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En Route Basics > Commonly Used Terms > Flashcards

Commonly Used Terms Flashcards

1
Q

AGL

A

Above Ground
Level Altitude. Altitude expressed in feet measured above ground level.

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2
Q

Airport Elevation
(Field Elevation)

A

The highest point of an airport’s usable runways measured in feet from
mean sea level.

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3
Q

ASR

A

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.

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4
Q

Airspeed

A

The speed of an aircraft relative to its surrounding air mass. The unqualified
term “airspeed” means one of the following:
a. Indicated Airspeed (IAS) – The speed shown on the aircraft airspeed
indicator. This is the speed used in pilot/controller communications under
the general term “airspeed.”
b. True Airspeed (TAS) – 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.”

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5
Q

AT

A

Air Traffic. Aircraft operating in the air or on an airport surface, exclusive of loading
ramps and parking areas.

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6
Q

Air Traffic
Clearance

A

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.

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7
Q

ATC

A

Air Traffic
Control. A service operated by appropriate authority to promote the safe, orderly, and
expeditious flow of air traffic.

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8
Q

ATCS

A

Air Traffic
Control
Specialist. A person authorized to provide air traffic control service.

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9
Q

ATS Routes

A

Air Traffic
Service Routes. 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.

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10
Q

Airway

A

A Class E airspace area established in the form of a corridor, the centerline
of which is defined by radio navigational aids.

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11
Q

Alert Area

A

A type of Special Use Airspace that may contain 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.

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12
Q

Altimeter

A

A flight instrument that indicates altitude by sensing pressure changes.

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13
Q

ALSTG

A

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).

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14
Q

Altitude

A

The height of a level, point, or object measured in feet Above Ground Level
(AGL) or from Mean Sea Level (MSL).

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15
Q

CFA

A

Controlled Firing
Area. A type of Special Use 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.

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16
Q

UTC

A

Coordinated
Universal Time. Time is given in Coordinated Universal Time, the local standard time at the
Prime Meridian at Greenwich, England. Local Standard Time is based on
each 15° of longitude.

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17
Q

Data Block
(Alphanumeric
Display)

A

Letters and numerals used to show identification, altitude, beacon code, and
other information concerning a target on a radar display.

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18
Q

DME

A

Distance
Measuring
Equipment. Equipment (airborne and ground) used to measure, in nautical miles, the
slant range distance of an aircraft from the DME navigational aid.

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19
Q

DME Fix

A

Distance
Measuring
Equipment Fix. A geographical position determined by reference to a navigational aid which
provides distance and azimuth information. It is defined by a specific
distance in nautical miles and a radial, azimuth, or course (i.e., localizer) in
degrees magnetic from that aid.

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20
Q

Fix

A

A geographical position determined by visual reference to the surface, by
reference to one or more radio NAVAIDs, by celestial plotting, or by another
navigational device.

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21
Q

FLC

A

Flight Check. A call sign prefix used by FAA aircraft engaged in flight
inspection/certification of navigational aids and flight procedures. The word
“recorded” may be added as a suffix—e.g., “Flight Check 320 recorded” —to
indicate that an automated flight inspection is in progress in terminal areas.

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22
Q

FL

A

Flight Level. A level of constant atmospheric pressure related to a reference datum of
29.92 inches of mercury. Each is stated in three digits that represent
hundreds of feet. For example, flight level (FL) 250 represents a barometric
altimeter indication of 25,000 feet; FL 255, an indication of 25,500 feet

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23
Q

FP

A

Flight Plan. Specified information relating to the intended flight of an aircraft that is filed
orally or in writing with an FSS or an ATC facility

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24
Q

Flow Control

A

Measures designed to adjust the flow of traffic into a given airspace, along a
given route, or bound for a given aerodrome (airport) so as to ensure the
most effective utilization of the airspace.

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25
Q

GA

A

General Aviation. That portion of civil aviation which encompasses all facets of aviation,
except air carriers holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity
from the Civil Aeronautics Board and large aircraft commercial operators

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26
Q

GPS

A

Global
Positioning
System. A space-based 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.

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27
Q

Handoff

A

An action taken to transfer the radar identification of an aircraft from one
controller to another if the aircraft will enter the receiving controller’s
airspace and radio communications with the aircraft will be transferred.

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28
Q

Hold Procedure

A

A predetermined maneuver that keeps aircraft within a specified airspace
while awaiting further clearance from air traffic control. Also used during
ground operations to keep aircraft within a specified area or at a specified
point while awaiting further clearance from air traffic control.

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29
Q

IFR Conditions

A

Weather conditions below the minimum for flight under visual flight rules.
Generally, IFR weather conditions exist when the ceiling is below 1,000 feet
AGL or the visibility is below 3 statute miles.

