Aviation and air traffic control terminology · MLC-0104

Aviation and air traffic control terms: A (170)

• AAM, see Advanced air mobility (AAM)
• AAR, see Airport arrival rate (AAR); Adapted routes
• Abbreviated IFR flight plansAn authorization by ATC requiring pilots to submit only that information needed for the purpose of ATC. It...
• AbeamAn aircraft is “abeam” a fix, point, or object when that fix, point, or object is approximately 90 degrees to...
• AbortTo terminate a preplanned aircraft maneuver; e.g., an aborted takeoff.
• ABRR, see Airborne reroute (ABRR)
• AC, see Advisory circular (AC)
• ACC [ICAO], see Area control center [ICAO]
• Accelerate-stop distance availableThe runway plus stopway length declared available and suitable for the acceleration and deceleration of an...
• 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
• AcknowledgeLet me know that you have received and understood this message.
• ACL, see Aircraft list (ACL)
• ACLS, see Automatic carrier landing system
• Acrobatic flightAn intentional maneuver involving an abrupt change in an aircraft's attitude, an abnormal attitude, or...
• Acrobatic flight [ICAO]Maneuvers intentionally performed by an aircraft involving an abrupt change in its attitude, an abnormal...
• Active runway, see Runway in use/active runway/duty runway
• Actual navigation performance (ANP), see Required navigation performance (RNP)
• Adapted routesDeparture and/or arrival routes that are adapted in ARTCC ERAM computers to accomplish inter/intrafacility...
• ADAR, see Adapted routes
• Additional servicesAdvisory information provided by ATC which includes but is not limited to the following:
• ADF, see Automatic direction finder
• ADIZ, see Air defense identification zone (ADIZ)
• ADLY, see Arrival delay
• AdministratorThe Federal Aviation Administrator or any person to whom he/she has delegated his/her authority in the matter...
• ADR, see Adapted routes; Airport departure rate (ADR)
• ADS [ICAO], see Automatic dependent surveillance
• ADS-B, see Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast in (ADS
• ADS-C, see Automatic dependent surveillance-contract (ADS-C)
• Advanced air mobility (AAM)A transportation system that transports people and property by air between two points in the NAS using...
• Advise intentionsTell me what you plan to do.
• AdvisoryAdvice and information provided to assist pilots in the safe conduct of flight and aircraft movement.
• Advisory circular (AC)An FAA publication, advisory and descriptive in nature, which is not regulatory.
• Advisory frequencyThe appropriate frequency to be used for Airport Advisory Service.
• Advisory serviceAdvice and information provided by a facility to assist pilots in the safe conduct of flight and aircraft...
• ADW, see Arrival/departure window (ADW)
• Aerial refuelingA procedure used by the military to transfer fuel from one aircraft to another during flight.
• AerodromeA defined area on land or water (including any buildings, installations and equipment) intended to be used...
• 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 beaconA visual NAVAID displaying flashes of white and/or colored light to indicate the location of an airport, a...
• Aeronautical chartA map used in air navigation containing all or part of the following: topographic features, hazards and...
• Aeronautical chart [ICAO]A representation of a portion of the earth, its culture and relief, specifically designated to meet the...
• Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)A primary FAA publication whose purpose is to instruct airmen about operating in the National Airspace System...
• Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) [ICAO]A publication issued by or with the authority of a State and containing aeronautical information of a lasting...
• Aeronautical Information Services (AIS)A facility in Silver Spring, MD, established by FAA to operate a central aeronautical information service for...
• AffirmativeYes.
• AFP, see Airspace flow program (AFP)
• AHA, see Aircraft hazard area (AHA)
• AIM, see Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
• AIP [ICAO], see Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) [ICAO]
• Air carrier district officeAn FAA field office serving an assigned geographical area, staffed with Flight Standards personnel serving...
• Air defense emergencyA military emergency condition declared by a designated authority. This condition exists when an attack upon...
• Air defense identification zone (ADIZ)An area of airspace over land or water in which the ready identification, location, and control of all...
