
a descriptive runway condition report to controllers
after landing.
BREAKOUT- A technique to direct aircraft out of
the approach stream. In the context of close parallel
operations, a breakout is used to direct threatened
aircraft away from a deviating aircraft.
BROADCAST- Transmission of information for
which an acknowledgement is not expected.
(See ICAO term BROADCAST.)
BROADCAST - A transmission of information relating to air navigation that is not addressed to
a specific station or stations.
JO 7110.65S 2/14/08
-2
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG C-1
C
CALCULATED LANDING TIME- A term that may
be used in place of tentative or actual calculated
landing time, whichever applies.
CALL FOR RELEASE- Wherein the overlying
ARTCC requires a terminal facility to initiate verbal
coordination to secure ARTCC approval for release
of a departure into the en route environment.
CALL UP- Initial voice contact between a facility
and an aircraft, using the identification of the unit
being called and the unit initiating the call.
(Refer to AIM.)
CANADIAN MINIMUM NAVIGATION PERFOR­
MANCE SPECIFICATION AIRSPACE- That
portion of Canadian domestic airspace within which
MNPS separation may be applied.
CARDINAL ALTITUDES - “Odd” or “Even”
thousand-foot altitudes or flight levels; e.g., 5,000,
6,000, 7,000, FL 250, FL 260, FL 270.
(See ALTITUDE.)
(See FLIGHT LEVEL.)
CARDINAL FLIGHT LEVELS(See CARDINAL ALTITUDES.)
CAT(See CLEAR-AIR TURBULENCE.)
CATCH POINT- A fix/waypoint that serves as a
transition point from the high altitude waypoint
navigation structure to an arrival procedure (STAR)
or the low altitude ground-based navigation
structure.
CEILING- The heights above the earth's surface of
the lowest layer of clouds or obscuring phenomena
that is reported as “broken, ” “overcast,” or
“obscuration,” and not classified as “thin” or
“partial.”
(See ICAO term CEILING.)
CEILING - The height above the ground or
water of the base of the lowest layer of cloud below
6,000 meters (20,000 feet) covering more than half
the sky.
CENRAP(See CENTER RADAR ARTS
PRESENTATION/PROCESSING.)
CENRAP-PLUS(See CENTER RADAR ARTS
PRESENTATION/PROCESSING-PLUS.)
CENTER(See AIR ROUTE TRAFFIC CONTROL
CENTER.)
CENTER'S AREA- The specified airspace within
which an air route traffic control center (ARTCC)
provides air traffic control and advisory service.
(See AIR ROUTE TRAFFIC CONTROL
CENTER.)
(Refer to AIM.)
CENTER RADAR ARTS PRESENTATION/
PROCESSING- A computer program developed to
provide a back-up system for airport surveillance
radar in the event of a failure or malfunction. The
program uses air route traffic control center radar for
the processing and presentation of data on the ARTS
IIA or IIIA displays.
CENTER RADAR ARTS PRESENTATION/
PROCESSING-P LUS- A computer program
developed to provide a back-up system for airport
surveillance radar in the event of a terminal secondary
radar system failure. The program uses a combination
of Air Route Traffic Control Center Radar and
terminal airport surveillance radar primary targets
displayed simultaneously for the processing and
presentation of data on the ARTS IIA or IIIA
displays.
CENTER TRACON AUTOMATION SYSTEM
(CTAS)- A computerized set of programs designed
to aid Air Route Traffic Control Centers and
TRACONs in the management and control of air
traffic.
CENTER WEATHER ADVISORY- An unscheduled weather advisory issued by Center Weather
Service Unit meteorologists for ATC use to alert
pilots of existing or anticipated adverse weather
conditions within the next 2 hours. A CWA may
modify or redefine a SIGMET.
(See AWW.)
(See AIRMET.)
(See CONVECTIVE SIGMET.)
(See SIGMET.)
(Refer to AIM.)
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG C-2
CENTRAL EAST PACIFIC- An organized route
system between the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii.
CEP(See CENTRAL EAST PACIFIC.)
CERAP(See COMBINED CENTER-RAPCON.)
CERTIFIED TOWER RADAR DISPLAY (CTRD)-
A FAA radar display certified for use in the NAS.
CFR(See CALL FOR RELEASE.)
CHAFF- Thin, narrow metallic reflectors of various
lengths and frequency responses, used to reflect radar
energy. These reflectors when dropped from aircraft
and allowed to drift downward result in large targets
on the radar display.
CHARTED VFR FLYWAYS- Charted VFR Flyways are flight paths recommended for use to bypass
areas heavily traversed by large turbine-powered
aircraft. Pilot compliance with recommended
flyways and associated altitudes is strictly voluntary.
VFR Flyway Planning charts are published on the
back of existing VFR Terminal Area charts.
CHARTED VISUAL FLIGHT PROCEDURE
APPROACH- An approach conducted while
operating on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight
plan which authorizes the pilot of an aircraft to
proceed visually and clear of clouds to the airport via
visual landmarks and other information depicted on
a charted visual flight procedure. This approach must
be authorized and under the control of the appropriate
air traffic control facility. Weather minimums
required are depicted on the chart.
CHASE- An aircraft flown in proximity to another
aircraft normally to observe its performance during
training or testing.
CHASE AIRCRAFT(See CHASE.)
CIRCLE-TO-LAND MANEUVER- A maneuver
initiated by the pilot to align the aircraft with a
runway for landing when a straight-in landing from
an instrument approach is not possible or is not
desirable. At tower controlled airports, this maneuver
is made only after ATC authorization has been
obtained and the pilot has established required visual
reference to the airport.
(See CIRCLE TO RUNWAY.)
(See LANDING MINIMUMS.)
(Refer to AIM.)
CIRCLE TO RUNWAY (RUNWAY NUMBER)-
Used by ATC to inform the pilot that he/she must
circle to land because the runway in use is other than
the runway aligned with the instrument approach
procedure. When the direction of the circling
maneuver in relation to the airport/runway is
required, the controller will state the direction (eight
cardinal compass points) and specify a left or right
downwind or base leg as appropriate; e.g., “Cleared
VOR Runway Three Six Approach circle to Runway
Two Two,” or “Circle northwest of the airport for a
right downwind to Runway Two Two.”
(See CIRCLE-TO-LAND MANEUVER.)
(See LANDING MINIMUMS.)
(Refer to AIM.)
CIRCLING APPROACH(See CIRCLE-TO-LAND MANEUVER.)
CIRCLING MANEUVER(See CIRCLE-TO-LAND MANEUVER.)
CIRCLING MINIMA(See LANDING MINIMUMS.)
CLASS A AIRSPACE(See CONTROLLED AIRSPACE.)
CLASS B AIRSPACE(See CONTROLLED AIRSPACE.)
