A
AAI-
(See ARRIVAL AIRCRAFT
INTERVAL.)
AAR-
(See AIRPORT ARRIVAL
RATE.)
ABBREVIATED IFR
FLIGHT PLANS- An authorization by ATC requiring pilots to submit only
that information needed for the purpose of ATC. It includes only a small
portion of the usual IFR flight plan information. In certain instances,
this may be only aircraft identification, location, and pilot request.
Other information may be requested if needed by ATC for
separation/control purposes. It is frequently used by aircraft which are
airborne and desire an instrument approach or by aircraft which are on
the ground and desire a climb to VFR-on-top.
(See VFR-ON-TOP.)
(Refer to AIM.)
ABEAM-
An aircraft is "abeam" a fix, point, or object when that fix, point,
or object is approximately 90 degrees to the right or left of the
aircraft track. Abeam indicates a general position rather than a precise
point.
ABORT-
To terminate a preplanned aircraft maneuver; e.g., an aborted
takeoff.
ACC [ICAO]-
(See ICAO term AREA
CONTROL CENTER.)
ACCELERATE-STOP
DISTANCE AVAILABLE- The runway plus stopway length declared available
and suitable for the acceleration and deceleration of an airplane
aborting a takeoff.
ACCELERATE-STOP
DISTANCE AVAILABLE [ICAO]- The length of the take-off run available plus
the length of the stopway if provided.
ACDO-
(See AIR CARRIER
DISTRICT OFFICE.)
ACKNOWLEDGE-
Let me know that you have received my message.
(See ICAO term
ACKNOWLEDGE.)
ACKNOWLEDGE [ICAO]-
Let me know that you have received and understood this message.
ACL-
(See AIRCRAFT LIST.)
ACLS-
(See AUTOMATIC
CARRIER LANDING SYSTEM.)
ACLT-
(See ACTUAL
CALCULATED LANDING TIME.)
ACROBATIC FLIGHT-
An intentional maneuver involving an abrupt change in an aircraft's
attitude, an abnormal attitude, or abnormal acceleration not necessary
for normal flight.
(See ICAO term
ACROBATIC FLIGHT.)
(Refer to 14 CFR
Part 91.)
ACROBATIC FLIGHT [ICAO]-
Maneuvers intentionally performed by an aircraft involving an abrupt
change in its attitude, an abnormal attitude, or an abnormal variation
in speed.
ACTIVE RUNWAY-
(See RUNWAY IN
USE/ACTIVE RUNWAY/DUTY RUNWAY.)
ACTUAL CALCULATED
LANDING TIME- ACLT is a flight's frozen calculated landing time. An
actual time determined at freeze calculated landing time (FCLT) or meter
list display interval (MLDI) for the adapted vertex for each arrival
aircraft based upon runway configuration, airport acceptance rate,
airport arrival delay period, and other metered arrival aircraft. This
time is either the vertex time of arrival (VTA) of the aircraft or the
tentative calculated landing time (TCLT)/ACLT of the previous aircraft
plus the arrival aircraft interval (AAI), whichever is later. This time
will not be updated in response to the aircraft's progress.
ACTUAL NAVIGATION
PERFORMANCE (ANP)-
(See REQUIRED
NAVIGATION PERFORMANCE.)
ADDITIONAL
SERVICES- Advisory information provided by ATC which includes but is not
limited to the following:
a. Traffic
advisories.
b. Vectors,
when requested by the pilot, to assist aircraft receiving traffic
advisories to avoid observed traffic.
c. Altitude deviation information of 300 feet or more from an
assigned altitude as observed on a verified (reading correctly)
automatic altitude readout (Mode C).
d. Advisories
that traffic is no longer a factor.
e. Weather
and chaff information.
f. Weather
assistance.
g. Bird
activity information.
h. Holding
pattern surveillance. Additional services are provided to the extent
possible contingent only upon the controller's capability to fit them
into the performance of higher priority duties and on the basis of
limitations of the radar, volume of traffic, frequency congestion, and
controller workload. The controller has complete discretion for
determining if he/she is able to provide or continue to provide a
service in a particular case. The controller's reason not to provide or
continue to provide a service in a particular case is not subject to
question by the pilot and need not be made known to him/her.
(See TRAFFIC
ADVISORIES.)
(Refer to AIM.)
ADF-
(See AUTOMATIC
DIRECTION FINDER.)
ADIZ-
(See AIR DEFENSE
IDENTIFICATION ZONE.)
ADLY-
(See ARRIVAL DELAY.)
ADMINISTRATOR- The
Federal Aviation Administrator or any person to whom he/she has
delegated his/her authority in the matter concerned.
ADR-
(See AIRPORT
DEPARTURE RATE.)
ADS [ICAO]-
(See ICAO term
AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE.)
ADS-B-
(See AUTOMATIC
DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE-BROADCAST.)
ADS-C-
(See AUTOMATIC
DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE-CONTRACT.)
ADVISE
INTENTIONS- Tell me what you plan to do.
ADVISORY- Advice
and information provided to assist pilots in the safe conduct of flight
and aircraft movement.