• Air navigation facilityAny facility used in, available for use in, or designed for use in, aid of air navigation, including landing...
• Air route surveillance radarAir route traffic control center (ARTCC) radar used primarily to detect and display an aircraft's position...
• Air route traffic control center (ARTCC)A facility established to provide air traffic control service to aircraft operating on IFR flight plans...
• Air taxiUsed to describe a helicopter/VTOL aircraft movement conducted above the surface but normally not above 100...
• Air trafficAircraft operating in the air or on an airport surface, exclusive of loading ramps and parking areas.
• Air traffic clearanceAn authorization by air traffic control for the purpose of preventing collision between known aircraft, for...
• Air traffic controlA service operated by appropriate authority to promote the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic.
• Air traffic control clearance [ICAO]Authorization for an aircraft to proceed under conditions specified by an air traffic control unit.
• Air traffic control service, see Air traffic control
• Air traffic control service [ICAO]A service provided for the purpose of:
• Air traffic control specialistA person authorized to provide air traffic control service.
• Air traffic control system command center (ATCSCC)An Air Traffic Tactical Operations facility responsible for monitoring and managing the flow of air traffic...
• Air traffic [ICAO]All aircraft in flight or operating on the maneuvering area of an aerodrome.
• Air traffic organization (ATO)The FAA line of business responsible for providing safe and efficient air navigation services in the national...
• Air traffic serviceA generic term meaning:
• Air traffic service (ATS) routesThe term “ATS Route” is a generic term that includes “VOR Federal airways,” “colored Federal airways,” “jet...
• AirborneAn aircraft is considered airborne when all parts of the aircraft are off the ground.
• Airborne delayAmount of delay to be encountered in airborne holding.
• Airborne reroute (ABRR)A capability within the Traffic Flow Management System used for the timely development and implementation of...
• AircraftDevice(s) that are used or intended to be used for flight in the air, and when used in air traffic control...
• Aircraft approach categoryA grouping of aircraft based on a speed of 1.3 times the stall speed in the landing configuration at maximum...
• Aircraft classesFor the purposes of Wake Turbulence Separation Minima, ATC classifies aircraft as Super, Heavy, Large, and...
• Aircraft conflictPredicted conflict, within EDST of two aircraft, or between aircraft and airspace. A Red alert is used for...
• Aircraft hazard area (AHA)Used by ATC to segregate air traffic from a launch vehicle, reentry vehicle, amateur rocket, jettisoned...
• Aircraft [ICAO]Any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air other than the reactions...
• Aircraft list (ACL)A view available with EDST that lists aircraft currently in or predicted to be in a particular sector's...
• Aircraft surge launch and recoveryProcedures used at USAF bases to provide increased launch and recovery rates in instrument flight rules...
• Aircraft wake categoriesFor the purposes of Terminal Wake Turbulence Separation Minima, ATC classifies aircraft as Category A through...
• Airmen's meteorological information (AIRMET)A concise description of an occurrence or expected occurrence of specified en route weather phenomena that...
• AirplaneAn engine-driven fixed-wing aircraft heavier than air that is supported in flight by the dynamic reaction of...
• AirportAn area on land or water that is used or intended to be used for the landing and takeoff of aircraft and...
• Airport advisory areaThe area within ten miles of an airport without a control tower or where the tower is not in operation, and...
• Airport arrival rate (AAR)A dynamic input parameter specifying the number of arriving aircraft which an airport or airspace can accept...
• Airport departure rate (ADR)A dynamic parameter specifying the number of aircraft which can depart an airport and the airspace can accept...
• Airport elevationThe highest point of an airport's usable runways measured in feet from mean sea level.
• Airport lightingVarious lighting aids that may be installed on an airport. Types of airport lighting include:
• Airport marking aidsMarkings used on runway and taxiway surfaces to identify a specific runway, a runway threshold, a centerline...
• Airport reference point (ARP)The approximate geometric center of all usable runway surfaces.
• Airport reservation officeOffice responsible for monitoring the operation of slot controlled airports. It receives and processes...
