Pilot/Controller Glossary

4/3/14

PCG F−5

FMS−

(See FLIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.)

FMSP−

(See FLIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

PROCEDURE.)

FORMATION FLIGHT− More than one aircraft

which, by prior arrangement between the pilots,

operate as a single aircraft with regard to navigation

and position reporting. Separation between aircraft

within the formation is the responsibility of the flight

leader and the pilots of the other aircraft in the flight.

This includes transition periods when aircraft within

the formation are maneuvering to attain separation

from each other to effect individual control and

during join-up and breakaway.

a.

A standard formation is one in which a

proximity of no more than 1 mile laterally or

longitudinally and within 100 feet vertically from the

flight leader is maintained by each wingman.

b.

Nonstandard formations are those operating

under any of the following conditions:

1.

When the flight leader has requested and ATC

has approved other than standard formation

dimensions.

2.

When operating within an authorized altitude

reservation (ALTRV) or under the provisions of a

letter of agreement.

3.

When the operations are conducted in

airspace specifically designed for a special activity.

(See ALTITUDE RESERVATION.)
(Refer to 14 CFR Part 91.)

FRC

−

(See REQUEST FULL ROUTE CLEARANCE.)

FREEZE/FROZEN− Terms used in referring to

arrivals which have been assigned ACLTs and to the

lists in which they are displayed.
FREEZE CALCULATED LANDING TIME−  A

dynamic parameter number of minutes prior to the

meter fix calculated time of arrival for each aircraft

when the TCLT is frozen and becomes an ACLT (i.e.,

the VTA is updated and consequently the TCLT is

modified as appropriate until FCLT minutes prior to

meter fix calculated time of arrival, at which time

updating is suspended and an ACLT and a frozen

meter fix crossing time (MFT) is assigned).
FREEZE HORIZON− The time or point at which an

aircraft’s STA becomes fixed and no longer fluctuates

with each radar update. This setting ensures a

constant time for each aircraft, necessary for the

metering controller to plan his/her delay technique.

This setting can be either in distance from the meter

fix or a prescribed flying time to the meter fix.
FREEZE SPEED PARAMETER− A speed adapted

for each aircraft to determine fast and slow aircraft.

Fast aircraft freeze on parameter FCLT and slow

aircraft freeze on parameter MLDI.
FRICTION MEASUREMENT− A measurement of

the friction characteristics of the runway pavement

surface using continuous self-watering friction

measurement equipment in accordance with the

specifications, procedures and schedules contained

in AC 150/5320−12, Measurement,  Construction,

and Maintenance of Skid Resistant Airport Pavement

Surfaces.
FSDO−

(See FLIGHT STANDARDS DISTRICT OFFICE.)

FSPD−

(See FREEZE SPEED PARAMETER.)

FSS−

(See FLIGHT SERVICE STATION.)

FUEL DUMPING− Airborne release of usable fuel.

This does not include the dropping of fuel tanks.

(See JETTISONING OF EXTERNAL STORES.)

FUEL REMAINING− A phrase used by either pilots

or controllers when relating to the fuel remaining on

board until actual fuel exhaustion. When transmitting

such information in response to either a controller

question or pilot initiated cautionary advisory to air

traffic control, pilots will state the APPROXIMATE

NUMBER OF MINUTES the flight can continue

with the fuel remaining. All reserve fuel SHOULD

BE INCLUDED in the time stated, as should an

allowance for established fuel gauge system error.
FUEL SIPHONING− Unintentional release of fuel

caused by overflow, puncture, loose cap, etc.
FUEL VENTING−

(See FUEL SIPHONING.)

FUSED TARGET-

(See DIGITAL TARGET)

FUSION [STARS/CARTS]- the combination of all

available surveillance sources (airport surveillance

radar [ASR], air route surveillance radar [ARSR],

ADS-B, etc.) into the display of a single tracked