CLASS C AIRSPACE(See CONTROLLED AIRSPACE.)
CLASS D AIRSPACE(See CONTROLLED AIRSPACE.)
CLASS E AIRSPACE(See CONTROLLED AIRSPACE.)
CLASS G AIRSPACE- That airspace not designated
as Class A, B, C, D or E.
CLEAR AIR TURBULENCE (CAT)- Turbulence
encountered in air where no clouds are present. This
term is commonly applied to high-level turbulence
associated with wind shear. CAT is often encountered
in the vicinity of the jet stream.
(See WIND SHEAR.)
(See JET STREAM.)
CLEAR OF THE RUNWAYa. Taxiing aircraft, which is approaching a
runway, is clear of the runway when all parts of the
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG C-3
aircraft are held short of the applicable runway
holding position marking.
b. A pilot or controller may consider an aircraft,
which is exiting or crossing a runway, to be clear of
the runway when all parts of the aircraft are beyond
the runway edge and there are no restrictions to its
continued movement beyond the applicable runway
holding position marking.
c. Pilots and controllers shall exercise good
judgement to ensure that adequate separation exists
between all aircraft on runways and taxiways at
airports with inadequate runway edge lines or
holding position markings.
CLEARANCE(See AIR TRAFFIC CLEARANCE.)
CLEARANCE LIMIT- The fix, point, or location to
which an aircraft is cleared when issued an air traffic
clearance.
(See ICAO term CLEARANCE LIMIT.)
CLEARANCE LIMIT - The point of which
an aircraft is granted an air traffic control clearance.
CLEARANCE VOID IF NOT OFF BY (TIME)-
Used by ATC to advise an aircraft that the departure
clearance is automatically canceled if takeoff is not
made prior to a specified time. The pilot must obtain
a new clearance or cancel his/her IFR flight plan if not
off by the specified time.
(See ICAO term CLEARANCE VOID TIME.)
CLEARANCE VOID TIME - A time
specified by an air traffic control unit at which a
clearance ceases to be valid unless the aircraft
concerned has already taken action to comply
therewith.
CLEARED APPROACH- ATC authorization for an
aircraft to execute any standard or special instrument
approach procedure for that airport. Normally, an
aircraft will be cleared for a specific instrument
approach procedure.
(See CLEARED (Type of) APPROACH.)
(See INSTRUMENT APPROACH
PROCEDURE.)
(Refer to 14 CFR Part 91.)
(Refer to AIM.)
CLEARED (Type of) APPROACH- ATC authorization for an aircraft to execute a specific instrument
approach procedure to an airport; e.g., “Cleared ILS
Runway Three Six Approach.”
(See APPROACH CLEARANCE.)
(See INSTRUMENT APPROACH
PROCEDURE.)
(Refer to 14 CFR Part 91.)
(Refer to AIM.)
CLEARED AS FILED- Means the aircraft is cleared
to proceed in accordance with the route of flight filed
in the flight plan. This clearance does not include the
altitude, DP, or DP Transition.
(See REQUEST FULL ROUTE CLEARANCE.)
(Refer to AIM.)
CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF- ATC authorization
for an aircraft to depart. It is predicated on known
traffic and known physical airport conditions.
CLEARED FOR THE OPTION- ATC authorization for an aircraft to make a touch-and-go, low
approach, missed approach, stop and go, or full stop
landing at the discretion of the pilot. It is normally
used in training so that an instructor can evaluate a
student's performance under changing situations.
(See OPTION APPROACH.)
(Refer to AIM.)
CLEARED THROUGH- ATC authorization for an
aircraft to make intermediate stops at specified
airports without refiling a flight plan while en route
to the clearance limit.
CLEARED TO LAND- ATC authorization for an
aircraft to land. It is predicated on known traffic and
known physical airport conditions.
CLEARWAY- An area beyond the takeoff runway
under the control of airport authorities within which
terrain or fixed obstacles may not extend above
specified limits. These areas may be required for
certain turbine-powered operations and the size and
upward slope of the clearway will differ depending on
when the aircraft was certificated.
(Refer to 14 CFR Part 1.)
CLIMB TO VFR- ATC authorization for an aircraft
to climb to VFR conditions within Class B, C, D, and
E surface areas when the only weather limitation is
restricted visibility. The aircraft must remain clear of
clouds while climbing to VFR.
(See SPECIAL VFR CONDITIONS.)
(Refer to AIM.)
CLIMBOUT- That portion of flight operation
between takeoff and the initial cruising altitude.
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG C-4
CLOSE PARALLEL RUNWAYS- Two parallel
runways whose extended centerlines are separated by
less than 4,300 feet, having a Precision Runway
Monitoring (PRM) system that permits simultaneous
independent ILS approaches.
CLOSED RUNWAY- A runway that is unusable for
aircraft operations. Only the airport management/
military operations office can close a runway.
CLOSED TRAFFIC- Successive operations involving takeoffs and landings or low approaches where
the aircraft does not exit the traffic pattern.
CLOUD- A cloud is a visible accumulation of
minute water droplets and/or ice particles in the
atmosphere above the Earth's surface. Cloud differs
from ground fog, fog, or ice fog only in that the latter
are, by definition, in contact with the Earth's surface.
CLT(See CALCULATED LANDING TIME.)
CLUTTER- In radar operations, clutter refers to the
reception and visual display of radar returns caused
by precipitation, chaff, terrain, numerous aircraft
targets, or other phenomena. Such returns may limit
or preclude ATC from providing services based on
radar.
(See CHAFF.)
(See GROUND CLUTTER.)
(See PRECIPITATION.)
(See TARGET.)
(See ICAO term RADAR CLUTTER.)
CMNPS(See CANADIAN MINIMUM NAVIGATION
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION AIRSPACE.)
COASTAL FIX- A navigation aid or intersection
where an aircraft transitions between the domestic
route structure and the oceanic route structure.
CODES- The number assigned to a particular
multiple pulse reply signal transmitted by a
transponder.
(See DISCRETE CODE.)
COMBINED CENTER-RAPCON- An air traffic
facility which combines the functions of an ARTCC
and a radar approach control facility.
(See AIR ROUTE TRAFFIC CONTROL
CENTER.)
(See RADAR APPROACH CONTROL
FACILITY.)
COMMON POINT- A significant point over which
two or more aircraft will report passing or have
reported passing before proceeding on the same or
diverging tracks. To establish/maintain longitudinal
separation, a controller may determine a common
point not originally in the aircraft's flight plan and
then clear the aircraft to fly over the point.
(See SIGNIFICANT POINT.)
COMMON PORTION(See COMMON ROUTE.)
COMMON ROUTE- That segment of a North
American Route between the inland navigation
facility and the coastal fix.
OR
COMMON ROUTE- Typically the portion of a
RNAV STAR between the en route transition end
point and the runway transition start point; however,
the common route may only consist of a single point
that joins the en route and runway transitions.
