Pilot/Controller Glossary
4/3/14
PCG A−5
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 clear-
ance 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 (ATCSCC) − 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.)