• Airport rotating beaconA visual NAVAID operated at many airports. At civil airports, alternating white and green flashes indicate...
• Airport surface detection equipment (ASDE)Surveillance equipment specifically designed to detect aircraft, vehicular traffic, and other objects, on the...
• Airport surveillance radarApproach control radar used to detect and display an aircraft's position in the terminal area. ASR provides...
• Airport taxi charts, see Aeronautical chart
• Airport traffic control serviceA service provided by a control tower for aircraft operating on the movement area and in the vicinity of an...
• Airport traffic control tower, see Tower
• Airspace conflictPredicted 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...
• Airspace hierarchyWithin the airspace classes, there is a hierarchy and, in the event of an overlap of airspace: Class A...
• Airspace reservationThe term used in oceanic ATC for airspace utilization under prescribed conditions normally employed for the...
• AirspeedThe speed of an aircraft relative to its surrounding air mass. The unqualified term “airspeed” means one of...
• AirstartThe starting of an aircraft engine while the aircraft is airborne, preceded by engine shutdown during...
• AirwayA Class E airspace area established in the form of a corridor, the centerline of which is defined by radio...
• Airway beaconUsed to mark airway segments in remote mountain areas. The light flashes Morse Code to identify the beacon...
• Airway [ICAO]A control area or portion thereof established in the form of corridor equipped with radio navigational aids.
• AIS, see Aeronautical Information Services (AIS)
• AIT, see Automated information transfer (AIT)
• ALERFA (Alert Phase) [ICAO]A situation wherein apprehension exists as to the safety of an aircraft and its occupants.
• AlertA notification to a position that there is an aircraft-to-aircraft or aircraft-to-airspace conflict, as...
• Alert area, see Special use airspace
• Alert notice (ALNOT)A request originated by a flight service station (FSS) or an air route traffic control center (ARTCC) for an...
• Alerting serviceA service provided to notify appropriate organizations regarding aircraft in need of search and rescue aid...
• ALNOT, see Alert notice (ALNOT)
• Along-track distance (ATD)The horizontal distance between the aircraft's current position and a fix measured by an area navigation...
• Alphanumeric displayLetters and numerals used to show identification, altitude, beacon code, and other information concerning a...
• Alternate aerodrome [ICAO]An aerodrome to which an aircraft may proceed when it becomes either impossible or inadvisable to proceed to...
• Alternate airportAn airport at which an aircraft may land if a landing at the intended airport becomes inadvisable.
• Altimeter settingThe barometric pressure reading used to adjust a pressure altimeter for variations in existing atmospheric...
• AltitudeThe height of a level, point, or object measured in feet Above Ground Level (AGL) or from Mean Sea Level...
• Altitude [ICAO]The vertical distance of a level, a point or an object considered as a point, measured from mean sea level...
• Altitude readoutAn aircraft's altitude, transmitted via the Mode C transponder feature, that is visually displayed in...
• Altitude reservation (ALTRV)Airspace utilization under prescribed conditions normally employed for the mass movement of aircraft or other...
• Altitude restrictionAn altitude or altitudes, stated in the order flown, which are to be maintained until reaching a specific...
• Altitude restrictions are canceledAdherence to previously imposed altitude restrictions is no longer required during a climb or descent.
• ALTRV, see Altitude reservation (ALTRV)
• AMVER, see Automated mutual-assistance vessel rescue system
• APB, see Automated problem detection boundary (APB)
• APD, see Automated problem detection (APD)
• APDIA, see Automated problem detection inhibited area (APDIA)
• Approach clearanceAuthorization by ATC for a pilot to conduct an instrument approach. The type of instrument approach for which...
• Approach control facilityA terminal ATC facility that provides approach control service in a terminal area.
• Approach control serviceAir traffic control service provided by an approach control facility for arriving and departing VFR/IFR...
• Approach control service [ICAO]Air traffic control service for arriving or departing controlled flights.
• Approach gateAn imaginary point used within ATC as a basis for vectoring aircraft to the final approach course. The gate...
• Approach light system, see Airport lighting
• Approach runway verificationA STARS functionality that provides audible and visual alerts to tower and/or TRACON controllers when an...