COMMON TRAFFIC ADVISORY FREQUENCY
(CTAF)- A frequency designed for the purpose of
carrying out airport advisory practices while
operating to or from an airport without an operating
control tower. The CTAF may be a UNICOM,
Multicom, FSS, or tower frequency and is identified
in appropriate aeronautical publications.
(Refer to AC 90-42, Traffic Advisory Practices at
Airports Without Operating Control Towers.)
COMPASS LOCATOR- A low power, low or
medium frequency (L/MF) radio beacon installed at
the site of the outer or middle marker of an instrument
landing system (ILS). It can be used for navigation at
distances of approximately 15 miles or as authorized
in the approach procedure.
a. Outer Compass Locator (LOM)- A compass
locator installed at the site of the outer marker of an
instrument landing system.
(See OUTER MARKER.)
b. Middle Compass Locator (LMM)- A compass
locator installed at the site of the middle marker of an
instrument landing system.
(See MIDDLE MARKER.)
(See ICAO term LOCATOR.)
COMPASS ROSE- A circle, graduated in degrees,
printed on some charts or marked on the ground at an
airport. It is used as a reference to either true or
magnetic direction.
COMPLY WITH RESTRIC TIONS - An ATC
instruction that requires an aircraft being vectored
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG C-5
back onto an arrival or departure procedure to comply
with all altitude and/or speed restrictions depicted on
the procedure. This term may be used in lieu of
repeating each remaining restriction that appears on
the procedure.
COMPOSITE FLIGHT PLAN- A flight plan which
specifies VFR operation for one portion of flight and
IFR for another portion. It is used primarily in
military operations.
(Refer to AIM.)
COMPOSITE ROUTE SYSTEM- An organized
oceanic route structure, incorporating reduced lateral
spacing between routes, in which composite
separation is authorized.
COMPOSITE SEPARATION- A method of separating aircraft in a composite route system where, by
management of route and altitude assignments, a
combination of half the lateral minimum specified for
the area concerned and half the vertical minimum is
applied.
COMPULSORY REPORTING POINTS- Reporting
points which must be reported to ATC. They are
designated on aeronautical charts by solid triangles or
filed in a flight plan as fixes selected to define direct
routes. These points are geographical locations
which are defined by navigation aids/fixes. Pilots
should discontinue position reporting over compulsory reporting points when informed by ATC that
their aircraft is in “radar contact.”
CONFLICT ALERT- A function of certain air traffic
control automated systems designed to alert radar
controllers to existing or pending situations between
tracked targets (known IFR or VFR aircraft) that
require his/her immediate attention/action.
(See MODE C INTRUDER ALERT.)
CONFLICT RESOLUTION- The resolution of
potential conflictions between aircraft that are radar
identified and in communication with ATC by
ensuring that radar targets do not touch. Pertinent
traffic advisories shall be issued when this procedure
is applied.
Note:_This procedure shall not be provided utilizing
mosaic radar systems.
CONFORMANCE- The condition established when
an aircraft's actual position is within the conformance
region constructed around that aircraft at its position,
according to the trajectory associated with the
aircraft's Current Plan.
CONFORMANCE REGION- A volume, bounded
laterally, vertically, and longitudinally, within which
an aircraft must be at a given time in order to be in
conformance with the Current Plan Trajectory for that
aircraft. At a given time, the conformance region is
determined by the simultaneous application of the
lateral, vertical, and longitudinal conformance
bounds for the aircraft at the position defined by time
and aircraft's trajectory.
CONSOLAN- A low frequency, long-distance
NAVAID used principally for transoceanic navigations.
CONTACTa. Establish communication with (followed by the
name of the facility and, if appropriate, the frequency
to be used).
b. A flight condition wherein the pilot ascertains
the attitude of his/her aircraft and navigates by visual
reference to the surface.
(See CONTACT APPROACH.)
(See RADAR CONTACT.)
CONTACT APPROACH- An approach wherein an
aircraft on an IFR flight plan, having an air traffic
control authorization, operating clear of clouds with
at least 1 mile flight visibility and a reasonable
expectation of continuing to the destination airport in
those conditions, may deviate from the instrument
approach procedure and proceed to the destination
airport by visual reference to the surface. This
approach will only be authorized when requested by
the pilot and the reported ground visibility at the
destination airport is at least 1 statute mile.
(Refer to AIM.)
CONTAMINATED RUNWAY- A runway is
considered contaminated whenever standing water,
ice, snow, slush, frost in any form, heavy rubber, or
other substances are present. A runway is contaminated with respect to rubber deposits or other
friction-degrading substances when the average
friction value for any 500-foot segment of the runway
within the ALD fails below the recommended
minimum friction level and the average friction value
in the adjacent 500-foot segments falls below the
maintenance planning friction level.
CONTERMINOUS U.S.- The 48 adjoining States
and the District of Columbia.
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG C-6
CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES- The 49 States
located on the continent of North America and the
District of Columbia.
CONTINUE- When used as a control instruction
should be followed by another word or words
clarifying what is expected of the pilot. Example:
“continue taxi,” “continue descent,” “continue
inbound,” etc.
CONTROL AREA - A controlled airspace
extending upwards from a specified limit above the
earth.
CONTROL SECTOR- An airspace area of defined
horizontal and vertical dimensions for which a
controller or group of controllers has air traffic
control responsibility, normally within an air route
traffic control center or an approach control facility.
Sectors are established based on predominant traffic
flows, altitude strata, and controller workload.
Pilot-communications during operations within a
sector are normally maintained on discrete frequencies assigned to the sector.
(See DISCRETE FREQUENCY.)
CONTROL SLASH- A radar beacon slash representing the actual position of the associated aircraft.
Normally, the control slash is the one closest to the
interrogating radar beacon site. When ARTCC radar
is operating in narrowband (digitized) mode, the
control slash is converted to a target symbol.
CONTROLLED AIR SPACE- An airspace of
defined dimensions within which air traffic control
service is provided to IFR flights and to VFR flights
in accordance with the airspace classification.
a. Controlled airspace is a generic term that covers
Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E
airspace.
b. Controlled airspace is also that airspace within
which all aircraft operators are subject to certain pilot
qualifications, operating rules, and equipment
requirem ents in 14 CFR Part 91 (for specific
operating requirements, please refer to 14 CFR
Part 91). For IFR operations in any class of controlled
airspace, a pilot must file an IFR flight plan and
receive an appropriate ATC clearance. Each Class B,
Class C, and Class D airspace area designated for an
airport contains at least one primary airport around
which the airspace is designated (for specific
designations and descriptions of the airspace classes,
please refer to 14 CFR Part 71).
c. Controlled airspace in the United States is
designated as follows:
1. CLASS A- Generally, that airspace from
18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL 600,
including the airspace overlying the waters within 12
nautical miles of the coast of the 48 contiguous States
and Alaska. Unless otherwise authorized, all persons
must operate their aircraft under IFR.
