Pilot/Controller Glossary

4/3/14

PCG M−1

M

MAA−

(See MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED ALTITUDE.)

MACH NUMBER− The ratio of true airspeed to the

speed of sound; e.g., MACH .82, MACH 1.6.

(See AIRSPEED.)

MACH TECHNIQUE [ICAO]− Describes a control

technique used by air traffic control whereby turbojet

aircraft operating successively along suitable routes

are cleared to maintain appropriate MACH numbers

for a relevant portion of the en route phase of flight.

The principle objective is to achieve improved

utilization of the airspace and to ensure that

separation between successive aircraft does not

decrease below the established minima.

MAHWP− Missed Approach Holding Waypoint

MAINTAIN

−

a.

Concerning altitude/flight level, the term

means to remain at the altitude/flight level specified.

The phrase “climb and” or “descend and” normally

precedes “maintain” and the altitude assignment;

e.g., “descend and maintain 5,000.”

b.

Concerning other ATC instructions, the term is

used in its literal sense; e.g., maintain VFR.

MAINTENANCE PLANNING FRICTION

LEVEL− The friction level specified in

AC 150/5320-12, Measurement, Construction, and

Maintenance of Skid Resistant Airport Pavement

Surfaces, which represents the friction value below

which the runway pavement surface remains

acceptable for any category or class of aircraft

operations but which is beginning to show signs of

deterioration. This value will vary depending on the

particular friction measurement equipment used.

MAKE SHORT APPROACH

− Used by ATC to

inform a pilot to alter his/her traffic pattern so as to

make a short final approach.

(See TRAFFIC PATTERN.)

MAN PORTABLE AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS

(MANPADS)− MANPADS are lightweight, shoul-

der−launched, missile systems used to bring down

aircraft and create mass casualties. The potential for

MANPADS use against airborne aircraft is real and

requires familiarity with the subject. Terrorists

choose MANPADS because the weapons are low

cost, highly mobile, require minimal set−up time, and

are easy to use and maintain. Although the weapons

have limited range, and their accuracy is affected by

poor visibility and adverse weather, they can be fired

from anywhere on land or from boats where there is

unrestricted visibility to the target.

MANDATORY ALTITUDE− An altitude depicted

on an instrument Approach Procedure Chart

requiring the aircraft to maintain altitude at the

depicted value.

MANPADS−

(See MAN PORTABLE AIR DEFENSE

SYSTEMS.)

MAP−

(See MISSED APPROACH POINT.)

MARKER BEACON− An electronic navigation

facility transmitting a 75 MHz vertical fan or

boneshaped radiation pattern. Marker beacons are

identified by their modulation frequency and keying

code, and when received by compatible airborne

equipment, indicate to the pilot, both aurally and

visually, that he/she is passing over the facility.

(See INNER MARKER.)
(See MIDDLE MARKER.)
(See OUTER MARKER.)
(Refer to AIM.)

MARSA−

(See MILITARY AUTHORITY ASSUMES

RESPONSIBILITY FOR SEPARATION OF
AIRCRAFT.)

MAWP− Missed Approach Waypoint

MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED ALTITUDE− A pub-

lished altitude representing the maximum usable

altitude or flight level for an airspace structure or

route segment. It is the highest altitude on a Federal

airway, jet route, area navigation low or high route,

or other direct route for which an MEA is designated

in 14 CFR Part 95 at which adequate reception of

navigation aid signals is assured.

MAYDAY

− The international radiotelephony distress

signal. When repeated three times, it indicates