• Approach sequenceThe order in which aircraft are positioned while on approach or awaiting approach clearance.
• Approach sequence [ICAO]The order in which two or more aircraft are cleared to approach to land at the aerodrome.
• Approach speedThe recommended speed contained in aircraft manuals used by pilots when making an approach to landing. This...
• Approach with vertical guidance (APV)A term used to describe RNAV approach procedures that provide lateral and vertical guidance but do not meet...
• Approach/departure hold areaThe locations on taxiways in the approach or departure areas of a runway designated to protect landing or...
• Appropriate ATS authority [ICAO]The relevant authority designated by the State responsible for providing air traffic services in the airspace...
• Appropriate authoritya. Regarding flight over the high seas: the relevant authority is the State of Registry.
• Appropriate obstacle clearance minimum altitudeAny of the following:
• Appropriate terrain clearance minimum altitudeAny of the following:
• ApronA defined area on an airport or heliport intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes of loading or...
• Apron [ICAO]A defined area, on a land aerodrome, intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes of loading or unloading...
• ArcThe track over the ground of an aircraft flying at a constant distance from a navigational aid by reference...
• Area control center [ICAO]An air traffic control facility primarily responsible for ATC services being provided IFR aircraft during the...
• Area navigation (RNAV)A method of navigation which permits aircraft operation on any desired flight path within the coverage of...
• Area navigation (RNAV) approach configurationa. STANDARD T- An RNAV approach whose design allows direct flight to any one of three initial approach fixes...
• Area navigation (RNAV) global positioning system (GPS) precision runway monitoring (PRM) approachA GPS approach, which requires vertical guidance, used in lieu of another type of PRM approach to conduct...
• Army Aviation Flight Information BulletinA bulletin that provides air operation data covering Army, National Guard, and Army Reserve aviation...
• ARO, see Airport reservation office
• Arresting systemA safety device consisting of two major components, namely, engaging or catching devices and energy...
• Arrival centerThe ARTCC having jurisdiction for the impacted airport.
• Arrival delayA parameter which specifies a period of time in which no aircraft will be metered for arrival at the...
• Arrival sector (En Route)An operational control sector containing one or more meter fixes on or near the TRACON boundary.
• Arrival timeThe time an aircraft touches down on arrival.
• Arrival/departure window (ADW)A depiction presented on an air traffic control display, used by the controller to prevent possible conflicts...
• ARSR, see Air route surveillance radar
• ARTCC, see Air route traffic control center (ARTCC)
• ASDA, see Accelerate-stop distance available
• ASDA [ICAO], see Accelerate-stop distance available [ICAO]
• ASDE, see Airport surface detection equipment (ASDE)
• ASLAR, see Aircraft surge launch and recovery
• ASR, see Airport surveillance radar
• ASR approach, see Surveillance approach
• AssociatedA radar target displaying a data block with flight identification and altitude information.
• ATC, see Air traffic control
• ATC advisesUsed to prefix a message of noncontrol information when it is relayed to an aircraft by other than an air...
• ATC assigned airspaceAirspace of defined vertical/lateral limits, assigned by ATC, for the purpose of providing air traffic...
• ATC clearance, see Air traffic clearance
• ATC clearsUsed to prefix an ATC clearance when it is relayed to an aircraft by other than an air traffic controller.
• ATC instructionsDirectives issued by air traffic control for the purpose of requiring a pilot to take specific actions; e.g...
• ATC preferred route notificationEDST notification to the appropriate controller of the need to determine if an ATC preferred route needs to...
• ATC preferred routesPreferred routes that are not automatically applied by Host.
• ATC requestsUsed to prefix an ATC request when it is relayed to an aircraft by other than an air traffic controller.
• ATC security servicesCommunications and security tracking provided by an ATC facility in support of the DHS, the DoD, or other...
• ATC security services positionThe position responsible for providing ATC security services as defined. This position does not provide ATC...
• ATC security trackingThe continuous tracking of aircraft movement by an ATC facility in support of the DHS, the DoD, or other...