(See ADVISORY
SERVICE.)
ADVISORY
FREQUENCY- The appropriate frequency to be used for Airport Advisory
Service.
(See LOCAL AIRPORT
ADVISORY.)
(See UNICOM.)
(Refer to ADVISORY
CIRCULAR NO. 90-42.)
(Refer to AIM.)
ADVISORY SERVICE-
Advice and information provided by a facility to assist pilots in the
safe conduct of flight and aircraft movement.
(See ADDITIONAL
SERVICES.)
(See EN ROUTE FLIGHT
ADVISORY SERVICE.)
(See LOCAL AIRPORT
ADVISORY.)
(See RADAR ADVISORY.)
(See SAFETY ALERT.)
(See TRAFFIC
ADVISORIES.)
(Refer to AIM.)
AERIAL REFUELING-
A procedure used by the military to transfer fuel from one aircraft to
another during flight.
(Refer to VFR/IFR
Wall Planning Charts.)
AERODROME- A
defined area on land or water (including any buildings, installations
and equipment) intended to be used either wholly or in part for the
arrival, departure, and movement of aircraft.
AERODROME BEACON [ICAO]-
Aeronautical beacon used to indicate the location of an aerodrome from
the air.
AERODROME CONTROL
SERVICE [ICAO]- Air traffic control service for aerodrome traffic.
AERODROME CONTROL
TOWER [ICAO]- A unit established to provide air traffic control service
to aerodrome traffic.
AERODROME
ELEVATION [ICAO]- The elevation of the highest point of the landing
area.
AERODROME TRAFFIC
CIRCUIT [ICAO]- The specified path to be flown by aircraft operating in
the vicinity of an aerodrome.
AERONAUTICAL
BEACON- A visual NAVAID displaying flashes of white and/or colored light
to indicate the location of an airport, a heliport, a landmark, a
certain point of a Federal airway in mountainous terrain, or an
obstruction.
(See AIRPORT ROTATING BEACON.)
(Refer to AIM.)
AERONAUTICAL
CHART- A map used in air navigation containing all or part of the
following: topographic features, hazards and obstructions, navigation
aids, navigation routes, designated airspace, and airports. Commonly
used aeronautical charts are:
a. Sectional
Aeronautical Charts (1:500,000)- Designed for visual navigation of slow
or medium speed aircraft. Topographic information on these charts
features the portrayal of relief and a judicious selection of visual
check points for VFR flight. Aeronautical information includes visual
and radio aids to navigation, airports, controlled airspace, restricted
areas, obstructions, and related data.
b. VFR
Terminal Area Charts (1:250,000)- Depict Class B airspace which provides
for the control or segregation of all the aircraft within Class B
airspace. The chart depicts topographic information and aeronautical
information which includes visual and radio aids to navigation,
airports, controlled airspace, restricted areas, obstructions, and
related data.
c. World
Aeronautical Charts (WAC) (1:1,000,000)- Provide a standard series of
aeronautical charts covering land areas of the world at a size and scale
convenient for navigation by moderate speed aircraft. Topographic
information includes cities and towns, principal roads, railroads,
distinctive landmarks, drainage, and relief. Aeronautical information
includes visual and radio aids to navigation, airports, airways,
restricted areas, obstructions, and other pertinent data.
d. En Route
Low Altitude Charts- Provide aeronautical information for en route
instrument navigation (IFR) in the low altitude stratum. Information
includes the portrayal of airways, limits of controlled airspace,
position identification and frequencies of radio aids, selected
airports, minimum en route and minimum obstruction clearance altitudes,
airway distances, reporting points, restricted areas, and related data.
Area charts, which are a part of this series, furnish terminal data at a
larger scale in congested areas.
e. En Route
High Altitude Charts- Provide aeronautical information for en route
instrument navigation (IFR) in the high altitude stratum. Information
includes the portrayal of jet routes, identification and frequencies of
radio aids, selected airports, distances, time zones, special use
airspace, and related information.
f. Instrument
Approach Procedures (IAP) Charts- Portray the aeronautical data which is
required to execute an instrument approach to an airport. These charts
depict the procedures, including all related data, and the airport
diagram. Each procedure is designated for use with a specific type of
electronic navigation system including NDB, TACAN, VOR, ILS/MLS, and
RNAV. These charts are identified by the type of navigational aid(s)
which provide final approach guidance.
g. Instrument
Departure Procedure (DP) Charts- Designed to expedite clearance delivery
and to facilitate transition between takeoff and en route operations.
Each DP is presented as a separate chart and may serve a single airport
or more than one airport in a given geographical location.
h. Standard
Terminal Arrival (STAR) Charts- Designed to expedite air traffic control
arrival procedures and to facilitate transition between en route and
instrument approach operations. Each STAR procedure is presented as a
separate chart and may serve a single airport or more than one airport
in a given geographical location.
i. Airport
Taxi Charts- Designed to expedite the efficient and safe flow of ground
traffic at an airport. These charts are identified by the official
airport name; e.g., Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
(See ICAO term
AERONAUTICAL CHART.)
