c. Nonradar Arrival. An aircraft arriving at an
airport without radar service or at an airport served by
a radar facility and radar contact has not been
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG N-3
established or has been terminated due to a lack of
radar service to the airport.
(See RADAR ARRIVAL.)
(See RADAR SERVICE.)
d. Nonradar Route. A flight path or route over
which the pilot is performing his/her own navigation.
The pilot may be receiving radar separation, radar
monitoring, or other ATC services while on a
nonradar route.
(See RADAR ROUTE.)
e. Nonradar Separation. The spacing of aircraft in
accordance with established minima without the use
of radar; e.g., vertical, lateral, or longitudinal
separation.
(See RADAR SEPARATION.)
(See ICAO term NONRADAR SEPARATION.)
NONRADAR SEPARATION - The separation used when aircraft position information is
derived from sources other than radar.
NON-RESTRICTIVE ROUTING (NRR)- Portions
of a proposed route of flight where a user can flight
plan the most advantageous flight path with no
requirement to make reference to ground-based
NAVAIDs.
NOPAC(See NORTH PACIFIC.)
NORDO(See LOST COMMUNICATIONS.)
NORMAL OPERATING ZONE (NOZ)- The NOZ
is the operating zone within which aircraft flight
remains during normal independent simultaneous
parallel ILS approaches.
NORTH AMERICAN ROUTE- A numerically
coded route preplanned over existing airway and
route systems to and from specific coastal fixes
serving the North Atlantic. North American Routes
consist of the following:
a. Common Route/Portion. That segment of a
North American Route between the inland navigation
facility and the coastal fix.
b. Noncommon Route/Portion. That segment of a
North American Route between the inland navigation
facility and a designated North American terminal.
c. Inland Navigation Facility. A navigation aid on
a North American Route at which the common route
and/or the noncommon route begins or ends.
d. Coastal Fix. A navigation aid or intersection
where an aircraft transitions between the domestic
route structure and the oceanic route structure.
NORTH AMERICAN ROUTE PROGRAM (NRP)-
The NRP is a set of rules and procedures which are
designed to increase the flexibility of user flight
planning within published guidelines.
NORTH MARK- A beacon data block sent by the
host computer to be displayed by the ARTS on a 360
degree bearing at a locally selected radar azimuth and
distance. The North Mark is used to ensure correct
range/azimuth orientation during periods of
CENRAP.
NORTH PACIFIC- An organized route system
between the Alaskan west coast and Japan.
NOTAM(See NOTICE TO AIRMEN.)
NOTAM - A notice containing information
concerning the establishment, condition or change in
any aeronautical facility, service, procedure or
hazard, the timely knowledge of which is essential to
personnel concerned with flight operations.
a. I Distribution- Distribution by means of
telecommunication.
b. II Distribution- Distribution by means other
than telecommunications.
NOTIC E TO AIR MEN- A notice containing
information (not known sufficiently in advance to
publicize by other means) concerning the establishment, condition, or change in any component
(facility, service, or procedure of, or hazard in the
National Airspace System) the timely knowledge of
which is essential to personnel concerned with flight
operations.
a. NOTAM(D)- A NOTAM given (in addition to
local dissemination) distant dissemination beyond
the area of responsibility of the Flight Service
Station. These NOTAMs will be stored and available
until canceled.
b. NOTAM(L)- A NOTAM given local dissemination by voice and other means, such as
telautograph and telephone, to satisfy local user
requirements.
c. FDC NOTAM- A NOTAM regulatory in
nature, transmitted by USNOF and given system
wide dissemination.
(See ICAO term NOTAM.)
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PCG N-4
NOTIC ES TO AIR MEN PUBLIC ATION- A
publication issued every 28 days, designed primarily
for the pilot, which contains current NOTAM
information considered essential to the safety of
flight as well as supplem ental data to other
aeronautical publications. The contraction NTAP is
used in NOTAM text.
(See NOTICE TO AIRMEN.)
NRR(See NON-RESTRICTIVE ROUTING.)
NRS(See NAVIGATION REFERENCE SYSTEM.)
NTAP(See NOTICES TO AIRMEN PUBLICATION.)
NUMEROUS TARGETS VICINITY (LOCA­
TION)- A traffic advisory issued by ATC to advise
pilots that targets on the radar scope are too numerous
to issue individually.
(See TRAFFIC ADVISORIES.)
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PCG O-1
O
OBSTACLE- An existing object, object of natural
growth, or terrain at a fixed geographical location or
which may be expected at a fixed location within a
prescribed area with reference to which vertical
clearance is or must be provided during flight
operation.
OBSTACLE DEPARTURE PROCEDURE (ODP)-
A preplanned instrument flight rule (IFR) departure
procedure printed for pilot use in textual or graphic
form to provide obstruction clearance via the least
onerous route from the term inal area to the
appropriate en route structure. ODPs are recommended for obstruction clearance and may be flown
without ATC clearance unless an alternate departure
procedure (SID or radar vector) has been specifically
assigned by ATC.
(See IFR TAKEOFF MINIMUMS AND
DEPARTURE PROCEDURES.)
(See STANDARD INSTRUMENT
DEPARTURES.)
(Refer to AIM.)
OBSTACLE FREE ZONE- The OFZ is a three
dimensional volume of airspace which protects for
the transition of aircraft to and from the runway. The
OFZ clearing standard precludes taxiing and parked
airplanes and object penetrations, except for
frangible NAVAID locations that are fixed by
function. Additionally, vehicles, equipment, and
personnel may be authorized by air traffic control to
enter the area using the provisions of FAAO JO
7110.65, Para 3-1-5, VEHICLES/EQUIPMENT/
PERSONNEL ON RUNWAYS. The runway OFZ
and when applicable, the inner-approach OFZ, and
the inner-transitional OFZ, comprise the OFZ.
a. Runway OFZ. The runway OFZ is a defined
volume of airspace centered above the runway. The
runway OFZ is the airspace above a surface whose
elevation at any point is the same as the elevation of
the nearest point on the runway centerline. The
runway OFZ extends 200 feet beyond each end of the
runway. The width is as follows:
1. For runways serving large airplanes, the
greater of:
(a) 400 feet, or
(b) 180 feet, plus the wingspan of the most
demanding airplane, plus 20 feet per 1,000 feet of
airport elevation.
2. For runways serving only small airplanes:
(a) 300 feet for precision instrument runways.
(b) 250 feet for other runways serving small
airplanes with approach speeds of 50 knots, or more.
(c) 120 feet for other runways serving small
airplanes with approach speeds of less than 50 knots.
b. Inner-approach OFZ. The inner-approach OFZ
is a defined volume of airspace centered on the
approach area. The inner-approach OFZ applies only
to runways with an approach lighting system. The
inner-approach OFZ begins 200 feet from the runway
threshold at the same elevation as the runway
threshold and extends 200 feet beyond the last light
unit in the approach lighting system. The width of the
inner-approach OFZ is the same as the runway OFZ
and rises at a slope of 50 (horizontal) to 1 (vertical)
from the beginning.
c. Inner-transitional OFZ. The inner transitional
surface OFZ is a defined volume of airspace along the
sides of the runway and inner-approach OFZ and
applies only to precision instrument runways. The
inner-transitional surface OFZ slopes 3 (horizontal)
to 1 (vertical) out from the edges of the runway OFZ
and inner-approach OFZ to a height of 150 feet above
the established airport elevation.
(Refer to AC 150/5300-13, Chapter 3.)
(Refer to FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 3-1-5,
VEHICLES/EQUIPMENT/PERSONNEL ON
RUNWAYS.)
OBSTRUCTION- Any object/obstacle exceeding
the obstruction standards specified by 14 CFR
Part 77, Subpart C.
OBSTRUCTION LIGHT- A light or one of a group
of lights, usually red or white, frequently mounted on
a surface structure or natural terrain to warn pilots of
the presence of an obstruction.
OCEANIC AIRSPACE- Airspace over the oceans of
the world, considered international airspace, where
oceanic separation and procedures per the International Civil Aviation Organization are applied.
Responsibility for the provisions of air traffic control
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PCG O-2
service in this airspace is delegated to various
countries, based generally upon geographic proximity and the availability of the required resources.
OCEANIC DISPLAY AND PLANNING SYS­
TEM- An automated digital display system which
provides flight data processing, conflict probe, and
situation display for oceanic air traffic control.
OCEANIC NAVIGATIONAL ERROR REPORT- A
report filed when an aircraft exiting oceanic airspace
has been observed by radar to be off course. ONER
reporting parameters and procedures are contained in
FAAO 7110.82, Monitoring of Navigational Performance In Oceanic Areas.
