Pilot/Controller Glossary

4/3/14

PCG C−9

Note: Coupled and autoland approaches are flown

in VFR and IFR. It is common for carriers to require
their crews to fly coupled approaches and autoland
approaches (if certified) when the weather
conditions are less than approximately 4,000 RVR.

(See AUTOLAND APPROACH.)

COURSE−

a.

The intended direction of flight in the horizontal

plane measured in degrees from north.

b.

The ILS localizer signal pattern usually

specified as the front course or the back course.

c.

The intended track along a straight, curved, or

segmented MLS path.

(See BEARING.)
(See INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM.)
(See MICROWAVE LANDING SYSTEM.)
(See RADIAL.)

CPDLC−

(See CONTROLLER PILOT DATA LINK

COMMUNICATIONS.)

CPL [ICAO]−

(See ICAO term CURRENT FLIGHT PLAN.)

CRITICAL ENGINE− The engine which, upon

failure, would most adversely affect the performance

or handling qualities of an aircraft.

CROSS (FIX) AT (ALTITUDE)

−  Used by ATC

when a specific altitude restriction at a specified fix

is required.

CROSS (FIX) AT OR ABOVE (ALTITUDE)

− Used

by ATC when an altitude restriction at a specified fix

is required. It does not prohibit the aircraft from

crossing the fix at a higher altitude than specified;

however, the higher altitude may not be one that will

violate a succeeding altitude restriction or altitude

assignment.

(See ALTITUDE  RESTRICTION.)
(Refer to AIM.)

CROSS (FIX) AT OR BELOW (ALTITUDE)

−

Used by ATC when a maximum crossing altitude at

a specific fix is required. It does not prohibit the

aircraft from crossing the fix at a lower altitude;

however, it must be at or above the minimum IFR

altitude.

(See ALTITUDE  RESTRICTION.)
(See MINIMUM IFR ALTITUDES.)
(Refer to 14 CFR Part 91.)

CROSSWIND−

a.

When used concerning the traffic pattern, the

word means “crosswind leg.”

(See TRAFFIC PATTERN.)

b.

When used concerning wind conditions, the

word means a wind not parallel to the runway or the

path of an aircraft.

(See CROSSWIND COMPONENT.)

CROSSWIND COMPONENT− The wind compo-

nent measured in knots at 90 degrees to the

longitudinal axis of the runway.

CRUISE

− Used in an ATC clearance to authorize a

pilot to conduct flight at any altitude from the

minimum IFR altitude up to and including the

altitude specified in the clearance. The pilot may

level off at any intermediate altitude within this block

of airspace. Climb/descent within the block is to be

made at the discretion of the pilot. However, once the

pilot starts descent and verbally reports leaving an

altitude in the block, he/she may not return to that

altitude without additional ATC clearance. Further, it

is approval for the pilot to proceed to and make an

approach at destination airport and can be used in

conjunction with:

a.

An airport clearance limit at locations with a

standard/special instrument approach procedure. The

CFRs require that if an instrument letdown to an

airport is necessary, the pilot shall make the letdown

in accordance with a standard/special instrument

approach procedure for that airport, or

b.

An airport clearance limit at locations that are

within/below/outside controlled airspace and with-

out a standard/special instrument approach

procedure. Such a clearance is NOT AUTHORIZA-

TION for the pilot to descend under IFR conditions

below the applicable minimum IFR altitude nor does

it imply that ATC is exercising control over aircraft

in Class G airspace; however, it provides a means for

the aircraft to proceed to destination airport, descend,

and land in accordance with applicable CFRs

governing VFR flight operations. Also, this provides

search and rescue protection until such time as the

IFR flight plan is closed.

(See INSTRUMENT APPROACH

PROCEDURE.)

CRUISE CLIMB− A climb technique employed by

aircraft, usually at a constant power setting, resulting

in an increase of altitude as the aircraft weight

decreases.