AERONAUTICAL CHART
[ICAO]- A representation of a portion of the earth, its culture and
relief, specifically designated to meet the requirements of air
navigation.
AERONAUTICAL
INFORMATION MANUAL (AIM)- A primary FAA publication whose purpose is to
instruct airmen about operating in the National Airspace System of the
U.S. It provides basic flight information, ATC Procedures and general
instructional information concerning health, medical facts, factors
affecting flight safety, accident and hazard reporting, and types of
aeronautical charts and their use.
AERONAUTICAL
INFORMATION PUBLICATION (AIP) [ICAO]- A publication issued by or with
the authority of a State and containing aeronautical information of a
lasting character essential to air navigation.
A/FD-
(See AIRPORT/FACILITY
DIRECTORY.)
AFFIRMATIVE-
Yes.
(See AUTOMATIC
FLIGHT INFORMATION SERVICE - ALASKA FSSs ONLY.)
AFP-
(See AIRSPACE FLOW
PROGRAM.)
AIM-
(See AERONAUTICAL
INFORMATION MANUAL.)
AIP [ICAO]-
(See ICAO term
AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION PUBLICATION.)
AIR CARRIER
DISTRICT OFFICE- An FAA field office serving an assigned geographical
area, staffed with Flight Standards personnel serving the aviation
industry and the general public on matters related to the certification
and operation of scheduled air carriers and other large aircraft
operations.
AIR DEFENSE
EMERGENCY- A military emergency condition declared by a designated
authority. This condition exists when an attack upon the continental
U.S., Alaska, Canada, or U.S. installations in Greenland by hostile
aircraft or missiles is considered probable, is imminent, or is taking
place.
(Refer to AIM.)
AIR DEFENSE
IDENTIFICATION ZONE (ADIZ)- The area of airspace over land or water,
extending upward from the surface, within which the ready
identification, the location, and the control of aircraft are required
in the interest of national security.
a. Domestic
Air Defense Identification Zone. An ADIZ within the United States along
an international boundary of the United States.
b. Coastal
Air Defense Identification Zone. An ADIZ over the coastal waters of the
United States.
c. Distant
Early Warning Identification Zone (DEWIZ). An ADIZ over the coastal
waters of the State of Alaska.
d. Land-Based
Air Defense Identification Zone. An ADIZ over U.S. metropolitan areas,
which is activated and deactivated as needed, with dimensions,
activation dates and other relevant information disseminated via NOTAM.
Note: ADIZ
locations and operating and flight plan requirements for civil aircraft
operations are specified in 14 CFR Part 99.
(Refer to AIM.)
AIR NAVIGATION
FACILITY- Any facility used in, available for use in, or designed for
use in, aid of air navigation, including landing areas, lights, any
apparatus or equipment for disseminating weather information, for
signaling, for radio-directional finding, or for radio or other
electrical communication, and any other structure or mechanism having a
similar purpose for guiding or controlling flight in the air or the
landing and takeoff of aircraft.
(See NAVIGATIONAL
AID.)
AIR ROUTE
SURVEILLANCE RADAR- Air route traffic control center (ARTCC) radar used
primarily to detect and display an aircraft's position while en route
between terminal areas. The ARSR enables controllers to provide radar
air traffic control service when aircraft are within the ARSR coverage.
In some instances, ARSR may enable an ARTCC to provide terminal radar
services similar to but usually more limited than those provided by a
radar approach control.
AIR ROUTE TRAFFIC
CONTROL CENTER- A facility established to provide air traffic control
service to aircraft operating on IFR flight plans within controlled
airspace and principally during the en route phase of flight. When
equipment capabilities and controller workload permit, certain
advisory/assistance services may be provided to VFR aircraft.
(See EN ROUTE AIR
TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICES.)
(Refer to AIM.)
AIR TAXI- Used to
describe a helicopter/VTOL aircraft movement conducted above the surface
but normally not above 100 feet AGL. The aircraft may proceed either via
hover taxi or flight at speeds more than 20 knots. The pilot is solely
responsible for selecting a safe airspeed/altitude for the operation
being conducted.
(See HOVER TAXI.)
(Refer to AIM.)
AIR TRAFFIC-
Aircraft operating in the air or on an airport surface, exclusive of
loading ramps and parking areas.
(See ICAO term AIR
TRAFFIC.)
AIR TRAFFIC [ICAO]- All aircraft in flight or operating on the
maneuvering area of an aerodrome.
AIR TRAFFIC
CLEARANCE- An authorization by air traffic control for the purpose of
preventing collision between known aircraft, for an aircraft to proceed
under specified traffic conditions within controlled airspace. The
pilot-in-command of an aircraft may not deviate from the provisions of a
visual flight rules (VFR) or instrument flight rules (IFR) air traffic
clearance except in an emergency or unless an amended clearance has been
obtained. Additionally, the pilot may request a different clearance from
that which has been issued by air traffic control (ATC) if information
available to the pilot makes another course of action more practicable
or if aircraft equipment limitations or company procedures forbid
compliance with the clearance issued. Pilots may also request
clarification or amendment, as appropriate, any time a clearance is not
fully understood, or considered unacceptable because of safety of
flight. Controllers should, in such instances and to the extent of
operational practicality and safety, honor the pilot's request. 14 CFR
Part 91.3(a) states: "The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly
responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that
aircraft." THE PILOT IS RESPONSIBLE TO REQUEST AN AMENDED CLEARANCE if
ATC issues a clearance that would cause a pilot to deviate from a rule
or regulation, or in the pilot's opinion, would place the aircraft in
jeopardy.
