Pilot/Controller Glossary

4/3/14

PCG P−2

altitude. However, once he/she has vacated an

altitude, he/she may not return to that altitude.
PIREP−

(See PILOT WEATHER REPORT.)

PITCH POINT− A fix/waypoint that serves as a

transition point from a departure procedure or the low

altitude ground−based navigation structure into the

high altitude waypoint system.
PLANS DISPLAY− A display available in URET

that provides detailed flight plan and predicted

conflict information in textual format for requested

Current Plans and all Trial Plans.

(See USER REQUEST EVALUATION TOOL.)

POFZ−

(See PRECISION OBSTACLE FREE ZONE.)

POINT OUT−

(See RADAR POINT OUT.)

POINT−TO−POINT (PTP)− A level of NRR service

for aircraft that is based on traditional waypoints in

their FMSs or RNAV equipage.
POLAR TRACK STRUCTURE− A system of

organized routes between Iceland and Alaska which

overlie Canadian MNPS Airspace.
POSITION REPORT− A report over a known

location as transmitted by an aircraft to ATC.

(Refer to AIM.)

POSITION SYMBOL− A computer-generated

indication shown on a radar display to indicate the

mode of tracking.
POSITIVE CONTROL− The separation of all air

traffic within designated airspace by air traffic

control.
PRACTICE INSTRUMENT APPROACH− An

instrument approach procedure conducted by a VFR

or an IFR aircraft for the purpose of pilot training or

proficiency demonstrations.
PRE−DEPARTURE CLEARANCE− An application

with the Terminal Data Link System (TDLS) that

provides clearance information to subscribers,

through a service provider, in text to the cockpit or

gate printer.

PREARRANGED COORDINATION− A standard-

ized procedure which permits an air traffic controller

to enter the airspace assigned to another air traffic

controller without verbal coordination. The proce-

dures are defined in a facility directive which ensures

standard separation between aircraft.
PREARRANGED COORDINATION PROCE-

DURES− A facility’s standardized procedure that

describes the process by which one controller shall

allow an aircraft to penetrate or transit another

controller’s airspace in a manner that assures standard

separation without individual coordination for each

aircraft.
PRECIPITATION− Any or all forms of water

particles (rain, sleet, hail, or snow) that fall from the

atmosphere and reach the surface.
PRECIPITATION RADAR WEATHER DE-

SCRIPTIONS − Existing radar systems cannot detect

turbulence. However, there is a direct correlation

between the degree of turbulence and other weather

features associated with thunderstorms and the

weather radar precipitation intensity. Controllers will

issue (where capable) precipitation intensity as

observed by radar when using weather and radar

processor (WARP) or NAS ground based digital

radars with weather capabilities. When precipitation

intensity information is not available, the intensity

will be described as UNKNOWN. When intensity

levels can be determined, they shall be described as:

a.

LIGHT  (< 30 dBZ)

b.

MODERATE  (30 to 40 dBZ)

c.

HEAVY  (> 40 to 50 dBZ)

d.

EXTREME (> 50 dBZ)

(Refer to AC 00−45, Aviation Weather Services.)

PRECISION APPROACH−

(See PRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURE.)

PRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURE− A stan-

dard instrument approach procedure in which an

electronic glideslope/glidepath is provided; e.g., ILS,

MLS, and PAR.

(See INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM.)
(See MICROWAVE LANDING SYSTEM.)
(See PRECISION APPROACH RADAR.)