OCEANIC PUBLISHED ROUTE- A route established in international airspace and charted or
described in flight information publications, such as
Route Charts, DOD Enroute Charts, Chart Supplements, NOTAMs, and Track Messages.
OCEANIC TRANSITION ROUTE- An ATS route
established for the purpose of transitioning aircraft
to/from an organized track system.
ODAPS(See OCEANIC DISPLAY AND PLANNING
SYSTEM.)
ODP(See OBSTACLE DEPARTURE PROCEDURE.)
OFF COURSE- A term used to describe a situation
where an aircraft has reported a position fix or is
observed on radar at a point not on the ATC-approved
route of flight.
OFF-ROUTE VECTOR- A vector by ATC which
takes an aircraft off a previously assigned route.
Altitudes assigned by ATC during such vectors
provide required obstacle clearance.
OFFSET PARALLEL RUNWAYS- Staggered
runways having centerlines which are parallel.
OFFSHORE/CONTROL AIRSPACE AREA- That
portion of airspace between the U.S. 12 NM limit and
the oceanic CTA/FIR boundary within which air
traffic control is exercised. These areas are
established to provide air traffic control services.
Offshore/Control Airspace Areas may be classified
as either Class A airspace or Class E airspace.
OFT(See OUTER FIX TIME.)
OM(See OUTER MARKER.)
OMEGA- An RNAV system designed for long-range
navigation based upon ground-based electronic
navigational aid signals.
ON COURSEa. Used to indicate that an aircraft is established on
the route centerline.
b. Used by ATC to advise a pilot making a radar
approach that his/her aircraft is lined up on the final
approach course.
(See ON-COURSE INDICATION.)
ON-COURSE INDICATION- An indication on an
instrument, which provides the pilot a visual means
of determining that the aircraft is located on the
centerline of a given navigational track, or an
indication on a radar scope that an aircraft is on a
given track.
ONE-MINUTE WEATHER- The most recent one
minute updated weather broadcast received by a pilot
from an uncontrolled airport ASOS/AWOS.
ONER(See OCEANIC NAVIGATIONAL ERROR
REPORT.)
OPERATIONAL(See DUE REGARD.)
OPPOSITE DIRECTION AIRCRAFT- Aircraft are
operating in opposite directions when:
a. They are following the same track in reciprocal
directions; or
b. Their tracks are parallel and the aircraft are
flying in reciprocal directions; or
c. Their tracks intersect at an angle of more than
135_.
OPTION APPROACH- An approach requested and
conducted by a pilot which will result in either a
touch-and-go, missed approach, low approach,
stop-and-go, or full stop landing.
(See CLEARED FOR THE OPTION.)
(Refer to AIM.)
ORGANIZED TRACK SYSTEM- A series of ATS
routes which are fixed and charted; i.e., CEP,
NOPAC, or flexible and described by NOTAM; i.e.,
NAT TRACK MESSAGE.
OROCA- An off-route altitude which provides
obstruction clearance with a 1,000 foot buffer in
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG O-3
nonmountainous terrain areas and a 2,000 foot buffer
in designated mountainous areas within the United
States. This altitude may not provide signal coverage
from ground-based navigational aids, air traffic
control radar, or communications coverage.
OTR(See OCEANIC TRANSITION ROUTE.)
OTS(See ORGANIZED TRACK SYSTEM.)
OUT- The conversation is ended and no response is
expected.
OUTER AREA (associated with Class C airspace)-
Nonregulatory airspace surrounding designated
Class C airspace airports wherein ATC provides radar
vectoring and sequencing on a full-time basis for all
IFR and participating VFR aircraft. The service
provided in the outer area is called Class C service
which includes: IFR/IFR-standard IFR separation;
IFR/VFR-traffic advisories and conflict resolution;
and VFR/VFR-traffic advisories and, as appropriate,
safety alerts. The normal radius will be 20 nautical
miles with some variations based on site-specific
requirements. The outer area extends outward from
the primary Class C airspace airport and extends from
the lower limits of radar/radio coverage up to the
ceiling of the approach control's delegated airspace
excluding the Class C charted area and other airspace
as appropriate.
(See CONFLICT RESOLUTION.)
(See CONTROLLED AIRSPACE.)
OUTER COMPASS LOCATOR(See COMPASS LOCATOR.)
OUTER FIX- A general term used within ATC to
describe fixes in the terminal area, other than the final
approach fix. Aircraft are normally cleared to these
fixes by an Air Route Traffic Control Center or an
Approach Control Facility. Aircraft are normally
cleared from these fixes to the final approach fix or
final approach course.
OR
OUTER FIX- An adapted fix along the converted
route of flight, prior to the meter fix, for which
crossing times are calculated and displayed in the
metering position list.
OUTER FIX ARC- A semicircle, usually about a
50-70 mile radius from a meter fix, usually in high
altitude, which is used by CTAS/HOST to calculate
outer fix times and determine appropriate sector
meter list assignments for aircraft on an established
arrival route that will traverse the arc.
OUTER FIX TIME- A calculated time to depart the
outer fix in order to cross the vertex at the ACLT. The
time reflects descent speed adjustments and any
applicable delay time that must be absorbed prior to
crossing the meter fix.
OUTER MARKER- A marker beacon at or near the
glideslope intercept altitude of an ILS approach. It is
keyed to transmit two dashes per second on a 400 Hz
tone, which is received aurally and visually by
compatible airborne equipment. The OM is normally
located four to seven miles from the runway threshold
on the extended centerline of the runway.
(See INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM.)
(See MARKER BEACON.)
(Refer to AIM.)
OVER- My transmission is ended; I expect a
response.
OVERHEAD MANEUVER- A series of predetermined maneuvers prescribed for aircraft (often in
formation) for entry into the visual flight rules (VFR)
traffic pattern and to proceed to a landing. An
overhead maneuver is not an instrument flight rules
(IFR) approach procedure. An aircraft executing an
overhead maneuver is considered VFR and the IFR
flight plan is cancelled when the aircraft reaches the
“initial point” on the initial approach portion of the
maneuver. The pattern usually specifies the
following:
a. The radio contact required of the pilot.
b. The speed to be maintained.
c. An initial approach 3 to 5 miles in length.
d. An elliptical pattern consisting of two 180
degree turns.
e. A break point at which the first 180 degree turn
is started.
f. The direction of turns.
g. Altitude (at least 500 feet above the conventional pattern).
h. A “Roll-out” on final approach not less than 1/4
mile from the landing threshold and not less than 300
feet above the ground.
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG O-4
OVERLYING CENTER- The ARTCC facility that
is responsible for arrival/departure operations at a
specific terminal.
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PCG P-1
P
P TIME(See PROPOSED DEPARTURE TIME.)
P-ACP(See PREARRANGED COORDINATION
PROCEDURES.)
PAN-PAN- The international radio-telephony urgency signal. When repeated three times, indicates
uncertainty or alert followed by the nature of the
urgency.
(See MAYDAY.)
(Refer to AIM.)
PAR(See PRECISION APPROACH RADAR.)
PAR -
(See ICAO Term PRECISION APPROACH
RADAR.)
PARALLEL ILS APPROACHES- Approaches to
parallel runways by IFR aircraft which, when
established inbound toward the airport on the
adjacent final approach courses, are radar-separated
by at least 2 miles.
(See FINAL APPROACH COURSE.)
(See SIMULTANEOUS ILS APPROACHES.)
PARALLEL MLS APPROACHES(See PARALLEL ILS APPROACHES.)
PARALLEL OFFSET ROUTE- A parallel track to
the left or right of the designated or established
airway/route. Normally associated with Area Navigation (RNAV) operations.
(See AREA NAVIGATION.)
PARALLEL RUNWAYS- Two or more runways at
the same airport whose centerlines are parallel. In
addition to runway number, parallel runways are
designated as L (left) and R (right) or, if three parallel
runways exist, L (left), C (center), and R (right).
PBCT(See PROPOSED BOUNDARY CROSSING
TIME.)
PDC(See PRE-DEPARTURE CLEARANCE.)
PERMANENT ECHO- Radar signals reflected from
fixed objects on the earth's surface; e.g., buildings,
towers, terrain. Permanent echoes are distinguished
from “ground clutter” by being definable locations
rather than large areas. Under certain conditions they
may be used to check radar alignment.
PHOTO RECONNAISSANCE- Military activity
that requires locating individual photo targets and
navigating to the targets at a preplanned angle and
altitude. The activity normally requires a lateral route
width of 16 NM and altitude range of 1,500 feet to
10,000 feet AGL.
PILOT BRIEFING- A service provided by the FSS
to assist pilots in flight planning. Briefing items may
include weather information, NOTAMS, military
activities, flow control information, and other items
as requested.
(Refer to AIM.)
PILOT IN COMMAND- The pilot responsible for
the operation and safety of an aircraft during flight
time.