(See ATC
INSTRUCTIONS.)
(See ICAO term AIR
TRAFFIC CONTROL CLEARANCE.)
AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROL- A service operated by appropriate authority to promote the
safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic.
(See ICAO term AIR
TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICE.)
AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROL CLEARANCE [ICAO]- Authorization for an aircraft to proceed under
conditions specified by an air traffic control unit.
Note 1: For
convenience, the term air traffic control clearance is frequently
abbreviated to clearance when used in appropriate contexts.
Note 2: The
abbreviated term clearance may be prefixed by the words taxi, takeoff,
departure, en route, approach or landing to indicate the particular
portion of flight to which the air traffic control clearance relates.
AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROL SERVICE-
(See AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROL.)
AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROL SERVICE [ICAO]- A service provided for the purpose of:
a. Preventing
collisions:
1. Between
aircraft; and
2. On the
maneuvering area between aircraft and obstructions.
b. Expediting
and maintaining an orderly flow of air traffic.
AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROL SPECIALIST- A person authorized to provide air traffic control
service.
(See AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROL.)
(See FLIGHT SERVICE
STATION.)
(See ICAO term
CONTROLLER.)
AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROL SYSTEM COMMAND CENTER- An Air Traffic Tactical Operations
facility responsible for monitoring and managing the flow of air traffic
throughout the NAS, producing a safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of
traffic while minimizing delays. The following functions are located at
the ATCSCC:
a. Central
Altitude Reservation Function (CARF). Responsible for coordinating,
planning, and approving special user requirements under the Altitude
Reservation (ALTRV) concept.
(See ALTITUDE
RESERVATION.)
b. Airport
Reservation Office (ARO). Responsible for approving IFR flights at
designated high density traffic airports (John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia,
and Ronald Reagan Washington National) during specified hours.
(Refer to 14 CFR
Part 93.)
(Refer to
AIRPORT/FACILITY DIRECTORY.)
c. U.S.
Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) Office. Responsible for collecting,
maintaining, and distributing NOTAMs for the U.S. civilian and military,
as well as international aviation communities.
(See NOTICE TO
AIRMEN.)
d. Weather
Unit. Monitor all aspects of weather for the U.S. that might affect
aviation including cloud cover, visibility, winds, precipitation,
thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, and more. Provide forecasts based on
observations and on discussions with meteorologists from various
National Weather Service offices, FAA facilities, airlines, and private
weather services.
AIR TRAFFIC
SERVICE- A generic term meaning:
a. Flight
Information Service.
b. Alerting Service.
c. Air
Traffic Advisory Service.
d. Air
Traffic Control Service:
1. Area
Control Service,
2. Approach
Control Service, or
3. Airport
Control Service.
AIR TRAFFIC
SERVICE (ATS) ROUTES - The term "ATS Route" is a generic term that
includes "VOR Federal airways," "colored Federal airways," "jet routes,"
and "RNAV routes." The term "ATS route" does not replace these more
familiar route names, but serves only as an overall title when listing
the types of routes that comprise the United States route structure.
AIRBORNE DELAY-
Amount of delay to be encountered in airborne holding.
AIRCRAFT- Device(s)
that are used or intended to be used for flight in the air, and when
used in air traffic control terminology, may include the flight crew.
(See ICAO term
AIRCRAFT.)
AIRCRAFT [ICAO]-
Any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions
of the air other than the reactions of the air against the earth's
surface.
AIRCRAFT APPROACH
CATEGORY- A grouping of aircraft based on a speed of 1.3 times the stall
speed in the landing configuration at maximum gross landing weight. An
aircraft must fit in only one category. If it is necessary to maneuver
at speeds in excess of the upper limit of a speed range for a category,
the minimums for the category for that speed must be used. For example,
an aircraft which falls in Category A, but is circling to land at a
speed in excess of 91 knots, must use the approach Category B minimums
when circling to land. The categories are as follows:
a. Category A-
Speed less than 91 knots.
b. Category B-
Speed 91 knots or more but less than 121 knots.
c. Category C-
Speed 121 knots or more but less than 141 knots.
d. Category D-
Speed 141 knots or more but less than 166 knots.
e. Category E-
Speed 166 knots or more.
(Refer to 14 CFR
Part 97.)
AIRCRAFT CLASSES-
For the purposes of Wake Turbulence Separation Minima, ATC classifies
aircraft as Heavy, Large, and Small as follows:
a. Heavy-
Aircraft capable of takeoff weights of more than 255,000 pounds whether
or not they are operating at this weight during a particular phase of
flight.
b. Large-
Aircraft of more than 41,000 pounds, maximum certificated takeoff
weight, up to 255,000 pounds.
c. Small-
Aircraft of 41,000 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight.