2. CLASS B- Generally, that airspace from the
surface to 10,000 feet MSL surrounding the nation's
busiest airports in terms of airport operations or
passenger enplanements. The configuration of each
Class B airspace area is individually tailored and
consists of a surface area and two or more layers
(some Class B airspaces areas resemble upside-down
wedding cakes), and is designed to contain all
published instrument procedures once an aircraft
enters the airspace. An ATC clearance is required for
all aircraft to operate in the area, and all aircraft that
are so cleared receive separation services within the
airspace. The cloud clearance requirement for VFR
operations is “clear of clouds.”
3. CLASS C- Generally, that airspace from the
surface to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation
(charted in MSL) surrounding those airports that
have an operational control tower, are serviced by a
radar approach control, and that have a certain
number of IFR operations or passenger enplanements. Although the configuration of each Class C
area is individually tailored, the airspace usually
consists of a surface area with a 5 nautical mile (NM)
radius, a circle with a 10NM radius that extends no
lower than 1,200 feet up to 4,000 feet above the
airport elevation and an outer area that is not charted.
Each person must establish two-way radio communications with the ATC facility providing air traffic
services prior to entering the airspace and thereafter
maintain those communications while within the
airspace. VFR aircraft are only separated from IFR
aircraft within the airspace.
(See OUTER AREA.)
4. CLASS D- Generally, that airspace from the
surface to 2,500 feet above the airport elevation
(charted in MSL) surrounding those airports that
have an operational control tower. The configuration
of each Class D airspace area is individually tailored
and when instrument procedures are published, the
airspace will normally be designed to contain the
procedures. Arrival extensions for instrument
approach procedures may be Class D or Class E
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG C-7
airspace. Unless otherwise authorized, each person
must establish two-way radio communications with
the ATC facility providing air traffic services prior to
entering the airspace and thereafter maintain those
communications while in the airspace. No separation
services are provided to VFR aircraft.
5. CLASS E- Generally, if the airspace is not
Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D, and it is
controlled airspace, it is Class E airspace. Class E
airspace extends upward from either the surface or a
designated altitude to the overlying or adjacent
controlled airspace. When designated as a surface
area, the airspace will be configured to contain all
instrument procedures. Also in this class are Federal
airways, airspace beginning at either 700 or 1,200
feet AGL used to transition to/from the terminal or en
route environment, en route domestic, and offshore
airspace areas designated below 18,000 feet MSL.
Unless designated at a lower altitude, Class E
airspace begins at 14,500 MSL over the United
States, including that airspace overlying the waters
within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the 48
contiguous States and Alaska, up to, but not
including 18,000 feet MSL, and the airspace above
FL 600.
CONTROLLED AIRSPACE - An airspace
of defined dimensions within which air traffic control
service is provided to IFR flights and to VFR flights
in accordance with the airspace classification.
Note:_Controlled airspace is a generic term which
covers ATS airspace Classes A, B, C, D, and E.
CONTROLLED TIME OF ARRIVAL- Arrival time
assigned during a Traffic Management Program. This
time may be modified due to adjustments or user
options.
CONTROLLER(See AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST.)
CONTROLLER - A person authorized to
provide air traffic control services.
CONTROLLER PILOT DATA LINK COMMU­
NICATIONS (CPDLC)- A two-way digital very
high frequency (VHF) air/ground communications
system that conveys textual air traffic control
messages between controllers and pilots.
CONVECTIVE SIGMET- A weather advisory
concerning convective weather significant to the
safety of all aircraft. Convective SIGMETs are issued
for tornadoes, lines of thunderstorms, embedded
thunderstorms of any intensity level, areas of
thunderstorms greater than or equal to VIP level 4
with an area coverage of 4
/10 (40%) or more, and hail
3
/4 inch or greater.
(See AIRMET.)
(See AWW.)
(See CWA.)
(See SIGMET.)
(Refer to AIM.)
CONVECTIVE SIGNIFICANT METEOROLOG­
ICAL INFORMATION(See CONVECTIVE SIGMET.)
COORDINATES- The intersection of lines of
reference, usually expressed in degrees/minutes/
seconds of latitude and longitude, used to determine
position or location.
COORDINATION FIX- The fix in relation to which
facilities will handoff, transfer control of an aircraft,
or coordinate flight progress data. For terminal
facilities, it may also serve as a clearance for arriving
aircraft.
COPTER(See HELICOPTER.)
CORRECTION- An error has been made in the
transmission and the correct version follows.
COUPLED APPROACH- A coupled approach is an
instrument approach performed by the aircraft
autopilot which is receiving position information
and/or steering commands from onboard navigation
equipment. In general, coupled nonprecision approaches must be discontinued and flown manually
at altitudes lower than 50 feet below the minimum
descent altitude, and coupled precision approaches
must be flown manually below 50 feet AGL.
Note:_Coupled and autoland approaches are flown
in VFR and IFR. It is common for carriers to require
their crews to fly coupled approaches and autoland
approaches (if certified) when the weather
conditions are less than approximately 4,000 RVR.
(See AUTOLAND APPROACH.)
COURSEa. The intended direction of flight in the horizontal
plane measured in degrees from north.
b. The ILS localizer signal pattern usually
specified as the front course or the back course.
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG C-8
c. The intended track along a straight, curved, or
segmented MLS path.
(See BEARING.)
(See INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM.)
(See MICROWAVE LANDING SYSTEM.)
(See RADIAL.)
CPDLC(See CONTROLLER PILOT DATA LINK
COMMUNICATIONS.)
CPL -
(See ICAO term CURRENT FLIGHT PLAN.)
CRITICAL ENGINE- The engine which, upon
failure, would most adversely affect the performance
or handling qualities of an aircraft.
CROSS (FIX) AT (ALTITUDE)- Used by ATC
when a specific altitude restriction at a specified fix
is required.
CROSS (FIX) AT OR ABOVE (ALTITUDE)- Used
by ATC when an altitude restriction at a specified fix
is required. It does not prohibit the aircraft from
crossing the fix at a higher altitude than specified;
however, the higher altitude may not be one that will
violate a succeeding altitude restriction or altitude
assignment.
(See ALTITUDE RESTRICTION.)
(Refer to AIM.)
CROSS (FIX) AT OR BELOW (ALTITUDE)-
Used by ATC when a maximum crossing altitude at
a specific fix is required. It does not prohibit the
aircraft from crossing the fix at a lower altitude;
however, it must be at or above the minimum IFR
altitude.
(See ALTITUDE RESTRICTION.)
(See MINIMUM IFR ALTITUDES.)
(Refer to 14 CFR Part 91.)