(Refer to 14 CFR Part 91.)
PILOT WEATHER REPORT- A report of meteorological phenomena encountered by aircraft in flight.
(Refer to AIM.)
PILOT'S DISCRETION- When used in conjunction with altitude assignments, means that ATC has
offered the pilot the option of starting climb or
descent whenever he/she wishes and conducting the
climb or descent at any rate he/she wishes. He/she
may temporarily level off at any intermediate
altitude. However, once he/she has vacated an
altitude, he/she may not return to that altitude.
PIREP(See PILOT WEATHER REPORT.)
PITCH POINT- A fix/waypoint that serves as a
transition point from a departure procedure or the low
altitude ground-based navigation structure into the
high altitude waypoint system.
PLANS DISPLAY- A display available in URET
that provides detailed flight plan and predicted
conflict information in textual format for requested
Current Plans and all Trial Plans.
(See USER REQUEST EVALUATION TOOL.)
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG P-2
POFZ(See PRECISION OBSTACLE FREE ZONE.)
POINT OUT(See RADAR POINT OUT.)
POINT-TO-POINT (PTP)- A level of NRR service
for aircraft that is based on traditional waypoints in
their FMSs or RNAV equipage.
POLAR TRACK STRUCTURE- A system of
organized routes between Iceland and Alaska which
overlie Canadian MNPS Airspace.
POSITION AND HOLD- Used by ATC to inform a
pilot to taxi onto the departure runway in takeoff
position and hold. It is not authorization for takeoff.
It is used when takeoff clearance cannot immediately
be issued because of traffic or other reasons.
(See CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF.)
POSITION REPORT- A report over a known
location as transmitted by an aircraft to ATC.
(Refer to AIM.)
POSITION SYMBOL- A computer-generated
indication shown on a radar display to indicate the
mode of tracking.
POSITIVE CONTROL- The separation of all air
traffic within designated airspace by air traffic
control.
PRACTICE INSTRUMENT APPROACH- An
instrument approach procedure conducted by a VFR
or an IFR aircraft for the purpose of pilot training or
proficiency demonstrations.
PRE-DEPARTURE CLEARANCE- An application
with the Terminal Data Link System (TDLS) that
provides clearance information to subscribers,
through a service provider, in text to the cockpit or
gate printer.
PREARRANGED COORDINATION- A standardized procedure which permits an air traffic controller
to enter the airspace assigned to another air traffic
controller without verbal coordination. The procedures are defined in a facility directive which ensures
standard separation between aircraft.
PREARRANGED COORDINATION PROCE­
DURES- A facility's standardized procedure that
describes the process by which one controller shall
allow an aircraft to penetrate or transit another
controller's airspace in a manner that assures standard
separation without individual coordination for each
aircraft.
PRECIP ITATION- Any or all form s of water
particles (rain, sleet, hail, or snow) that fall from the
atmosphere and reach the surface.
PRECIPITATION RADAR WEATHER DE­
SCRIPTIONS - Existing radar systems cannot detect
turbulence. However, there is a direct correlation
between the degree of turbulence and other weather
features associated with thunderstorms and the
weather radar precipitation intensity. Controllers will
issue (where capable) precipitation intensity as
observed by radar when using weather and radar
processor (WARP) or NAS ground based digital
radars with weather capabilities. When precipitation
intensity information is not available, the intensity
will be described as UNKNOWN. When intensity
levels can be determined, they shall be described as:
a. LIGHT (< 30 dBZ)
b. MODERATE (30 to 40 dBZ)
c. HEAVY (> 40 to 50 dBZ)
d. EXTREME (> 50 dBZ)
(Refer to AC 00-45, Aviation Weather Services.)
PRECISION APPROACH(See PRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURE.)
PRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURE- A standard instrument approach procedure in which an
electronic glideslope/glidepath is provided; e.g., ILS,
MLS, and PAR.
(See INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM.)
(See MICROWAVE LANDING SYSTEM.)
(See PRECISION APPROACH RADAR.)
PRECISION APPROACH RADAR- Radar equipment in some ATC facilities operated by the FAA
and/or the military services at joint-use civil/military
locations and separate military installations to detect
and display azimuth, elevation, and range of aircraft
on the final approach course to a runway. This
equipment may be used to monitor certain nonradar
approaches, but is primarily used to conduct a
precision instrument approach (PAR) wherein the
controller issues guidance instructions to the pilot
based on the aircraft's position in relation to the final
approach course (azimuth), the glidepath (elevation),
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG P-3
and the distance (range) from the touchdown point on
the runway as displayed on the radar scope.
Note:_The abbreviation “PAR” is also used to
denote preferential arrival routes in ARTCC
computers.
(See GLIDEPATH.)
(See PAR.)
(See PREFERENTIAL ROUTES.)
(See ICAO term PRECISION APPROACH
RADAR.)
(Refer to AIM.)
PRECISION APPROACH RADAR - Primary radar equipment used to determine the position
of an aircraft during final approach, in terms of lateral
and vertical deviations relative to a nominal approach
path, and in range relative to touchdown.
Note:_Precision approach radars are designed to
enable pilots of aircraft to be given guidance by
radio communication during the final stages of the
approach to land.
PRECISION OBSTACLE FREE ZONE (POFZ)-
An 800 foot wide by 200 foot long area centered on
the runway centerline adjacent to the threshold
designed to protect aircraft flying precision
approaches from ground vehicles and other aircraft
when ceiling is less than 250 feet or visibility is less
than 3/4 statute mile (or runway visual range below
4,000 feet.)
PRECISION RUNWAY MONITOR (PRM)- Provides air traffic controllers with high precision
secondary surveillance data for aircraft on final
approach to parallel runways that have extended
centerlines separated by less than 4,300 feet. High
resolution color monitoring displays (FMA) are
required to present surveillance track data to
controllers along with detailed maps depicting
approaches and no transgression zone.
PREFERENTIAL ROUTES- Preferential routes
(PDRs, PARs, and PDARs) are adapted in ARTCC
computers to accomplish inter/intrafacility controller
coordination and to assure that flight data is posted at
the proper control positions. Locations having a need
for these specific inbound and outbound routes
normally publish such routes in local facility
bulletins, and their use by pilots minimizes flight
plan route amendments. When the workload or traffic
situation permits, controllers normally provide radar
vectors or assign requested routes to minimize
circuitous routing. Preferential routes are usually
confined to one ARTCC's area and are referred to by
the following names or acronyms:
a. Preferential Departure Route (PDR). A specific
departure route from an airport or terminal area to an
en route point where there is no further need for flow
control. It may be included in an Instrument
Departure Procedure (DP) or a Preferred IFR Route.
b. Preferential Arrival Route (PAR). A specific
arrival route from an appropriate en route point to an
airport or terminal area. It may be included in a
Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR) or a Preferred IFR
Route. The abbreviation “PAR” is used primarily
within the ARTCC and should not be confused with
the abbreviation for Precision Approach Radar.
c. Preferential Departure and Arrival Route
(PDAR). A route between two terminals which are
within or immediately adjacent to one ARTCC's area.
PDARs are not synonymous with Preferred IFR
Routes but may be listed as such as they do
accomplish essentially the same purpose.
(See PREFERRED IFR ROUTES.)
PREFERRED IFR ROUTES- Routes established
between busier airports to increase system efficiency
and capacity. They normally extend through one or
more ARTCC areas and are designed to achieve
balanced traffic flows among high density terminals.
IFR clearances are issued on the basis of these routes
except when severe weather avoidance procedures or
other factors dictate otherwise. Preferred IFR Routes
are listed in the Airport/Facility Directory. If a flight
is planned to or from an area having such routes but
the departure or arrival point is not listed in the
Airport/Facility Directory, pilots may use that part of
a Preferred IFR Route which is appropriate for the
departure or arrival point that is listed. Preferred IFR
Routes are correlated with DPs and STARs and may
be defined by airways, jet routes, direct routes
between NAVAIDs, Waypoints, NAVAID radials/
DME, or any combinations thereof.
(See CENTER'S AREA.)
(See INSTRUMENT DEPARTURE
PROCEDURE.)
(See PREFERENTIAL ROUTES.)
(See STANDARD TERMINAL ARRIVAL.)
(Refer to AIRPORT/FACILITY DIRECTORY.)
(Refer to NOTICES TO AIRMEN PUBLICATION.)
PRE-FLIGHT PILOT BRIEFING(See PILOT BRIEFING.)
PREVAILING VISIBILITY(See VISIBILITY.)
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PCG P-4
PRIMARY RADAR TARGET- An analog or digital
target, exclusive of a secondary radar target,
presented on a radar display.
PRM(See ILS PRM APPROACH and PRECISION
RUNWAY MONITOR.)