(Refer to AIM.)
AIRCRAFT CONFLICT-
Predicted conflict, within URET, of two aircraft, or between aircraft
and airspace. A Red alert is used for conflicts when the predicted
minimum separation is 5 nautical miles or less. A Yellow alert is used
when the predicted minimum separation is between 5 and approximately 12
nautical miles. A Blue alert is used for conflicts between an aircraft
and predefined airspace.
(See USER REQUEST
EVALUATION TOOL.)
AIRCRAFT LIST
(ACL)- A view available with URET that lists aircraft currently in or
predicted to be in a particular sector's airspace. The view contains
textual flight data information in line format and may be sorted into
various orders based on the specific needs of the sector team.
(See USER REQUEST
EVALUATION TOOL.)
AIRCRAFT SURGE
LAUNCH AND RECOVERY- Procedures used at USAF bases to provide increased
launch and recovery rates in instrument flight rules conditions. ASLAR
is based on:
a. Reduced
separation between aircraft which is based on time or distance. Standard
arrival separation applies between participants including multiple
flights until the DRAG point. The DRAG point is a published location on
an ASLAR approach where aircraft landing second in a formation slows to
a predetermined airspeed. The DRAG point is the reference point at which
MARSA applies as expanding elements effect separation within a flight or
between subsequent participating flights.
b. ASLAR
procedures shall be covered in a Letter of Agreement between the
responsible USAF military ATC facility and the concerned Federal
Aviation Administration facility. Initial Approach Fix spacing
requirements are normally addressed as a minimum.
AIRMEN'S METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION-
(See AIRMET.)
AIRMET-
In-flight weather advisories issued only to amend the area forecast
concerning weather phenomena which are of operational interest to all
aircraft and potentially hazardous to aircraft having limited capability
because of lack of equipment, instrumentation, or pilot qualifications.
AIRMETs concern weather of less severity than that covered by SIGMETs or
Convective SIGMETs. AIRMETs cover moderate icing, moderate turbulence,
sustained winds of 30 knots or more at the surface, widespread areas of
ceilings less than 1,000 feet and/or visibility less than 3 miles, and
extensive mountain obscurement.
(See AWW.)
(See CONVECTIVE
SIGMET.)
(See CWA.)
(See SIGMET.)
(Refer to AIM.)
AIRPORT- An area
on land or water that is used or intended to be used for the landing and
takeoff of aircraft and includes its buildings and facilities, if any.
AIRPORT ADVISORY
AREA- The area within ten miles of an airport without a control tower or
where the tower is not in operation, and on which a Flight Service
Station is located.
(See LOCAL AIRPORT
ADVISORY.)
(Refer to AIM.)
AIRPORT ARRIVAL
RATE (AAR)- A dynamic input parameter specifying the number of arriving
aircraft which an airport or airspace can accept from the ARTCC per
hour. The AAR is used to calculate the desired interval between
successive arrival aircraft.
AIRPORT DEPARTURE
RATE (ADR)- A dynamic parameter specifying the number of aircraft which
can depart an airport and the airspace can accept per hour.
AIRPORT ELEVATION-
The highest point of an airport's usable runways measured in feet from
mean sea level.
(See TOUCHDOWN ZONE
ELEVATION.)
(See ICAO term
AERODROME ELEVATION.)
AIRPORT/FACILITY
DIRECTORY- A publication designed primarily as a pilot's operational
manual containing all airports, seaplane bases, and heliports open to
the public including communications data, navigational facilities, and
certain special notices and procedures. This publication is issued in
seven volumes according to geographical area.
AIRPORT LIGHTING-
Various lighting aids that may be installed on an airport. Types of
airport lighting include:
a. Approach
Light System (ALS)- An airport lighting facility which provides visual
guidance to landing aircraft by radiating light beams in a directional
pattern by which the pilot aligns the aircraft with the extended
centerline of the runway on his/her final approach for landing.
Condenser-Discharge Sequential Flashing Lights/Sequenced Flashing Lights
may be installed in conjunction with the ALS at some airports. Types of
Approach Light Systems are:
1. ALSF-1-
Approach Light System with Sequenced Flashing Lights in ILS Cat-I
configuration.
2. ALSF-2-
Approach Light System with Sequenced Flashing Lights in ILS Cat-II
configuration. The ALSF-2 may operate as an SSALR when weather
conditions permit.
3. SSALF-
Simplified Short Approach Light System with Sequenced Flashing Lights.
4. SSALR-
Simplified Short Approach Light System with Runway Alignment Indicator
Lights.
5. MALSF-
Medium Intensity Approach Light System with Sequenced Flashing Lights.
6. MALSR-
Medium Intensity Approach Light System with Runway Alignment Indicator
Lights.
7. LDIN-
Lead-in-light system- Consists of one or more series of flashing lights
installed at or near ground level that provides positive visual guidance
along an approach path, either curving or straight, where special
problems exist with hazardous terrain, obstructions, or noise abatement
procedures.