CROSSWINDa. When used concerning the traffic pattern, the
word means “crosswind leg.”
(See TRAFFIC PATTERN.)
b. When used concerning wind conditions, the
word means a wind not parallel to the runway or the
path of an aircraft.
(See CROSSWIND COMPONENT.)
CROSSWIND COMPONENT- The wind component measured in knots at 90 degrees to the
longitudinal axis of the runway.
CRUISE- Used in an ATC clearance to authorize a
pilot to conduct flight at any altitude from the
minimum IFR altitude up to and including the
altitude specified in the clearance. The pilot may
level off at any intermediate altitude within this block
of airspace. Climb/descent within the block is to be
made at the discretion of the pilot. However, once the
pilot starts descent and verbally reports leaving an
altitude in the block, he/she may not return to that
altitude without additional ATC clearance. Further, it
is approval for the pilot to proceed to and make an
approach at destination airport and can be used in
conjunction with:
a. An airport clearance limit at locations with a
standard/special instrument approach procedure. The
CFRs require that if an instrument letdown to an
airport is necessary, the pilot shall make the letdown
in accordance with a standard/special instrument
approach procedure for that airport, or
b. An airport clearance limit at locations that are
within/below/outside controlled airspace and without a standard/special instrument approach
procedure. Such a clearance is NOT AUTHORIZA­
TION for the pilot to descend under IFR conditions
below the applicable minimum IFR altitude nor does
it imply that ATC is exercising control over aircraft
in Class G airspace; however, it provides a means for
the aircraft to proceed to destination airport, descend,
and land in accordance with applicable CFRs
governing VFR flight operations. Also, this provides
search and rescue protection until such time as the
IFR flight plan is closed.
(See INSTRUMENT APPROACH
PROCEDURE.)
CRUISE CLIMB- A climb technique employed by
aircraft, usually at a constant power setting, resulting
in an increase of altitude as the aircraft weight
decreases.
CRUISING ALTITUDE- An altitude or flight level
maintained during en route level flight. This is a
constant altitude and should not be confused with a
cruise clearance.
(See ALTITUDE.)
(See ICAO term CRUISING LEVEL.)
CRUISING LEVEL(See CRUISING ALTITUDE.)
CRUISING LEVEL - A level maintained
during a significant portion of a flight.
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG C-9
CT MESSAGE- An EDCT time generated by the
ATCSCC to regulate traffic at arrival airports.
Normally, a CT message is automatically transferred
from the Traffic Management System computer to the
NAS en route computer and appears as an EDCT. In
the event of a communication failure between the
TMS and the NAS, the CT message can be manually
entered by the TMC at the en route facility.
CTA(See CONTROLLED TIME OF ARRIVAL.)
(See ICAO term CONTROL AREA.)
CTAF(See COMMON TRAFFIC ADVISORY
FREQUENCY.)
CTAS(See CENTER TRACON AUTOMATION
SYSTEM.)
CTRD(See CERTIFIED TOWER RADAR DISPLAY.)
CURRENT FLIGHT PLAN - The flight
plan, including changes, if any, brought about by
subsequent clearances.
CURRENT PLAN- The ATC clearance the aircraft
has received and is expected to fly.
CVFP APPROACH(See CHARTED VISUAL FLIGHT PROCEDURE
APPROACH.)
CWA(See CENTER WEATHER ADVISORY and
WEATHER ADVISORY.)
JO 7110.65S 2/14/08
-2
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG D-1
D
D-ATIS(See DIGITAL-AUTOMATIC TERMINAL
INFORMATION SERVICE.)
DA -
(See ICAO Term DECISION
ALTITUDE/DECISION HEIGHT.)
DAIR(See DIRECT ALTITUDE AND IDENTITY
READOUT.)
DANGER AREA - An airspace of defined
dimensions within which activities dangerous to the
flight of aircraft may exist at specified times.
Note:_The term “Danger Area” is not used in
reference to areas within the United States or any
of its possessions or territories.
DAS(See DELAY ASSIGNMENT.)
DATA BLOCK(See ALPHANUMERIC DISPLAY.)
DEAD RECKONING- Dead reckoning, as applied
to flying, is the navigation of an airplane solely by
means of computations based on airspeed, course,
heading, wind direction, and speed, groundspeed,
and elapsed time.
DECIS ION ALTITUDE/DECIS ION HEIGHT
- A specified altitude or height (A/H) in the
precision approach at which a missed approach must
be initiated if the required visual reference to
continue the approach has not been established.
Note 1:_Decision altitude is referenced to
mean sea level and decision height is
referenced to the threshold elevation.
Note 2:_The required visual reference means that
section of the visual aids or of the approach area
which should have been in view for sufficient time
for the pilot to have made an assessment of the
aircraft position and rate of change of position, in
relation to the desired flight path.
DECISION HEIGHT- With respect to the operation
of aircraft, means the height at which a decision must
be made during an ILS, MLS, or PAR instrument
approach to either continue the approach or to execute
a missed approach.
(See ICAO term DECISION
ALTITUDE/DECISION HEIGHT.)
DECODER- The device used to decipher signals
received from ATCRBS transponders to effect their
display as select codes.
(See CODES.)
(See RADAR.)
DEFENSE VIS UAL FLIGHT RULES- Rules
applicable to flights within an ADIZ conducted under
the visual flight rules in 14 CFR Part 91.
(See AIR DEFENSE IDENTIFICATION ZONE.)
(Refer to 14 CFR Part 91.)
(Refer to 14 CFR Part 99.)
DELAY ASSIGNMENT (DAS)- Delays are distributed to aircraft based on the traffic management
program parameters. The delay assignment is
calculated in 15-minute increments and appears as a
table in Enhanced Traffic Management System
(ETMS).
DELAY INDEFINITE (REASON IF KNOWN)
EXPECT FURTHER CLEARANCE (TIME)- Used
by ATC to inform a pilot when an accurate estimate
of the delay time and the reason for the delay cannot
immediately be determined; e.g., a disabled aircraft
on the runway, terminal or center area saturation,
weather below landing minimums, etc.
(See EXPECT FURTHER CLEARANCE (TIME).)
DELAY TIME- The amount of time that the arrival
must lose to cross the meter fix at the assigned meter
fix time. This is the difference between ACLT and
VTA.
DEPARTURE CENTER- The ARTCC having
jurisdiction for the airspace that generates a flight to
the impacted airport.
DEPARTURE CONTROL- A function of an
approach control facility providing air traffic control
service for departing IFR and, under certain
conditions, VFR aircraft.
(See APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY.)
(Refer to AIM.)
DEPARTURE SEQUENCING PROGRAM- A
program designed to assist in achieving a specified
interval over a common point for departures.
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG D-2
DEPARTURE TIME- The time an aircraft becomes
airborne.