PROCEDURE TURN- The maneuver prescribed
when it is necessary to reverse direction to establish
an aircraft on the intermediate approach segment or
final approach course. The outbound course,
direction of turn, distance within which the turn must
be completed, and minimum altitude are specified in
the procedure. However, unless otherwise restricted,
the point at which the turn may be commenced and
the type and rate of turn are left to the discretion of the
pilot.
(See ICAO term PROCEDURE TURN.)
PROCEDURE TURN - A maneuver in
which a turn is made away from a designated track
followed by a turn in the opposite direction to permit
the aircraft to intercept and proceed along the
reciprocal of the designated track.
Note 1:_Procedure turns are designated “left” or
“right” according to the direction of the initial turn.
Note 2:_Procedure turns may be designated as
being made either in level flight or while
descending, according to the circumstances of
each individual approach procedure.
PROCEDURE TURN INBOUND- That point of a
procedure turn maneuver where course reversal has
been completed and an aircraft is established inbound
on the intermediate approach segment or final
approach course. A report of “procedure turn
inbound” is normally used by ATC as a position
report for separation purposes.
(See FINAL APPROACH COURSE.)
(See PROCEDURE TURN.)
(See SEGMENTS OF AN INSTRUMENT
APPROACH PROCEDURE.)
PROFILE DESCENT- An uninterrupted descent
(except where level flight is required for speed
adjustment; e.g., 250 knots at 10,000 feet MSL) from
cruising altitude/level to interception of a glideslope
or to a minimum altitude specified for the initial or
intermediate approach segment of a nonprecision
instrument approach. The profile descent normally
term inates at the approach gate or where the
glideslope or other appropriate minimum altitude is
intercepted.
PROGRESS REPORT(See POSITION REPORT.)
PROGRESSIVE TAXI- Precise taxi instructions
given to a pilot unfamiliar with the airport or issued
in stages as the aircraft proceeds along the taxi route.
PROHIBITED AREA(See SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE.)
(See ICAO term PROHIBITED AREA.)
PROHIBITED AREA - An airspace of
defined dimensions, above the land areas or territorial
waters of a State, within which the flight of aircraft
is prohibited.
PROPOSED BOUNDARY CROSSING TIME-
Each center has a PBCT parameter for each internal
airport. Proposed internal flight plans are transmitted
to the adjacent center if the flight time along the
proposed route from the departure airport to the
center boundary is less than or equal to the value of
PBCT or if airport adaptation specifies transmission
regardless of PBCT.
PROPOSED DEPARTURE TIME- The time that the
aircraft expects to become airborne.
PROTECTED AIRSPACE- The airspace on either
side of an oceanic route/track that is equal to one-half
the lateral separation minimum except where
reduction of protected airspace has been authorized.
PT(See PROCEDURE TURN.)
PTP(See POINT-TO-POINT.)
PTS(See POLAR TRACK STRUCTURE.)
PUBLISHED ROUTE- A route for which an IFR
altitude has been established and published; e.g.,
Federal Airways, Jet Routes, Area Navigation
Routes, Specified Direct Routes.
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG Q-1
Q
Q ROUTE- `Q' is the designator assigned to
published RNAV routes used by the United States.
QNE- The barometric pressure used for the standard
altimeter setting (29.92 inches Hg.).
QNH- The barometric pressure as reported by a
particular station.
QUADRANT- A quarter part of a circle, centered on
a NAVAID, oriented clockwise from magnetic north
as follows: NE quadrant 000-089, SE quadrant
090-179, SW quadrant 180-269, NW quadrant
270-359.
QUEUING(See STAGING/QUEUING.)
QUICK LOOK- A feature of the EAS and ARTS
which provides the controller the capability to
display full data blocks of tracked aircraft from other
control positions.
JO 7110.65S 2/14/08
-2
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG R-1
R
RAA(See REMOTE AIRPORT ADVISORY.)
RADAR- A device which, by measuring the time
interval between transmission and reception of radio
pulses and correlating the angular orientation of the
radiated antenna beam or beams in azimuth and/or
elevation, provides information on range, azimuth,
and/or elevation of objects in the path of the
transmitted pulses.
a. Primary Radar- A radar system in which a
minute portion of a radio pulse transmitted from a site
is reflected by an object and then received back at that
site for processing and display at an air traffic control
facility.
b. Secondary Radar/Radar Beacon (ATCRBS)- A
radar system in which the object to be detected is
fitted with cooperative equipment in the form of a
radio receiver/transmitter (transponder). Radar
pulses transmitted from the searching transmitter/receiver (interrogator) site are received in the
cooperative equipment and used to trigger a
distinctive transmission from the transponder. This
reply transmission, rather than a reflected signal, is
then received back at the transmitter/receiver site for
processing and display at an air traffic control facility.
(See INTERROGATOR.)
(See TRANSPONDER.)
(See ICAO term RADAR.)
(Refer to AIM.)
RADAR - A radio detection device which
provides information on range, azimuth and/or
elevation of objects.
a. Primary Radar- Radar system which uses
reflected radio signals.
b. Secondary Radar- Radar system wherein a
radio signal transmitted from a radar station initiates
the transmission of a radio signal from another
station.
RADAR ADVISORY- The provision of advice and
information based on radar observations.
(See ADVISORY SERVICE.)
RADAR ALTIMETER(See RADIO ALTIMETER.)
RADAR APPROACH- An instrument approach
procedure which utilizes Precision Approach Radar
(PAR) or Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR).
(See AIRPORT SURVEILLANCE RADAR.)
(See INSTRUMENT APPROACH
PROCEDURE.)
(See PRECISION APPROACH RADAR.)
(See SURVEILLANCE APPROACH.)
(See ICAO term RADAR APPROACH.)
(Refer to AIM.)
RADAR APPROACH - An approach,
executed by an aircraft, under the direction of a radar
controller.
RADAR APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY- A
terminal ATC facility that uses radar and nonradar
capabilities to provide approach control services to
aircraft arriving, departing, or transiting airspace
controlled by the facility.
(See APPROACH CONTROL SERVICE.)
a. 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 services of a ground controlled approach
(GCA); i.e., ASR and PAR approaches. A radar
approach control facility may be operated by FAA,
USAF, US Army, USN, USMC, or jointly by FAA
and a military service. Specific facility nomenclatures are used for administrative purposes only and
are related to the physical location of the facility and
the operating service generally as follows:
1. Army Radar Approach Control (ARAC)
(Army).
2. Radar Air Traffic Control Facility (RATCF)
(Navy/FAA).
3. Radar Approach Control (RAPCON) (Air
Force/FAA).
4. Term inal Radar Approach Control
(TRACON) (FAA).
5. Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) (FAA).
(Only those towers delegated approach control
authority.)
RADAR ARRIVAL- An aircraft arriving at an
airport served by a radar facility and in radar contact
with the facility.
(See NONRADAR.)
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG R-2
RADAR BEACON(See RADAR.)
RADAR CLUTTER - The visual indication
on a radar display of unwanted signals.
RADAR CONTACTa. Used by ATC to inform an aircraft that it is
identified on the radar display and radar flight
following will be provided until radar identification
is terminated. Radar service may also be provided
within the limits of necessity and capability. When a
pilot is inform ed of “radar contact,” he/she
automatically discontinues reporting over compulsory reporting points.
(See RADAR CONTACT LOST.)
(See RADAR FLIGHT FOLLOWING.)
(See RADAR SERVICE.)
(See RADAR SERVICE TERMINATED.)
(Refer to AIM.)
b. The term used to inform the controller that the
aircraft is identified and approval is granted for the
aircraft to enter the receiving controllers airspace.
(See ICAO term RADAR CONTACT.)
RADAR CONTACT - The situation which
exists when the radar blip or radar position symbol of
a particular aircraft is seen and identified on a radar
display.
RADAR CONTACT LOST- Used by ATC to inform
a pilot that radar data used to determine the aircraft's
position is no longer being received, or is no longer
reliable and radar service is no longer being provided.
The loss may be attributed to several factors
including the aircraft merging with weather or ground
clutter, the aircraft operating below radar line of sight
coverage, the aircraft entering an area of poor radar
return, failure of the aircraft transponder, or failure of
the ground radar equipment.
(See CLUTTER.)
(See RADAR CONTACT.)
RADAR ENVIRONMENT- An area in which radar
service may be provided.
(See ADDITIONAL SERVICES.)
(See RADAR CONTACT.)
(See RADAR SERVICE.)
(See TRAFFIC ADVISORIES.)
RADAR FLIGHT FOLLOWING- The observation
of the progress of radar identified aircraft, whose
primary navigation is being provided by the pilot,
wherein the controller retains and correlates the
aircraft identity with the appropriate target or target
symbol displayed on the radar scope.