8. RAIL-
Runway Alignment Indicator Lights- Sequenced Flashing Lights which are
installed only in combination with other light systems.
9. ODALS-
Omnidirectional Approach Lighting System consists of seven
omnidirectional flashing lights located in the approach area of a
nonprecision runway. Five lights are located on the runway centerline
extended with the first light located 300 feet from the threshold and
extending at equal intervals up to 1,500 feet from the threshold. The
other two lights are located, one on each side of the runway threshold,
at a lateral distance of 40 feet from the runway edge, or 75 feet from
the runway edge when installed on a runway equipped with a VASI.
(Refer to FAAO JO 6850.2, VISUAL GUIDANCE LIGHTING SYSTEMS.)
b. Runway
Lights/Runway Edge Lights- Lights having a prescribed angle of emission
used to define the lateral limits of a runway. Runway lights are
uniformly spaced at intervals of approximately 200 feet, and the
intensity may be controlled or preset.
c. Touchdown
Zone Lighting- Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically
about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic
system extends 3,000 feet along the runway.
d. Runway
Centerline Lighting- Flush centerline lights spaced at 50-foot intervals
beginning 75 feet from the landing threshold and extending to within 75
feet of the opposite end of the runway.
e. Threshold
Lights- Fixed green lights arranged symmetrically left and right of the
runway centerline, identifying the runway threshold.
f. Runway
End Identifier Lights (REIL)- Two synchronized flashing lights, one on
each side of the runway threshold, which provide rapid and positive
identification of the approach end of a particular runway.
g. Visual
Approach Slope Indicator (VASI)- An airport lighting facility providing
vertical visual approach slope guidance to aircraft during approach to
landing by radiating a directional pattern of high intensity red and
white focused light beams which indicate to the pilot that he/she is "on
path" if he/she sees red/white, "above path" if white/white, and "below
path" if red/red. Some airports serving large aircraft have three-bar
VASIs which provide two visual glide paths to the same runway.
h. Precision
Approach Path Indicator (PAPI)- An airport lighting facility, similar to
VASI, providing vertical approach slope guidance to aircraft during
approach to landing. PAPIs consist of a single row of either two or four
lights, normally installed on the left side of the runway, and have an
effective visual range of about 5 miles during the day and up to 20
miles at night. PAPIs radiate a directional pattern of high intensity
red and white focused light beams which indicate that the pilot is "on
path" if the pilot sees an equal number of white lights and red lights,
with white to the left of the red; "above path" if the pilot sees more
white than red lights; and "below path" if the pilot sees more red than
white lights.
i. Boundary
Lights- Lights defining the perimeter of an airport or landing area.
(Refer to AIM.)
AIRPORT MARKING
AIDS- Markings used on runway and taxiway surfaces to identify a
specific runway, a runway threshold, a centerline, a hold line, etc. A
runway should be marked in accordance with its present usage such as:
a. Visual.
b. Nonprecision
instrument.
c. Precision
instrument.
(Refer to AIM.)
AIRPORT REFERENCE
POINT (ARP)- The approximate geometric center of all usable runway
surfaces.
AIRPORT
RESERVATION OFFICE- Office responsible for monitoring the operation of
the high density rule. Receives and processes requests for IFR-operations
at high density traffic airports.
AIRPORT ROTATING
BEACON- A visual NAVAID operated at many airports. At civil airports,
alternating white and green flashes indicate the location of the
airport. At military airports, the beacons flash alternately white and
green, but are differentiated from civil beacons by dualpeaked (two
quick) white flashes between the green flashes.
(See INSTRUMENT
FLIGHT RULES.)
(See SPECIAL VFR
OPERATIONS.)
(See ICAO term
AERODROME BEACON.)
(Refer to AIM.)
AIRPORT STREAM
FILTER (ASF)- An on/off filter that allows the conflict notification
function to be inhibited for arrival streams into single or multiple
airports to prevent nuisance alerts.
AIRPORT SURFACE
DETECTION EQUIPMENT (ASDE)- Surveillance equipment specifically designed
to detect aircraft, vehicular traffic, and other objects, on the surface
of an airport, and to present the image on a tower display. Used to
augment visual observation by tower personnel of aircraft and/or
vehicular movements on runways and taxiways. There are three ASDE
systems deployed in the NAS:
a. ASDE-3-
a Surface Movement Radar.
b. ASDE-X- a system that uses a X-band Surface Movement Radar and
multilateration. Data from these two sources are fused and presented on
a digital display.
c. ASDE-3X-
an ASDE-X system that uses the ASDE-3 Surface Movement Radar.
AIRPORT
SURVEILLANCE RADAR- Approach control radar used to detect and display an
aircraft's position in the terminal area. ASR provides range and azimuth
information but does not provide elevation data. Coverage of the ASR can
extend up to 60 miles.
AIRPORT TAXI
CHARTS-
(See AERONAUTICAL
CHART.)
AIRPORT TRAFFIC
CONTROL SERVICE- A service provided by a control tower for aircraft
operating on the movement area and in the vicinity of an airport.