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30
Q

IFR/VFR Aircraft

A

The pilot using Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) relies on instruments for
navigation during poor weather conditions and is provided ATC separation.
The Visual Flight Rules (VFR) pilot relies on his/her own vision for
separation and may or may not use instruments for navigation.

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31
Q

IAF

A

Initial Approach
Fix. The fixes depicted on instrument approach procedure charts that identify the
beginning of the initial approach segment(s).

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32
Q

DP

A

Instrument
Departure
Procedure . A preplanned instrument flight rule (IFR) air traffic control departure
procedure printed for pilot use in graphic and/or textual form. DPs provide
transition from the terminal to the appropriate en route structure.

33
Q

IFR

A

Instrument Flight
Rules. Rules governing the procedures for conducting instrument flight. Also a term
used by pilots and controllers to indicate type of flight plan.

34
Q

ILS

A

Instrument
Landing System.
A precision instrument approach system that normally consists of the
following electronic components and visual aids:
a. Localizer
b. Glideslope
c. Outer Marker
d. Middle Marker
e. Approach Lights

35
Q

Intersection

A

a. A point defined by any combination of courses, radials, or bearings of two
or more navigational aids.
b. Used to describe the point where two runways, a runway and a taxiway,
or two taxiways cross or meet.

36
Q

Jet Route

A

A route designed to serve aircraft operations from 18,000 feet MSL up to
and including flight level 450. The routes are referred to as “J” routes with
numbering to identify the designated route; e.g., J105

37
Q

Lateral
Separation

A

The lateral spacing of aircraft at the same altitude by requiring operation on
different routes or in different geographical locations.

38
Q

Longitudinal
Separation

A

The longitudinal spacing of aircraft at the same altitude by a minimum
distance expressed in units of time or miles.

39
Q

Mach Number

A

The ratio of true airspeed to the speed of sound; e.g., MACH .82, MACH
1.6.

40
Q

Mayday

A

The international radiotelephony distress signal. When repeated three times,
it indicates imminent and grave danger and that immediate assistance is
requested.

41
Q

MSL

A

Mean Sea Level
Altitude. Altitude expressed in feet measured from mean sea level.

42
Q

MOA

A

Military
Operations Area. An airspace assignment of defined vertical and lateral dimensions
established outside Class A airspace to separate/segregate certain military
activities from IFR traffic and to identify for VFR traffic where these activities
are conducted.

43
Q

Mode C

A

Altitude reporting transponder mode.

44
Q

Movement Area

A

The runways, taxiways, and other areas of an airport/heliport which are
utilized for taxiing/hover taxiing, air taxiing, takeoff, and landing of aircraft,
exclusive of loading ramps and parking areas. At those airports/heliports
with a tower, specific approval for entry onto the movement area must be
obtained from ATC.

45
Q

NAS

A

National
Airspace System . The common network of U.S. airspace; air navigation facilities, equipment
and services, airports or landing area; aeronautical charts, information and
services; rules, regulations and procedures; technical information, and
manpower and material. Included are system components shared jointly
with the military.

46
Q

NAVAID

A

Navigational Aid. Any visual or electronic device airborne or on the surface which provides
point to point guidance information or position data to aircraft in flight.

47
Q

NDB

A

Non-directional
Beacon . An L/MF radio beacon transmitting non-directional signals whereby the pilot
of an aircraft equipped with direction-finding equipment can determine
his/her bearing to or from the radio beacon and “home” on or track to or from
the station.

48
Q

Non-movement
Area

A

Taxiways and apron (ramp) areas not under the control of air traffic

49
Q

Nonradar

A

Generally means without the use of radar, such as:
Nonradar Approach – Used to describe instrument approaches for which
course guidance on final approach may or may not be provided by ATC.
Nonradar Approach Control – An ATC facility providing approach control
service without the use of radar.
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
established or has been terminated due to a lack of radar service to the
airport.
Nonradar Route – A flight path or route over which the pilot is performing
his/her own navigation. Pilot may be receiving radar separation, radar
monitoring, or other ATC services while on a nonradar route.
Nonradar Separation – The spacing of aircraft in accordance with
established minima without the use of radar; e.g., vertical, lateral, or
longitudinal separation.

50
Q

Positive Control

A

The separation of all air traffic within designated airspace by air traffic
control.

51
Q

Precision
Approach Radar

A

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 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), and the distance
(range) from the touchdown point on the runway as displayed on the radar
scope.

52
Q

Prohibited Area

A

Designated airspace within which the flight of aircraft is prohibited.