(See RADAR CONTACT.)
(See RADAR SERVICE.)
(Refer to AIM.)
RADAR IDENTIFIC ATION- The process of
ascertaining that an observed radar target is the radar
return from a particular aircraft.
(See RADAR CONTACT.)
(See RADAR SERVICE.)
(See ICAO term RADAR IDENTIFICATION.)
RADAR IDENTIFICATION - The process
of correlating a particular radar blip or radar position
symbol with a specific aircraft.
RADAR IDENTIFIED AIRCRAFT- An aircraft, the
position of which has been correlated with an
observed target or symbol on the radar display.
(See RADAR CONTACT.)
(See RADAR CONTACT LOST.)
RADAR MONITORING(See RADAR SERVICE.)
RADAR NAVIGATIONAL GUIDANCE(See RADAR SERVICE.)
RADAR POINT OUT- An action taken by a
controller to transfer the radar identification of an
aircraft to another controller if the aircraft will or may
enter the airspace or protected airspace of another
controller and radio communications will not be
transferred.
RADAR REQUIRED- A term displayed on charts
and approach plates and included in FDC NOTAMs
to alert pilots that segments of either an instrument
approach procedure or a route are not navigable
because of either the absence or unusability of a
NAVAID. The pilot can expect to be provided radar
navigational guidance while transiting segments
labeled with this term.
(See RADAR ROUTE.)
(See RADAR SERVICE.)
RADAR ROUTE- A flight path or route over which
an aircraft is vectored. Navigational guidance and
altitude assignments are provided by ATC.
(See FLIGHT PATH.)
(See ROUTE.)
RADAR SEPARATION(See RADAR SERVICE.)
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG R-3
RADAR SERVICE- A term which encompasses one
or more of the following services based on the use of
radar which can be provided by a controller to a pilot
of a radar identified aircraft.
a. Radar Monitoring- The radar flight-following
of aircraft, whose primary navigation is being
performed by the pilot, to observe and note deviations
from its authorized flight path, airway, or route.
When being applied specifically to radar monitoring
of instrument approaches; i.e., with precision
approach radar (PAR) or radar monitoring of
simultaneous ILS/MLS approaches, it includes
advice and instructions whenever an aircraft nears or
exceeds the prescribed PAR safety limit or
simultaneous ILS/MLS no transgression zone.
(See ADDITIONAL SERVICES.)
(See TRAFFIC ADVISORIES.)
b. Radar Navigational Guidance- Vectoring
aircraft to provide course guidance.
c. Radar Separation- Radar spacing of aircraft in
accordance with established minima.
(See ICAO term RADAR SERVICE.)
RADAR SERVICE - Term used to indicate
a service provided directly by means of radar.
a. Monitoring- The use of radar for the purpose of
providing aircraft with information and advice
relative to significant deviations from nominal flight
path.
b. Separation- The separation used when aircraft
position information is derived from radar sources.
RADAR SERVICE TERMINATED- Used by ATC
to inform a pilot that he/she will no longer be
provided any of the services that could be received
while in radar contact. Radar service is automatically
terminated, and the pilot is not advised in the
following cases:
a. An aircraft cancels its IFR flight plan, except
within Class B airspace, Class C airspace, a TRSA,
or where Basic Radar service is provided.
b. An aircraft conducting an instrument, visual, or
contact approach has landed or has been instructed to
change to advisory frequency.
c. An arriving VFR aircraft, receiving radar
service to a tower-controlled airport within Class B
airspace, Class C airspace, a TRSA, or where
sequencing service is provided, has landed; or to all
other airports, is instructed to change to tower or
advisory frequency.
d. An aircraft completes a radar approach.
RADAR SURVEILLANCE- The radar observation
of a given geographical area for the purpose of
performing some radar function.
RADAR TRAFFIC ADVISORIES- Advisories
issued to alert pilots to known or observed radar
traffic which may affect the intended route of flight
of their aircraft.
(See TRAFFIC ADVISORIES.)
RADAR TRAFFIC INFORMATION SERVICE(See TRAFFIC ADVISORIES.)
RADAR VECTORING - Provision of
navigational guidance to aircraft in the form of
specific headings, based on the use of radar.
RADIAL- A magnetic bearing extending from a
VOR/VORTAC/TACAN navigation facility.
RADIOa. A device used for communication.
b. Used to refer to a flight service station; e.g.,
“Seattle Radio” is used to call Seattle FSS.
RADIO ALTIMETER- Aircraft equipment which
makes use of the reflection of radio waves from the
ground to determine the height of the aircraft above
the surface.
RADIO BEACON(See NONDIRECTIONAL BEACON.)
RADIO DETECTION AND RANGING(See RADAR.)
RADIO MAGNETIC INDICATOR- An aircraft
navigational instrument coupled with a gyro compass
or similar compass that indicates the direction of a
selected NAVAID and indicates bearing with respect
to the heading of the aircraft.
RAIS(See REMOTE AIRPORT INFORMATION
SERVICE.)
RAMP(See APRON.)
RANDOM ALTITUDE- An altitude inappropriate
for direction of flight and/or not in accordance with
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 4-5-1, VERTIC AL
SEPARATION MINIMA.
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG R-4
RANDOM ROUTE- Any route not established or
charted/published or not otherwise available to all
users.
RC(See ROAD RECONNAISSANCE.)
RCAG(See REMOTE COMMUNICATIONS
AIR/GROUND FACILITY.)
RCC(See RESCUE COORDINATION CENTER.)
RCO(See REMOTE COMMUNICATIONS OUTLET.)
RCR(See RUNWAY CONDITION READING.)
READ BACK- Repeat my message back to me.
RECEIVER AUTONOMOUS INTEGRITY MON­
ITORING (RAIM)- A technique whereby a civil
GNSS receiver/processor determines the integrity of
the GNSS navigation signals without reference to
sensors or non-DoD integrity systems other than the
receiver itself. This determination is achieved by a
consistency check among redundant pseudorange
measurements.
RECEIVING CONTROLLER- A controller/facility
receiving control of an aircraft from another
controller/facility.
RECEIVING FACILITY(See RECEIVING CONTROLLER.)
RECONFORMANCE- The automated process of
bringing an aircraft's Current Plan Trajectory into
conformance with its track.
REDUCE SPEED TO (SPEED)-
(See SPEED ADJUSTMENT.)
REIL(See RUNWAY END IDENTIFIER LIGHTS.)
RELEASE TIME- A departure time restriction
issued to a pilot by ATC (either directly or through an
authorized relay) when necessary to separate a
departing aircraft from other traffic.
(See ICAO term RELEASE TIME.)
RELEASE TIME - Time prior to which an
aircraft should be given further clearance or prior to
which it should not proceed in case of radio failure.
REMOTE AIRPORT ADVISORY (RAA)- A
remote service which may be provided by facilities,
which are not located on the landing airport, but have
a discrete ground-to-air communication frequency
or tower frequency when the tower is closed,
automated weather reporting with voice available to
the pilot at the landing airport, and a continuous
ASOS/AWOS data display, other direct reading
instruments, or manual observation is available to the
AFSS specialist.
REMOTE AIRPORT INFORMATION SERVICE
(RAIS)- A temporary service provided by facilities,
which are not located on the landing airport, but have
communication capability and automated weather
reporting available to the pilot at the landing airport.
REMOTE COMMUNICATIONS AIR/GROUND
FACILITY- An unmanned VHF/UHF transmitter/
receiver facility which is used to expand ARTCC
air/ground communications coverage and to facilitate
direct contact between pilots and controllers. RCAG
facilities are sometimes not equipped with emergency frequencies 121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz.
(Refer to AIM.)
REMOTE COMMUNICATIONS OUTLET- An
unmanned communications facility remotely controlled by air traffic personnel. RCOs serve FSSs.
RTRs serve terminal ATC facilities. An RCO or RTR
may be UHF or VHF and will extend the
communication range of the air traffic facility. There
are several classes of RCOs and RTRs. The class is
determ ined by the number of transmitters or
receivers. Classes A through G are used primarily for
air/ground purposes. RCO and RTR class O
facilities are nonprotected outlets subject to
undetected and prolonged outages. RCO (O's) and
RTR (O's) were established for the express purpose
of providing ground-to-ground communications
between air traffic control specialists and pilots
located at a satellite airport for delivering en route
clearances, issuing departure authorizations, and
acknowledging instrument flight rules cancellations
or departure/landing times. As a secondary function,
they may be used for advisory purposes whenever the
aircraft is below the coverage of the primary
air/ground frequency.
REMOTE TRANSMITTER/RECEIVER(See REMOTE COMMUNICATIONS OUTLET.)