(See MOVEMENT AREA.)
(See TOWER.)
(See ICAO term
AERODROME CONTROL SERVICE.)
AIRPORT TRAFFIC
CONTROL TOWER-
(See TOWER.)
AIRSPACE CONFLICT-
Predicted conflict of an aircraft and active Special Activity Airspace (SAA).
AIRSPACE FLOW
PROGRAM (AFP)- AFP is a Traffic Management (TM) process administered by
the Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) where aircraft
are assigned an Expect Departure Clearance Time (EDCT) in order to
manage capacity and demand for a specific area of the National Airspace
System (NAS). The purpose of the program is to mitigate the effects of
en route constraints. It is a flexible program and may be implemented in
various forms depending upon the needs of the air traffic system.
AIRSPACE
HIERARCHY- Within the airspace classes, there is a hierarchy and, in the
event of an overlap of airspace: Class A preempts Class B, Class B
preempts Class C, Class C preempts Class D, Class D preempts Class E,
and Class E preempts Class G.
AIRSPEED- The
speed of an aircraft relative to its surrounding air mass. The
unqualified term "airspeed" means one of the following:
a. Indicated
Airspeed- The speed shown on the aircraft airspeed indicator. This is
the speed used in pilot/controller communications under the general term
"airspeed."
(Refer to 14 CFR
Part 1.)
b. True
Airspeed- The airspeed of an aircraft relative to undisturbed air. Used
primarily in flight planning and en route portion of flight. When used
in pilot/controller communications, it is referred to as "true airspeed"
and not shortened to "airspeed."
AIRSTART- The
starting of an aircraft engine while the aircraft is airborne, preceded
by engine shutdown during training flights or by actual engine failure.
AIRWAY- A Class E
airspace area established in the form of a corridor, the centerline of
which is defined by radio navigational aids.
(See FEDERAL
AIRWAYS.)
(See ICAO term
AIRWAY.)
(Refer to 14 CFR
Part 71.)
(Refer to AIM.)
AIRWAY [ICAO]- A
control area or portion thereof established in the form of corridor
equipped with radio navigational aids.
AIRWAY BEACON-
Used to mark airway segments in remote mountain areas. The light flashes
Morse Code to identify the beacon site.
(Refer to AIM.)
AIT-
(See AUTOMATED
INFORMATION TRANSFER.)
ALERFA (Alert
Phase) [ICAO]- A situation wherein apprehension exists as to the safety
of an aircraft and its occupants.
ALERT- A
notification to a position that there is an aircraft-to-aircraft or
aircraft-to-airspace conflict, as detected by Automated Problem
Detection (APD).
ALERT AREA-
(See SPECIAL USE
AIRSPACE.)
ALERT NOTICE- A
request originated by a flight service station (FSS) or an air route
traffic control center (ARTCC) for an extensive communication search for
overdue, unreported, or missing aircraft.
ALERTING SERVICE-
A service provided to notify appropriate organizations regarding
aircraft in need of search and rescue aid and assist such organizations
as required.
ALNOT-
(See ALERT NOTICE.)
ALONG-TRACK DISTANCE (ATD)- The distance measured
from a point-in-space by systems using area navigation reference
capabilities that are not subject to slant range errors.
ALPHANUMERIC
DISPLAY- Letters and numerals used to show identification, altitude,
beacon code, and other information concerning a target on a radar
display.
(See AUTOMATED RADAR
TERMINAL SYSTEMS.)
ALTERNATE
AERODROME [ICAO]- An aerodrome to which an aircraft may proceed when it
becomes either impossible or inadvisable to proceed to or to land at the
aerodrome of intended landing.
Note: The
aerodrome from which a flight departs may also be an en-route or a
destination alternate aerodrome for the flight.
ALTERNATE AIRPORT-
An airport at which an aircraft may land if a landing at the intended
airport becomes inadvisable.
(See ICAO term
ALTERNATE AERODROME.)
ALTIMETER SETTING-
The barometric pressure reading used to adjust a pressure altimeter for
variations in existing atmospheric pressure or to the standard altimeter
setting (29.92).
(Refer to 14 CFR
Part 91.)
(Refer to AIM.)
ALTITUDE- The
height of a level, point, or object measured in feet Above Ground Level
(AGL) or from Mean Sea Level (MSL).
(See FLIGHT LEVEL.)
a. MSL
Altitude- Altitude expressed in feet measured from mean sea level.
b. AGL
Altitude- Altitude expressed in feet measured above ground level.
c. Indicated
Altitude- The altitude as shown by an altimeter. On a pressure or
barometric altimeter it is altitude as shown uncorrected for instrument
error and uncompensated for variation from standard atmospheric
conditions.
(See ICAO term
ALTITUDE.)
ALTITUDE [ICAO]-
The vertical distance of a level, a point or an object considered as a
point, measured from mean sea level (MSL).
ALTITUDE
READOUT- An aircraft's altitude, transmitted via the Mode C
transponder feature, that is visually displayed in 100-foot increments
on a radar scope having readout capability.
(See ALPHANUMERIC
DISPLAY.)
