Pilot/Controller Glossary

4/3/14

PCG A−11

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).