53
Q

Radar

A

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

54
Q

Radar Point Out

A

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.

55
Q

Radar Vectors

A

Specific headings, issued to the pilot by a controller, to provide navigational
guidance based on the use of radar

56
Q

Restricted Area

A

A type of Special Use Airspace designated under FAR Part 73, within which
the flight of aircraft, while not wholly prohibited, is subject to restriction. Most
restricted areas are designated joint use and IFR/VFR operations in the area
may be authorized by the controlling ATC facility when it is not being utilized
by the using agency. Restricted areas are depicted on en route charts.
Where joint use is authorized, the name of the ATC controlling facility is also
shown.

57
Q

RWY, RY

A

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 01, Runway 25.

58
Q

Safety Alert

A

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.

59
Q

SUA

A

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.

60
Q

Squawk

A

Activate specific codes on the aircraft transponder; e.g., “Squawk one zero
two zero.”

61
Q

Stabilizer

A

Stabilizers are located in the tail section of the aircraft. The Vertical
Stabilizer is in the upright position, while the Horizontal Stabilizer is in a
horizontal position. These are manipulated by the pilot in order to control the
aircraft.

62
Q

TACAN

A

Tactical Air
Navigation. An ultra-high frequency electronic rho-theta air navigation aid that provides
suitably equipped aircraft a continuous indication of bearing and distance to
the TACAN station.

63
Q

Target

A

The indication shown on a radar display resulting from a primary radar return
or a radar beacon reply.

64
Q

TCAS

A

Traffic Alert and
Collision
Avoidance
System. An airborne collision avoidance system based on radar beacon signals that
operates independent of ground-based equipment.

65
Q

Transponder

A

The airborne radar beacon receiver/transmitter portion of the Air Traffic
Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS) that automatically receives radio
signals from interrogators on the ground and selectively replies with a
specific reply pulse or pulse group only to those inte

66
Q

Vertical
Separation

A

Separation established by assignment of different altitudes or flight levels.

67
Q

VOR

A

Very High
Frequency Omni
Directional
Range
Navigational Aid .
A ground-based electronic navigation aid transmitting very high frequency
navigation signals, 360 degrees in azimuth, oriented from magnetic north.
Used as the basis for navigation in the National Airspace System. The VOR
periodically identifies itself by Morse Code and may have an additional voice
identification feature. Voice features may be used by ATC or FSS for
transmitting instructions/information to pilots.

68
Q

VORTAC

A

Very High
Frequency
Omnidirectional
Range/Tactical
Air Navigation.
A navigation aid providing VOR azimuth, TACAN azimuth, and TACAN
distance measuring equipment (DME) at one site.

69
Q

VFR

A

Visual Flight
Rules. Rules that govern the procedures for conducting flight under visual
conditions. The term “VFR” is also used in the United States. In addition, it is
used by pilots and controllers to indicate type of flight plan.

70
Q

VFR Aircraft

A

An aircraft conducting flight in accordance with visual flight rules

71
Q

VFR Conditions

A

Weather conditions that are equal to or greater than minimum VFR
requirements. Generally, VFR weather conditions exist when the ceiling is at
or above 1,000 feet AGL and the visibility is at least 3 statute miles.

72
Q

Video Map

A

An electronically displayed map on the radar display that may depict data
such as airports, heliports, runway centerline extensions, hospital
emergency landing areas, NAVAIDs and fixes, reporting points, airway/route
centerlines, boundaries, handoff points, special use tracks, obstructions,
prominent geographic features, map alignment indicators, range accuracy
marks, minimum vectoring altitudes.

73
Q

VIS

A

Visibility. The ability, as determined by atmospheric conditions and expressed in units
of distance, to see and identify prominent unlighted objects by day and
prominent lighted objects by night. Visibility is reported as statute miles,
hundreds of feet, or meters.

74
Q

Visual
Separation

A

A means employed by ATC to separate aircraft in terminal areas

75
Q

VSCS

A

Voice Switching
and Control
System. A computer-controlled switching system that provides air traffic controllers
with all voice circuits (air-to-ground and ground-to-ground) necessary for air
traffic control.

76
Q

Wake
Turbulence

A

Phenomena resulting from the passage of an aircraft through the
atmosphere. The term includes vortices, thrust stream turbulence, jet blast,
jet wash, propeller wash, and rotor wash both on the ground and in the air.

77
Q

Warning Area

A

A type of Special Use Airspace which may contain hazards to
nonparticipating aircraft in international airspace

78
Q

Waypoint

A

A predetermined geographical position used for route/instrument approach
definition that is defined relative to a VORTAC or in terms of
latitude/longitude coordinates.

En Route Basics (1 decks)

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