Pilot/Controller Glossary

4/3/14

PCG A−15

more sophisticated computer-driven system up-

grades 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 identifi-

cation, 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 Observ-

ing System (ASOS), Automated Weather Sensor

System (AWSS) and Automated Weather Observa-

tion 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/

AWSS/AWOS frequency.)