DESCENT SPEED ADJUSTMENTS- Speed deceleration calculations made to determine an accurate
VTA. These calculations start at the transition point
and use arrival speed segments to the vertex.
DESIRED COURSEa. True- A predetermined desired course direction
to be followed (measured in degrees from true north).
b. Magnetic- A predetermined desired course
direction to be followed (measured in degrees from
local magnetic north).
DESIRED TRACK- The planned or intended track
between two waypoints. It is measured in degrees
from either magnetic or true north. The instantaneous
angle may change from point to point along the great
circle track between waypoints.
DETRESFA (DISTRESS PHASE) - The
code word used to designate an emergency phase
wherein there is reasonable certainty that an aircraft
and its occupants are threatened by grave and
imminent danger or require immediate assistance.
DEVIATIONSa. A departure from a current clearance, such as an
off course maneuver to avoid weather or turbulence.
b. Where specifically authorized in the CFRs and
requested by the pilot, ATC may permit pilots to
deviate from certain regulations.
(Refer to AIM.)
DF(See DIRECTION FINDER.)
DF APPROACH PROCEDURE- Used under
emergency conditions where another instrument
approach procedure cannot be executed. DF guidance
for an instrument approach is given by ATC facilities
with DF capability.
(See DF GUIDANCE.)
(See DIRECTION FINDER.)
(Refer to AIM.)
DF FIX- The geographical location of an aircraft
obtained by one or more direction finders.
(See DIRECTION FINDER.)
DF GUIDANCE- Headings provided to aircraft by
facilities equipped with direction finding equipment.
These headings, if followed, will lead the aircraft to
a predetermined point such as the DF station or an
airport. DF guidance is given to aircraft in distress or
to other aircraft which request the service. Practice
DF guidance is provided when workload permits.
(See DIRECTION FINDER.)
(See DF FIX.)
(Refer to AIM.)
DF STEER(See DF GUIDANCE.)
DH(See DECISION HEIGHT.)
DH -
(See ICAO Term DECISION ALTITUDE/
DECISION HEIGHT.)
DIGITAL-AUTOMATIC TERMINAL INFORMA­
TION SERVICE (D-ATIS)- The service provides
text messages to aircraft, airlines, and other users
outside the standard reception range of conventional
ATIS via landline and data link communications to
the cockpit. Also, the service provides a computersynthesized voice message that can be transmitted to
all aircraft within range of existing transmitters. The
Term inal Data Link System (TDLS) D-ATIS
application uses weather inputs from local automated
weather sources or manually entered meteorological
data together with preprogrammed menus to provide
standard information to users. Airports with D-ATIS
capability are listed in the Airport/Facility Directory.
DIGITAL TARGET- A computer-generated symbol
representing an aircraft's position, based on a primary
return or radar beacon reply, shown on a digital
display.
DIGITAL TERMINAL AUTOMATION SYSTEM
(DTAS)- A system where digital radar and beacon
data is presented on digital displays and the
operational program monitors the system performance on a real-time basis.
DIGITIZED TARGET- A computer-generated
indication shown on an analog radar display resulting
from a primary radar return or a radar beacon reply.
DIRECT- Straight line flight between two navigational aids, fixes, points, or any combination thereof.
When used by pilots in describing off-airway routes,
points defining direct route segments become
compulsory reporting points unless the aircraft is
under radar contact.
DIRECT ALTITUDE AND IDENTITY READ­
OUT- The DAIR System is a modification to the
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG D-3
AN/TPX-42 Interrogator System. The Navy has two
adaptations of the DAIR System-Carrier Air Traffic
Control Direct Altitude and Identification Readout
System for Aircraft Carriers and Radar Air Traffic
Control Facility Direct Altitude and Identity Readout
System for land-based terminal operations. The
DAIR detects, tracks, and predicts secondary radar
aircraft targets. Targets are displayed by means of
computer-generated symbols and alphanumeric
characters depicting flight identification, altitude,
ground speed, and flight plan data. The DAIR System
is capable of interfacing with ARTCCs.
DIRECTION FINDER- A radio receiver equipped
with a directional sensing antenna used to take
bearings on a radio transmitter. Specialized radio
direction finders are used in aircraft as air navigation
aids. Others are ground-based, primarily to obtain a
“fix” on a pilot requesting orientation assistance or to
locate downed aircraft. A location “fix” is established
by the intersection of two or more bearing lines
plotted on a navigational chart using either two
separately located Direction Finders to obtain a fix on
an aircraft or by a pilot plotting the bearing
indications of his/her DF on two separately located
ground-based transmitters, both of which can be
identified on his/her chart. UDFs receive signals in
the ultra high frequency radio broadcast band; VDFs
in the very high frequency band; and UVDFs in both
bands. ATC provides DF service at those air traffic
control towers and flight service stations listed in the
Airport/Facility Directory and the DOD FLIP IFR En
Route Supplement.
(See DF FIX.)
(See DF GUIDANCE.)
DIRECTLY BEHIND- An aircraft is considered to
be operating directly behind when it is following the
actual flight path of the lead aircraft over the surface
of the earth except when applying wake turbulence
separation criteria.
DISCRETE BEACON CODE(See DISCRETE CODE.)
DISCRETE CODE- As used in the Air Traffic
Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS), any one
of the 4096 selectable Mode 3/A aircraft transponder
codes except those ending in zero zero; e.g., discrete
codes: 0010, 1201, 2317, 7777; nondiscrete codes:
0100, 1200, 7700. Nondiscrete codes are normally
reserved for radar facilities that are not equipped with
discrete decoding capability and for other purposes
such as emergencies (7700), VFR aircraft (1200), etc.
(See RADAR.)
(Refer to AIM.)
DIS CRETE FREQUENCY- A separate radio
frequency for use in direct pilot-controller communications in air traffic control which reduces
frequency congestion by controlling the number of
aircraft operating on a particular frequency at one
time. Discrete frequencies are normally designated
for each control sector in en route/terminal ATC
facilities. Discrete frequencies are listed in the
Airport/Facility Directory and the DOD FLIP IFR En
Route Supplement.
(See CONTROL SECTOR.)
DISPLACED THRESHOLD- A threshold that is
located at a point on the runway other than the
designated beginning of the runway.
(See THRESHOLD.)
(Refer to AIM.)
DISTANCE MEASURING EQUIPMENT- Equipment (airborne and ground) used to measure, in
nautical miles, the slant range distance of an aircraft
from the DME navigational aid.
(See MICROWAVE LANDING SYSTEM.)
(See TACAN.)
(See VORTAC.)
DISTRESS- A condition of being threatened by
serious and/or imminent danger and of requiring
immediate assistance.
DIVE BRAKES(See SPEED BRAKES.)