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG R-5
REPORT- Used to instruct pilots to advise ATC of
specified information; e.g., “Report passing Hamilton VOR.”
REPORTING POINT- A geographical location in
relation to which the position of an aircraft is
reported.
(See COMPULSORY REPORTING POINTS.)
(See ICAO term REPORTING POINT.)
(Refer to AIM.)
REPORTING POINT - A specified geographical location in relation to which the position of
an aircraft can be reported.
REQUEST FULL ROUTE CLEARANCE- Used
by pilots to request that the entire route of flight be
read verbatim in an ATC clearance. Such request
should be made to preclude receiving an ATC
clearance based on the original filed flight plan when
a filed IFR flight plan has been revised by the pilot,
company, or operations prior to departure.
REQUIRED NAVIGATION PERFORMANCE
(RNP)– A statement of the navigational performance
necessary for operation within a defined airspace.
The following terms are commonly associated with
RNP:
a. Required Navigation Performance Level or
Type (RNP-X). A value, in nautical miles (NM), from
the intended horizontal position within which an
aircraft would be at least 95-percent of the total flying
time.
b. Required Navigation Performance (RNP)
Airspace. A generic term designating airspace, route
(s), leg (s), operation (s), or procedure (s) where
minimum required navigational performance (RNP)
have been established.
c. Actual Navigation Performance (ANP). A
measure of the current estimated navigational
performance. Also referred to as Estimated Position
Error (EPE).
d. Estimated Position Error (EPE). A measure of
the current estimated navigational performance. Also
referred to as Actual Navigation Performance (ANP).
e. Lateral Navigation (LNAV). A function of area
navigation (RNAV) equipment which calculates,
displays, and provides lateral guidance to a profile or
path.
f. Vertical Navigation (VNAV). A function of area
navigation (RNAV) equipment which calculates,
displays, and provides vertical guidance to a profile
or path.
RESCUE COORDINATION CENTER- A search
and rescue (SAR) facility equipped and manned to
coordinate and control SAR operations in an area
designated by the SAR plan. The U.S. Coast Guard
and the U.S. Air Force have responsibility for the
operation of RCCs.
(See ICAO term RESCUE CO-ORDINATION
CENTRE.)
RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE - A
unit responsible for promoting efficient organization
of search and rescue service and for coordinating the
conduct of search and rescue operations within a
search and rescue region.
RESOLUTION ADVISORY-A display indication
given to the pilot by the traffic alert and collision
avoidance systems (TCAS II) recommending a
maneuver to increase vertical separation relative to an
intruding aircraft. Positive, negative, and vertical
speed limit (VSL) advisories constitute the resolution
advisories. A resolution advisory is also classified as
corrective or preventive
RESTRICTED AREA(See SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE.)
(See ICAO term RESTRICTED AREA.)
RESTRICTED AREA - An airspace of
defined dimensions, above the land areas or territorial
waters of a State, within which the flight of aircraft
is restricted in accordance with certain specified
conditions.
RESUME NORMAL SPEED- Used by ATC to
advise a pilot that previously issued speed control
restrictions are deleted. An instruction to “resume
normal speed” does not delete speed restrictions that
are applicable to published procedures of upcoming
segments of flight, unless specifically stated by ATC.
This does not relieve the pilot of those speed
restrictions which are applicable to 14 CFR
Section 91.117.
RESUME OWN NAVIGATION- Used by ATC to
advise a pilot to resume his/her own navigational
responsibility. It is issued after completion of a radar
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG R-6
vector or when radar contact is lost while the aircraft
is being radar vectored.
(See RADAR CONTACT LOST.)
(See RADAR SERVICE TERMINATED.)
RMI(See RADIO MAGNETIC INDICATOR.)
RNAV(See AREA NAVIGATION.)
(See ICAO Term AREA NAVIGATION.)
RNAV APPROACH- An instrument approach
procedure which relies on aircraft area navigation
equipment for navigational guidance.
(See AREA NAVIGATION.)
(See INSTRUMENT APPROACH
PROCEDURE.)
ROAD RECONNAISSANCE- Military activity
requiring navigation along roads, railroads, and
rivers. Reconnaissance route/route segments are
seldom along a straight line and normally require a
lateral route width of 10 NM to 30 NM and an altitude
range of 500 feet to 10,000 feet AGL.
ROGER- I have received all of your last
transmission. It should not be used to answer a
question requiring a yes or a no answer.
(See AFFIRMATIVE.)
(See NEGATIVE.)
ROLLOUT RVR(See VISIBILITY.)
ROUTE- A defined path, consisting of one or more
courses in a horizontal plane, which aircraft traverse
over the surface of the earth.
(See AIRWAY.)
(See JET ROUTE.)
(See PUBLISHED ROUTE.)
(See UNPUBLISHED ROUTE.)
ROUTE ACTION NOTIFICATION- URET notification that a PAR/PDR/PDAR has been applied to the
flight plan.
(See ATC PREFERRED ROUTE
NOTIFICATION.)
(See USER REQUEST EVALUATION TOOL.)
ROUTE SEGMENT- As used in Air Traffic Control,
a part of a route that can be defined by two
navigational fixes, two NAVAIDs, or a fix and a
NAVAID.
(See FIX.)
(See ROUTE.)
(See ICAO term ROUTE SEGMENT.)
ROUTE SEGMENT - A portion of a route to
be flown, as defined by two consecutive significant
points specified in a flight plan.
RSA(See RUNWAY SAFETY AREA.)
RTR(See REMOTE TRANSMITTER/RECEIVER.)
RUNWAY- A defined rectangular area on a land
airport prepared for the landing and takeoff run of
aircraft along its length. Runways are normally
numbered in relation to their magnetic direction
rounded off to the nearest 10 degrees; e.g., Runway
1, Runway 25.
(See PARALLEL RUNWAYS.)
(See ICAO term RUNWAY.)
RUNWAY - A defined rectangular area on a
land aerodrome prepared for the landing and take-off
of aircraft.
RUNWAY CENTERLINE LIGHTING(See AIRPORT LIGHTING.)
RUNWAY CONDITION READING- Numerical
decelerometer readings relayed by air traffic
controllers at USAF and certain civil bases for use by
the pilot in determining runway braking action.
These readings are routinely relayed only to USAF
and Air National Guard Aircraft.
(See BRAKING ACTION.)
RUNWAY END IDENTIFIER LIGHTS(See AIRPORT LIGHTING.)
RUNWAY GRADIENT- The average slope, measured in percent, between two ends or points on a
runway. Runway gradient is depicted on Government
aerodrome sketches when total runway gradient
exceeds 0.3%.
RUNWAY HEADING- The magnetic direction that
corresponds with the runway centerline extended, not
the painted runway number. When cleared to “fly or
maintain runway heading,” pilots are expected to fly
or maintain the heading that corresponds with the
extended centerline of the departure runway. Drift
correction shall not be applied; e.g., Runway 4, actual
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG R-7
magnetic heading of the runway centerline 044, fly
044.
RUNWAY IN USE/ACTIVE RUNWAY/DUTY
RUNWAY- Any runway or runways currently being
used for takeoff or landing. When multiple runways
are used, they are all considered active runways. In
the metering sense, a selectable adapted item which
specifies the landing runway configuration or
direction of traffic flow. The adapted optimum flight
plan from each transition fix to the vertex is
determined by the runway configuration for arrival
metering processing purposes.
RUNWAY LIGHTS(See AIRPORT LIGHTING.)
RUNWAY MARKINGS(See AIRPORT MARKING AIDS.)
RUNWAY OVERRUN- In military aviation exclusively, a stabilized or paved area beyond the end of a
runway, of the same width as the runway plus
shoulders, centered on the extended runway
centerline.
RUNWAY PROFILE DESCENT- An instrument
flight rules (IFR) air traffic control arrival procedure
to a runway published for pilot use in graphic and/or
textual form and may be associated with a STAR.
Runway Profile Descents provide routing and may
depict crossing altitudes, speed restrictions, and
headings to be flown from the en route structure to the
point where the pilot will receive clearance for and
execute an instrument approach procedure. A
Runway Profile Descent may apply to more than one
runway if so stated on the chart.
(Refer to AIM.)
RUNWAY SAFETY AREA- A defined surface
surrounding the runway prepared, or suitable, for
reducing the risk of damage to airplanes in the event
of an undershoot, overshoot, or excursion from the
runway. The dimensions of the RSA vary and can be
determined by using the criteria contained within
AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design, Chapter 3.