(See AUTOMATED RADAR
TERMINAL SYSTEMS.)
(Refer to AIM.)
ALTITUDE
RESERVATION- Airspace utilization under prescribed conditions normally
employed for the mass movement of aircraft or other special user
requirements which cannot otherwise be accomplished. ALTRVs are approved
by the appropriate FAA facility.
(See AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROL SYSTEM COMMAND CENTER.)
ALTITUDE
RESTRICTION- An altitude or altitudes, stated in the order flown, which
are to be maintained until reaching a specific point or time. Altitude
restrictions may be issued by ATC due to traffic, terrain, or other
airspace considerations.
ALTITUDE
RESTRICTIONS ARE CANCELED- Adherence to previously imposed
altitude restrictions is no longer required during a climb or descent.
ALTRV-
(See ALTITUDE
RESERVATION.)
AMVER-
(See AUTOMATED
MUTUAL-ASSISTANCE VESSEL RESCUE SYSTEM.)
APB-
(See AUTOMATED
PROBLEM DETECTION BOUNDARY.)
APD-
(See AUTOMATED
PROBLEM DETECTION.)
APDIA-
(See AUTOMATED
PROBLEM DETECTION INHIBITED AREA.)
APPROACH
CLEARANCE- Authorization by ATC for a pilot to conduct an instrument
approach. The type of instrument approach for which a clearance and
other pertinent information is provided in the approach clearance when
required.
(See CLEARED
APPROACH.)
(See INSTRUMENT
APPROACH PROCEDURE.)
(Refer to AIM.)
(Refer to 14 CFR
Part 91.)
APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY- A terminal ATC facility
that provides approach control service in a terminal area.
(See APPROACH CONTROL
SERVICE.)
(See RADAR APPROACH
CONTROL FACILITY.)
APPROACH CONTROL
SERVICE- Air traffic control service provided by an approach control
facility for arriving and departing VFR/IFR aircraft and, on occasion,
en route aircraft. At some airports not served by an approach control
facility, the ARTCC provides limited approach control service.
(See ICAO term
APPROACH CONTROL SERVICE.)
(Refer to AIM.)
APPROACH CONTROL
SERVICE [ICAO]- Air traffic control service for arriving or departing
controlled flights.
APPROACH GATE- An
imaginary point used within ATC as a basis for vectoring aircraft to the
final approach course. The gate will be established along the final
approach course 1 mile from the final approach fix on the side away from
the airport and will be no closer than 5 miles from the landing
threshold.
APPROACH LIGHT
SYSTEM-
(See AIRPORT
LIGHTING.)
APPROACH SEQUENCE-
The order in which aircraft are positioned while on approach or awaiting
approach clearance.
(See LANDING
SEQUENCE.)
(See ICAO term
APPROACH SEQUENCE.)
APPROACH SEQUENCE
[ICAO]- The order in which two or more aircraft are cleared to approach
to land at the aerodrome.
APPROACH
SPEED- The recommended speed contained in aircraft manuals used
by pilots when making an approach to landing. This speed will vary for
different segments of an approach as well as for aircraft weight and
configuration.
APPROPRIATE ATS
AUTHORITY [ICAO]- The relevant authority designated by the State
responsible for providing air traffic services in the airspace
concerned. In the United States, the "appropriate ATS authority" is the
Program Director for Air Traffic Planning and Procedures, ATP-1.
APPROPRIATE
AUTHORITY-
a. Regarding
flight over the high seas: the relevant authority is the State of
Registry.
b. Regarding
flight over other than the high seas: the relevant authority is the
State having sovereignty over the territory being overflown.
APPROPRIATE
OBSTACLE CLEARANCE MINIMUM ALTITUDE- Any of the following:
(See MINIMUM EN ROUTE
IFR ALTITUDE.)
(See MINIMUM IFR
ALTITUDE.)
(See MINIMUM
OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCE ALTITUDE.)
(See MINIMUM
VECTORING ALTITUDE.)
APPROPRIATE
TERRAIN CLEARANCE MINIMUM ALTITUDE- Any of the following:
(See MINIMUM EN ROUTE
IFR ALTITUDE.)
(See MINIMUM IFR
ALTITUDE.)
(See MINIMUM
OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCE ALTITUDE.)
(See MINIMUM
VECTORING ALTITUDE.)
APRON- A defined
area on an airport or heliport intended to accommodate aircraft for
purposes of loading or unloading passengers or cargo, refueling,
parking, or maintenance. With regard to seaplanes, a ramp is used for
access to the apron from the water.
(See ICAO term
APRON.)
APRON [ICAO]- 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).
AREA CONTROL
CENTER [ICAO]- 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 [ICAO]-
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 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
ADVISORY LIST- 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 [ICAO]-
(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.)
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 [ICAO]-
(See ICAO Term
AUTOMATIC TERMINAL INFORMATION SERVICE.)
ATS ROUTE [ICAO]-
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.
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 INHIBITED 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. Programmable
Indicator Data Processor (PIDP). 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) [ICAO]- 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 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 [ICAO]- 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
SERVICE- 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.
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