DIVERSE VECTOR AREA- In a radar environment, that area in which a prescribed departure route
is not required as the only suitable route to avoid
obstacles. The area in which random radar vectors
below the MVA/MIA, established in accordance with
the TERPS criteria for diverse departures, obstacles
and terrain avoidance, may be issued to departing
aircraft.
DIVERSION (DVRSN)- Flights that are required to
land at other than their original destination for
reasons beyond the control of the pilot/company, e.g.
periods of significant weather.
DME(See DISTANCE MEASURING EQUIPMENT.)
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG D-4
DME FIX- A geographical position determined by
reference to a navigational aid which provides
distance and azimuth information. It is defined by a
specific distance in nautical miles and a radial,
azimuth, or course (i.e., localizer) in degrees
magnetic from that aid.
(See DISTANCE MEASURING EQUIPMENT.)
(See FIX.)
(See MICROWAVE LANDING SYSTEM.)
DME SEPARATION- Spacing of aircraft in terms of
distances (nautical miles) determined by reference to
distance measuring equipment (DME).
(See DISTANCE MEASURING EQUIPMENT.)
DOD FLIP- Department of Defense Flight Information Publications used for flight planning, en route,
and terminal operations. FLIP is produced by the
National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) for
world-wide use. United States Government Flight
Information Publications (en route charts and
instrument approach procedure charts) are incorporated in DOD FLIP for use in the National Airspace
System (NAS).
DOMESTIC AIRSPACE- Airspace which overlies
the continental land mass of the United States plus
Hawaii and U.S. possessions. Domestic airspace
extends to 12 miles offshore.
DOWNBURST- A strong downdraft which induces
an outburst of damaging winds on or near the ground.
Damaging winds, either straight or curved, are highly
divergent. The sizes of downbursts vary from 1/2
mile or less to more than 10 miles. An intense
downburst often causes widespread damage. Damaging winds, lasting 5 to 30 minutes, could reach speeds
as high as 120 knots.
DOWNWIND LEG(See TRAFFIC PATTERN.)
DP(See INSTRUMENT DEPARTURE PROCEDURE.)
DRAG CHUTE- A parachute device installed on
certain aircraft which is deployed on landing roll to
assist in deceleration of the aircraft.
DSP(See DEPARTURE SEQUENCING PROGRAM.)
DT(See DELAY TIME.)
DTAS(See DIGITAL TERMINAL AUTOMATION
SYSTEM.)
DUE REGARD- A phase of flight wherein an
aircraft commander of a State-operated aircraft
assumes responsibility to separate his/her aircraft
from all other aircraft.
(See also FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 1-2-1, WORD
MEANINGS.)
DUTY RUNWAY(See RUNWAY IN USE/ACTIVE RUNWAY/DUTY
RUNWAY.)
DVA(See DIVERSE VECTOR AREA.)
DVFR(See DEFENSE VISUAL FLIGHT RULES.)
DVFR FLIGHT PLAN- A flight plan filed for a VFR
aircraft which intends to operate in airspace within
which the ready identification, location, and control
of aircraft are required in the interest of national
security.
DVRSN(See DIVERSION.)
DYNAMIC- Continuous review, evaluation, and
change to meet demands.
DYNAMIC RESTRICTIONS- Those restrictions
imposed by the local facility on an “as needed” basis
to manage unpredictable fluctuations in traffic
demands.
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG E-1
E
EAS(See EN ROUTE AUTOMATION SYSTEM.)
EDCT(See EXPECT DEPARTURE CLEARANCE
TIME.)
EFC(See EXPECT FURTHER CLEARANCE (TIME).)
ELT(See EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER.)
EMERGENCY- A distress or an urgency condition.
EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER- A
radio transmitter attached to the aircraft structure
which operates from its own power source on
121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz. It aids in locating
downed aircraft by radiating a downward sweeping
audio tone, 2-4 times per second. It is designed to
function without human action after an accident.
(Refer to 14 CFR Part 91.)
(Refer to AIM.)
E-MSAW(See EN ROUTE MINIMUM SAFE ALTITUDE
WARNING.)
EN ROUTE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SER­
VICES- Air traffic control service provided aircraft
on IFR flight plans, generally by centers, when these
aircraft are operating between departure and
destination terminal areas. When equipment, capabilities, and controller workload permit, certain
advisory/assistance services may be provided to VFR
aircraft.
(See AIR ROUTE TRAFFIC CONTROL
CENTER.)
(Refer to AIM.)
EN ROUTE AUTOMATION SYSTEM (EAS)- The
complex integrated environment consisting of
situation display systems, surveillance systems and
flight data processing, remote devices, decision
support tools, and the related communications
equipment that form the heart of the automated IFR
air traffic control system. It interfaces with automated
terminal systems and is used in the control of en route
IFR aircraft.
(Refer to AIM.)
EN ROUTE CHARTS(See AERONAUTICAL CHART.)
EN ROUTE DESCENT- Descent from the en route
cruising altitude which takes place along the route of
flight.
EN ROUTE FLIGHT ADVISORY SERVICE- A
service specifically designed to provide, upon pilot
request, timely weather information pertinent to
his/her type of flight, intended route of flight, and
altitude. The FSSs providing this service are listed in
the Airport/Facility Directory.
(See FLIGHT WATCH.)
(Refer to AIM.)
EN ROUTE HIGH ALTITUDE CHARTS(See AERONAUTICAL CHART.)
EN ROUTE LOW ALTITUDE CHARTS(See AERONAUTICAL CHART.)
EN ROUTE MINIMUM SAFE ALTITUDE WARN­
ING- A function of the EAS that aids the controller
by providing an alert when a tracked aircraft is below
or predicted by the computer to go below a
predetermined minimum IFR altitude (MIA).
EN ROUTE SPACING PROGRAM (ESP)- A
program designed to assist the exit sector in
achieving the required in-trail spacing.
EN ROUTE TRANSITIONa. Conventional STARs/SIDs. The portion of a
SID/STAR that connects to one or more en route
airway/jet route.
b. RNAV STARs/SIDs. The portion of a STAR
preceding the common route or point, or for a SID the
portion following, that is coded for a specific en route
fix, airway or jet route.
ESP(See EN ROUTE SPACING PROGRAM.)
ESTABLISHED-To be stable or fixed on a route,
route segment, altitude, heading, etc.
ESTIMATED ELAPSED TIME - The
estimated time required to proceed from one
significant point to another.
(See ICAO Term TOTAL ESTIMATED ELAPSED
TIME.)
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG E-2
ESTIMATED OFF-BLOCK TIME - The
estimated time at which the aircraft will commence
movement associated with departure.
ESTIMATED POSITION ERROR (EPE)-
(See Required Navigation Performance)
ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL- The time the
flight is estimated to arrive at the gate (scheduled
operators) or the actual runway on times for
nonscheduled operators.