Figure_3-1 in AC 150/5300-13 depicts the RSA. The
design standards dictate that the RSA shall be:
a. Cleared, graded, and have no potentially
hazardous ruts, humps, depressions, or other surface
variations;
b. Drained by grading or storm sewers to prevent
water accumulation;
c. Capable, under dry conditions, of supporting
snow rem oval equipment, aircraft rescue and
firefighting equipment, and the occasional passage of
aircraft without causing structural damage to the
aircraft; and,
d. Free of objects, except for objects that need to
be located in the runway safety area because of their
function. These objects shall be constructed on low
impact resistant supports (frangible mounted structures) to the lowest practical height with the frangible
point no higher than 3 inches above grade.
(Refer to AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design,
Chapter 3.)
RUNWAY TRANSITIONa. Conventional STARs/SIDs. The portion of a
STAR/SID that serves a particular runway or
runways at an airport.
b. RNAV STARs/SIDs. Defines a path(s) from
the common route to the final point(s) on a STAR. For
a SID, the common route that serves a particular
runway or runways at an airport.
RUNWAY USE PROGRAM- A noise abatement
runway selection plan designed to enhance noise
abatement efforts with regard to airport communities
for arriving and departing aircraft. These plans are
developed into runway use programs and apply to all
turbojet aircraft 12,500 pounds or heavier; turbojet
aircraft less than 12,500 pounds are included only if
the airport proprietor determines that the aircraft
creates a noise problem. Runway use programs are
coordinated with FAA offices, and safety criteria
used in these programs are developed by the Office of
Flight Operations. Runway use program s are
administered by the Air Traffic Service as “Formal”
or “Informal” programs.
a. Formal Runway Use Program- An approved
noise abatement program which is defined and
acknowledged in a Letter of Understanding between
Flight Operations, Air Traffic Service, the airport
proprietor, and the users. Once established, participation in the program is mandatory for aircraft operators
and pilots as provided for in 14 CFR Section 91.129.
b. Informal Runway Use Program- An approved
noise abatement program which does not require a
Letter of Understanding, and participation in the
program is voluntary for aircraft operators/pilots.
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG R-8
RUNWAY VISIBILITY VALUE(See VISIBILITY.)
RUNWAY VISUAL RANGE(See VISIBILITY.)
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG S-1
S
SAA(See SPECIAL ACTIVITY AIRSPACE.)
SAFETY ALERT- A safety alert issued by ATC to
aircraft under their control if ATC is aware the aircraft
is at an altitude which, in the controller's judgment,
places the aircraft in unsafe proximity to terrain,
obstructions, or other aircraft. The controller may
discontinue the issuance of further alerts if the pilot
advises he/she is taking action to correct the situation
or has the other aircraft in sight.
a. Terrain/Obstruction Alert- A safety alert issued
by ATC to aircraft under their control if ATC is aware
the aircraft is at an altitude which, in the controller's
judgment, places the aircraft in unsafe proximity to
terrain/obstructions; e.g., “Low Altitude Alert, check
your altitude immediately.”
b. Aircraft Conflict Alert- A safety alert issued by
ATC to aircraft under their control if ATC is aware of
an aircraft that is not under their control at an altitude
which, in the controller's judgment, places both
aircraft in unsafe proximity to each other. With the
alert, ATC will offer the pilot an alternate course of
action when feasible; e.g., “Traffic Alert, advise you
turn right heading zero niner zero or climb to eight
thousand immediately.”
Note:_The issuance of a safety alert is contingent
upon the capability of the controller to have an
awareness of an unsafe condition. The course of
action provided will be predicated on other traffic
under ATC control. Once the alert is issued, it is
solely the pilot's prerogative to determine what
course of action, if any, he/she will take.
SAFETY LOGIC SYSTEM- A software enhancement to ASDE-3, ASDE-X, and ASDE-3X, that
predicts the path of aircraft landing and/or departing,
and/or vehicular movements on runways. Visual and
aural alarms are activated when the safety logic
projects a potential collision. The Airport Movement
Area Safety System (AMASS) is a safety logic
system enhancement to the ASDE-3. The Safety
Logic System for ASDE-X and ASDE-3X is an
integral part of the software program.
SAFETY LOGIC SYSTEM ALERTSa. ALERT- An actual situation involving two real
safety logic tracks (aircraft/aircraft, aircraft/vehicle,
or aircraft/other tangible object) that safety logic has
predicted will result in an imminent collision, based
upon the current set of Safety Logic parameters.
b. FALSE ALERT1. Alerts generated by one or more false
surface-radar targets that the system has interpreted
as real tracks and placed into safety logic.
2. Alerts in which the safety logic software did
not perform correctly, based upon the design
specifications and the current set of Safety Logic
parameters.
c. NUISANCE ALERT- An alert in which one or
more of the following is true:
1. The alert is generated by a known situation
that is not considered an unsafe operation, such as
LAHSO or other approved operations.
2. The alert is generated by inaccurate secondary radar data received by the Safety Logic System.
3. The alert is generated by surface radar targets
caused by moderate or greater precipitation.
4. One or more of the aircraft involved in the
alert is not intending to use a runway (i.e., helicopter,
pipeline patrol, non-Mode C overflight, etc.).
d. VALID NON-ALERT- A situation in which
the safety logic software correctly determines that an
alert is not required, based upon the design
specifications and the current set of Safety Logic
parameters.
e. INVALID NON-ALERT- A situation in which
the safety logic software did not issue an alert when
an alert was required, based upon the design
specifications.
SAIL BACK- A maneuver during high wind
conditions (usually with power off) where float plane
movement is controlled by water rudders/opening
and closing cabin doors.
SAME DIRECTION AIRCRAFT- Aircraft are
operating in the same direction when:
a. They are following the same track in the same
direction; or
b. Their tracks are parallel and the aircraft are
flying in the same direction; or
c. Their tracks intersect at an angle of less than 45
degrees.
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG S-2
SAR(See SEARCH AND RESCUE.)
SAY AGAIN- Used to request a repeat of the last
transmission. Usually specifies transmission or
portion thereof not understood or received; e.g., “Say
again all after ABRAM VOR.”
SAY ALTITUDE- Used by ATC to ascertain an
aircraft's specific altitude/flight level. When the
aircraft is climbing or descending, the pilot should
state the indicated altitude rounded to the nearest 100
feet.
SAY HEADING- Used by ATC to request an aircraft
heading. The pilot should state the actual heading of
the aircraft.
SCHEDULED TIME OF ARRIVAL (STA)- A STA
is the desired time that an aircraft should cross a
certain point (landing or metering fix). It takes other
traffic and airspace configuration into account. A
STA time shows the results of the TMA scheduler
that has calculated an arrival time according to
parameters such as optimized spacing, aircraft
performance, and weather.
SDF(See SIMPLIFIED DIRECTIONAL FACILITY.)
SEA LANE- A designated portion of water outlined
by visual surface markers for and intended to be used
by aircraft designed to operate on water.
SEARCH AND RESCUE- A service which seeks
missing aircraft and assists those found to be in need
of assistance. It is a cooperative effort using the
facilities and services of available Federal, state and
local agencies. The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible
for coordination of search and rescue for the Maritime
Region, and the U.S. Air Force is responsible for
search and rescue for the Inland Region. Information
pertinent to search and rescue should be passed
through any air traffic facility or be transmitted
directly to the Rescue Coordination Center by
telephone.
(See FLIGHT SERVICE STATION.)
(See RESCUE COORDINATION CENTER.)
(Refer to AIM.)
SEARCH AND RESCUE FACILITY- A facility
responsible for maintaining and operating a search
and rescue (SAR) service to render aid to persons and
property in distress. It is any SAR unit, station, NET,
or other operational activity which can be usefully
employed during an SAR Mission; e.g., a Civil Air
Patrol Wing, or a Coast Guard Station.
(See SEARCH AND RESCUE.)
SECONDARY RADAR TARGET- A target derived
from a transponder return presented on a radar
display.
SECTIONAL AERONAUTICAL CHARTS(See AERONAUTICAL CHART.)
SECTOR LIST DROP INTERVAL- A parameter
number of minutes after the meter fix time when
arrival aircraft will be deleted from the arrival sector
list.
SEE AND AVOID- When weather conditions
permit, pilots operating IFR or VFR are required to
observe and maneuver to avoid other aircraft.
Right-of-way rules are contained in 14 CFR Part 91.
SEGMENTED CIR CLE- A system of visual
indicators designed to provide traffic pattern
information at airports without operating control
towers.
(Refer to AIM.)
SEGMENTS OF AN INSTRUMENT APPROACH
PROCEDURE- An instrument approach procedure
may have as many as four separate segm ents
depending on how the approach procedure is
structured.
a. Initial Approach- The segment between the
initial approach fix and the intermediate fix or the
point where the aircraft is established on the
intermediate course or final approach course.
(See ICAO term INITIAL APPROACH
SEGMENT.)
b. Intermediate Approach- The segment between
the intermediate fix or point and the final approach
fix.