• ATC surveillance sourceUsed by ATC for establishing identification, control and separation using a target depicted on an air traffic...
• ATCAA, see ATC assigned airspace
• ATCRBS, see Radar
• ATCSCC, see Air traffic control system command center (ATCSCC)
• ATCT, see Tower
• ATD, see Along-track distance (ATD)
• ATIS, see Automatic terminal information service
• ATIS [ICAO], see Automatic terminal information service [ICAO]
• ATO, see Air traffic organization (ATO)
• ATPA, see Automated terminal proximity alert (ATPA)
• ATS route [ICAO]A specified route designed for channeling the flow of traffic as necessary for the provision of air traffic...
• ATS surveillance service [ICAO]A term used to indicate a service provided directly by means of an ATS surveillance system.
• ATS surveillance system [ICAO]A generic term meaning variously, ADS-B, PSR, SSR or any comparable ground-based system that enables the...
• Attention all users page (AAUP)The AAUP provides the pilot with additional information relative to conducting a specific operation, for...
• Autoland approachAn autoland system aids by providing control of aircraft systems during a precision instrument approach to at...
• Automated emergency descent, see Emergency descent mode
• Automated information transfer (AIT)A precoordinated process, specifically defined in facility directives, during which a transfer of altitude...
• Automated mutual-assistance vessel rescue systemA facility which can deliver, in a matter of minutes, a surface picture (SURPIC) of vessels in the area of a...
• 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 EDST performs conflict...
• Automated problem detection inhibited area (APDIA)Airspace surrounding a terminal area within which APD is inhibited for all flights within that airspace.
• Automated servicesServices delivered via an automated system (that is, without human interaction). For example, flight plans...
• Automated terminal proximity alert (ATPA)Monitors the separation of aircraft on the Final Approach Course (FAC), displaying a graphical notification...
• Automated UNICOMProvides completely automated weather, radio check capability and airport advisory information on an...
• Automated weather systemAny of the automated weather sensor platforms that collect weather data at airports and disseminate the...
• Automatic altitude report, see Altitude readout
• Automatic altitude reportingThat function of a transponder which responds to Mode C interrogations by transmitting the aircraft's...
• Automatic carrier landing systemU.S. Navy final approach equipment consisting of precision tracking radar coupled to a computer data link to...
• Automatic dependent surveillance1. BROADCAST (ADS-B)- A surveillance system in which an aircraft or vehicle to be detected is fitted with...
• Automatic dependent surveillance (ADS) [ICAO]A surveillance technique in which aircraft automatically provide, via a data link, data derived from on-board...
• Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast in (ADSB In)- Aircraft avionics capable of receiving ADS-B Out transmissions directly from other aircraft, as well...
• Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast out (ADSB Out)- The transmitter onboard an aircraft or ground vehicle that periodically broadcasts its GNSS-derived...
• Automatic dependent surveillance-contract (ADS-C)A data link position reporting system, controlled by a ground station, that establishes contracts with an...
• Automatic direction finderAn aircraft radio navigation system which senses and indicates the direction to a L/MF nondirectional radio...
• Automatic flight information service (AFIS)ALASKA FSSs ONLY- The continuous broadcast of recorded non-control information at airports in Alaska where a...
• Automatic terminal information serviceThe continuous broadcast of recorded noncontrol information in selected terminal areas. Its purpose is to...
• Automatic terminal information service [ICAO]The provision of current, routine information to arriving and departing aircraft by means of continuous and...
• AutorotationA rotorcraft flight condition in which the lifting rotor is driven entirely by action of the air when the...
• Available landing distance (ALD)The portion of a runway available for landing and roll-out for aircraft cleared for LAHSO. This distance is...
• Aviation watch notification messageThe Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issues Aviation Watch Notification Messages (SAW) to provide an area threat...
• Aviation weather serviceA service provided by the National Weather Service (NWS) and FAA which collects and disseminates pertinent...

170 of 1,122 terms in Aviation and air traffic control terminology (MLC-0104). Request the full dataset.