ESTIMATED TIME EN ROUTE- The estimated
flying time from departure point to destination
(lift-off to touchdown).
ETA(See ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL.)
ETE(See ESTIMATED TIME EN ROUTE.)
EXECUTE MISSED APPROACH- Instructions
issued to a pilot making an instrument approach
which means continue inbound to the missed
approach point and execute the missed approach
procedure as described on the Instrument Approach
Procedure Chart or as previously assigned by ATC.
The pilot may climb immediately to the altitude
specified in the missed approach procedure upon
making a missed approach. No turns should be
initiated prior to reaching the missed approach point.
When conducting an ASR or PAR approach, execute
the assigned missed approach procedure immediately
upon receiving instructions to “execute missed
approach.”
(Refer to AIM.)
EXPECT (ALTITUDE) AT (TIME) or (FIX)- Used
under certain conditions to provide a pilot with an
altitude to be used in the event of two-way
communications failure. It also provides altitude
information to assist the pilot in planning.
(Refer to AIM.)
EXPECT DEPARTURE CLEARANCE TIME
(EDCT)- The runway release time assigned to an
aircraft in a traffic management program and shown
on the flight progress strip as an EDCT.
(See GROUND DELAY PROGRAM.)
EXPECT FURTHER CLEARANCE (TIME)- The
time a pilot can expect to receive clearance beyond a
clearance limit.
EXPECT FURTHER CLEARANCE VIA (AIR­
WAYS, ROUTES OR FIXES)- Used to inform a
pilot of the routing he/she can expect if any part of the
route beyond a short range clearance limit differs
from that filed.
EXPEDITE- Used by ATC when prompt compliance is required to avoid the development of an
imminent situation. Expedite climb/descent normally indicates to a pilot that the approximate best rate
of climb/descent should be used without requiring an
exceptional change in aircraft handling characteristics.
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG F-1
F
FAF(See FINAL APPROACH FIX.)
FAST FILE- A system whereby a pilot files a flight
plan via telephone that is tape recorded and then
transcribed for transmission to the appropriate air
traffic facility. Locations having a fast file capability
are contained in the Airport/Facility Directory.
(Refer to AIM.)
FAWP- Final Approach Waypoint
FCLT(See FREEZE CALCULATED LANDING TIME.)
FEATHERED PROPELLER- A propeller whose
blades have been rotated so that the leading and
trailing edges are nearly parallel with the aircraft
flight path to stop or minimize drag and engine
rotation. Normally used to indicate shutdown of a
reciprocating or turboprop engine due to malfunction.
FEDERAL AIRWAYS(See LOW ALTITUDE AIRWAY STRUCTURE.)
FEEDER FIX- The fix depicted on Instrument
Approach Procedure Charts which establishes the
starting point of the feeder route.
FEEDER ROUTE- A route depicted on instrument
approach procedure charts to designate routes for
aircraft to proceed from the en route structure to the
initial approach fix (IAF).
(See INSTRUMENT APPROACH
PROCEDURE.)
FERRY FLIGHT- A flight for the purpose of:
a. Returning an aircraft to base.
b. Delivering an aircraft from one location to
another.
c. Moving an aircraft to and from a maintenance
base.- Ferry flights, under certain conditions, may be
conducted under terms of a special flight permit.
FIELD ELEVATION(See AIRPORT ELEVATION.)
FILED- Normally used in conjunction with flight
plans, meaning a flight plan has been submitted to
ATC.
FILED EN ROUTE DELAY- Any of the following
preplanned delays at points/areas along the route of
flight which require special flight plan filing and
handling techniques.
a. Terminal Area Delay. A delay within a terminal
area for touch-and-go, low approach, or other
terminal area activity.
b. Special Use Airspace Delay. A delay within a
Military Operations Area, Restricted Area, Warning
Area, or ATC Assigned Airspace.
c. Aerial Refueling Delay. A delay within an
Aerial Refueling Track or Anchor.
FILED FLIGHT PLAN- The flight plan as filed with
an ATS unit by the pilot or his/her designated
representative without any subsequent changes or
clearances.
FINAL- Commonly used to mean that an aircraft is
on the final approach course or is aligned with a
landing area.
(See FINAL APPROACH COURSE.)
(See FINAL APPROACH-IFR.)
(See SEGMENTS OF AN INSTRUMENT
APPROACH PROCEDURE.)
FINAL APPROACH - That part of an
instrument approach procedure which commences at
the specified final approach fix or point, or where
such a fix or point is not specified.
a. At the end of the last procedure turn, base turn
or inbound turn of a racetrack procedure, if specified;
or
b. At the point of interception of the last track
specified in the approach procedure; and ends at a
point in the vicinity of an aerodrome from which:
1. A landing can be made; or
2. A missed approach procedure is initiated.
FINAL APPROACH COURSE- A bearing/radial/
track of an instrument approach leading to a runway
or an extended runway centerline all without regard
to distance.
FINAL APPROACH FIX- The fix from which the
final approach (IFR) to an airport is executed and
which identifies the beginning of the final approach
segment. It is designated on Government charts by
the Maltese Cross symbol for nonprecision
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG F-2
approaches and the lightning bolt symbol for
precision approaches; or when ATC directs a
lower-than-published glideslope/path intercept altitude, it is the resultant actual point of the
glideslope/path intercept.
(See FINAL APPROACH POINT.)
(See GLIDESLOPE INTERCEPT ALTITUDE.)
(See SEGMENTS OF AN INSTRUMENT
APPROACH PROCEDURE.)
FINAL APPROACH-IFR- The flight path of an
aircraft which is inbound to an airport on a final
instrument approach course, beginning at the final
approach fix or point and extending to the airport or
the point where a circle-to-land maneuver or a missed
approach is executed.
(See FINAL APPROACH COURSE.)
(See FINAL APPROACH FIX.)
(See FINAL APPROACH POINT.)
(See SEGMENTS OF AN INSTRUMENT
APPROACH PROCEDURE.)
(See ICAO term FINAL APPROACH.)
FINAL APPROACH POINT- The point, applicable
only to a nonprecision approach with no depicted
FAF (such as an on airport VOR), where the aircraft
is established inbound on the final approach course
from the procedure turn and where the final approach
descent may be commenced. The FAP serves as the
FAF and identifies the beginning of the final
approach segment.
(See FINAL APPROACH FIX.)
(See SEGMENTS OF AN INSTRUMENT
APPROACH PROCEDURE.)
FINAL APPROACH SEGMENT(See SEGMENTS OF AN INSTRUMENT
APPROACH PROCEDURE.)
FINAL APPROACH SEGMENT - That
segment of an instrument approach procedure in
which alignment and descent for landing are
accomplished.
FINAL CONTROLLER- The controller providing
information and final approach guidance during PAR
and ASR approaches utilizing radar equipment.
(See RADAR APPROACH.)