(See ICAO term INTERMEDIATE APPROACH
SEGMENT.)
c. Final Approach- The segment between the final
approach fix or point and the runway, airport, or
missed approach point.
(See ICAO term FINAL APPROACH SEGMENT.)
d. Missed Approach- The segment between the
missed approach point or the point of arrival at
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG S-3
decision height and the missed approach fix at the
prescribed altitude.
(Refer to 14 CFR Part 97.)
(See ICAO term MISSED APPROACH
PROCEDURE.)
SEPARATION- In air traffic control, the spacing of
aircraft to achieve their safe and orderly movement in
flight and while landing and taking off.
(See SEPARATION MINIMA.)
(See ICAO term SEPARATION.)
SEPARATION - Spacing between aircraft,
levels or tracks.
SEPARATION MINIMA- The minimum longitudinal, lateral, or vertical distances by which aircraft are
spaced through the application of air traffic control
procedures.
(See SEPARATION.)
SERVICE- A generic term that designates functions
or assistance available from or rendered by air traffic
control. For example, Class C service would denote
the ATC services provided within a Class C airspace
area.
SEVERE WEATHER AVOIDANCE PLAN- An
approved plan to minimize the affect of severe
weather on traffic flows in impacted terminal and/or
ARTCC areas. SWAP is normally implemented to
provide the least disruption to the ATC system when
flight through portions of airspace is difficult or
impossible due to severe weather.
SEVERE WEATHER FORECAST ALERTS-
Preliminary messages issued in order to alert users
that a Severe Weather Watch Bulletin (WW) is being
issued. These messages define areas of possible
severe thunderstorms or tornado activity. The
messages are unscheduled and issued as required by
the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) at Norman,
Oklahoma.
(See AIRMET.)
(See CONVECTIVE SIGMET.)
(See CWA.)
(See SIGMET.)
SFA(See SINGLE FREQUENCY APPROACH.)
SFO(See SIMULATED FLAMEOUT.)
SHF(See SUPER HIGH FREQUENCY.)
SHORT RANGE CLEARANCE- A clearance
issued to a departing IFR flight which authorizes IFR
flight to a specific fix short of the destination while
air traffic control facilities are coordinating and
obtaining the complete clearance.
SHORT TAKEOFF AND LANDING AIRCRAFT-
An aircraft which, at some weight within its approved
operating weight, is capable of operating from a
STOL runway in compliance with the applicable
STOL characteristics, airworthiness, operations,
noise, and pollution standards.
(See VERTICAL TAKEOFF AND LANDING
AIRCRAFT.)
SIAP(See STANDARD INSTRUMENT APPROACH
PROCEDURE.)
SID(See STANDARD INSTRUMENT DEPARTURE.)
SIDESTEP MANEUVER- A visual maneuver
accomplished by a pilot at the completion of an
instrument approach to permit a straight-in landing
on a parallel runway not more than 1,200 feet to either
side of the runway to which the instrument approach
was conducted.
(Refer to AIM.)
SIGMET- A weather advisory issued concerning
weather significant to the safety of all aircraft.
SIGMET advisories cover severe and extreme
turbulence, severe icing, and widespread dust or
sandstorms that reduce visibility to less than 3 miles.
(See AIRMET.)
(See AWW.)
(See CONVECTIVE SIGMET.)
(See CWA.)
(See ICAO term SIGMET INFORMATION.)
(Refer to AIM.)
SIGMET INFORMATION - Information
issued by a meteorological watch office concerning
the occurrence or expected occurrence of specified
en-route weather phenomena which may affect the
safety of aircraft operations.
SIGNIFICANT METEOROLOGICAL INFOR­
MATION(See SIGMET.)
SIGNIFICANT POINT- A point, whether a named
intersection, a NAVAID, a fix derived from a
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NAVAID(s), or geographical coordinate expressed in
degrees of latitude and longitude, which is
established for the purpose of providing separation,
as a reporting point, or to delineate a route of flight.
SIMPLIFIED DIRECTIONAL FACILITY- A
NAVAID used for nonprecision instrument approaches. The final approach course is similar to that
of an ILS localizer except that the SDF course may be
offset from the runway, generally not more than 3
degrees, and the course may be wider than the
localizer, resulting in a lower degree of accuracy.
(Refer to AIM.)
SIMULATED FLAMEOUT- A practice approach
by a jet aircraft (normally military) at idle thrust to a
runway. The approach may start at a runway (high
key) and may continue on a relatively high and wide
downwind leg with a continuous turn to final. It
terminates in landing or low approach. The purpose
of this approach is to simulate a flameout.
(See FLAMEOUT.)
SIMULTANEOUS ILS APPROACHES- An approach system permitting simultaneous ILS/MLS
approaches to airports having parallel runways
separated by at least 4,300 feet between centerlines.
Integral parts of a total system are ILS/MLS, radar,
communications, ATC procedures, and appropriate
airborne equipment.
(See PARALLEL RUNWAYS.)
(Refer to AIM.)
SIMULTANEOUS MLS APPROACHES(See SIMULTANEOUS ILS APPROACHES.)
SINGLE DIRECTION ROUTES- Preferred IFR
Routes which are sometimes depicted on high
altitude en route charts and which are normally flown
in one direction only.
(See PREFERRED IFR ROUTES.)
(Refer to AIRPORT/FACILITY DIRECTORY.)
SINGLE FREQUENCY APPROACH- A service
provided under a letter of agreement to military
single-piloted turbojet aircraft which permits use of
a single UHF frequency during approach for landing.
Pilots will not normally be required to change
frequency from the beginning of the approach to
touchdown except that pilots conducting an en route
descent are required to change frequency when
control is transferred from the air route traffic control
center to the terminal facility. The abbreviation
“SFA” in the DOD FLIP IFR Supplement under
“Communications” indicates this service is available
at an aerodrome.
SINGLE-PILOTED AIRCRAFT- A military turbojet aircraft possessing one set of flight controls,
tandem cockpits, or two sets of flight controls but
operated by one pilot is considered single-piloted by
ATC when determining the appropriate air traffic
service to be applied.
(See SINGLE FREQUENCY APPROACH.)
SKYSPOTTER- A pilot who has received specialized training in observing and reporting inflight
weather phenomena.
SLASH- A radar beacon reply displayed as an
elongated target.
SLDI(See SECTOR LIST DROP INTERVAL.)
SLOT TIME(See METER FIX TIME/SLOT TIME.)
SLOW TAXI- To taxi a float plane at low power or
low RPM.
SN(See SYSTEM STRATEGIC NAVIGATION.)
SPEAK SLOWER- Used in verbal communications
as a request to reduce speech rate.
SPECIAL ACTIVITY AIRSPACE (SAA)- Any
airspace with defined dimensions within the National
Airspace System wherein limitations may be
imposed upon aircraft operations. This airspace may
be restricted areas, prohibited areas, military
operations areas, air ATC assigned airspace, and any
other designated airspace areas. The dimensions of
this airspace are programmed into URET and can be
designated as either active or inactive by screen entry.
Aircraft trajectories are constantly tested against the
dimensions of active areas and alerts issued to the
applicable sectors when violations are predicted.
(See USER REQUEST EVALUATION TOOL.)
SPECIAL EMERGENCY- A condition of air piracy
or other hostile act by a person(s) aboard an aircraft
which threatens the safety of the aircraft or its
passengers.
SPECIAL INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCE­
DURE(See INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURE.)
Pilot/Controller Glossary 2/14/08
PCG S-5
SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE- Airspace of defined
dimensions identified by an area on the surface of the
earth wherein activities must be confined because of
their nature and/or wherein limitations may be
imposed upon aircraft operations that are not a part of
those activities. Types of special use airspace are:
a. Alert Area- Airspace which may contain a high
volume of pilot training activities or an unusual type
of aerial activity, neither of which is hazardous to
aircraft. Alert Areas are depicted on aeronautical
charts for the information of nonparticipating pilots.
All activities within an Alert Area are conducted in
accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations, and
pilots of participating aircraft as well as pilots
transiting the area are equally responsible for
collision avoidance.
b. Controlled Firing Area- Airspace wherein
activities are conducted under conditions so
controlled as to eliminate hazards to nonparticipating
aircraft and to ensure the safety of persons and
property on the ground.
c. Military Operations Area (MOA)- A MOA is
airspace established outside of Class A airspace area
to separate or segregate certain nonhazardous
military activities from IFR traffic and to identify for
VFR traffic where these activities are conducted.
(Refer to AIM.)
d. Prohibited Area- Airspace designated under
14 CFR Part 73 within which no person may operate
an aircraft without the permission of the using
agency.
(Refer to AIM.)
(Refer to En Route Charts.)
