Pilot/Controller Glossary

8/15/19

PCG

−

1

PILOT/CONTROLLER

GLOSSARY

PURPOSE

a.

This Glossary was compiled to promote a common understanding of the terms used in the Air Traffic

Control system. It includes those terms which are intended for pilot/controller communications. Those terms
most frequently used in pilot/controller communications are printed in 

bold italics

. The definitions are primarily

defined in an operational sense applicable to both users and operators of the National Airspace System. Use of
the Glossary will preclude any misunderstandings concerning the system’s design, function, and purpose.

b.

Because of the international nature of flying, terms used in the Lexicon, published by the International

Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), are included when they differ from FAA definitions. These terms are
followed by “[ICAO].” For the reader’s convenience, there are also cross references to related terms in other parts
of the Glossary and to other documents, such as the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the Aeronautical
Information Manual (AIM).

c.

This Glossary will be revised, as necessary, to maintain a common understanding of the system.

EXPLANATION OF CHANGES

d.

Terms Added:
AIRCRAFT WAKE TURBULENCE CATEGORIES
COMPUTER NAVIGATION FIX (CNF)
NAVSPEC (See NAVIGATION SPECIFICATION [ICAO])
PROPELLER (PROP) WASH (PROP BLAST)
ROTOR WASH
SATELLITE

−

BASED AUGMENTATION SYSTEM (SBAS)

e.

Terms Deleted:

AUTOMATED WEATHER SENSOR SYSTEM (AWSS)

f.

Terms Modified:

AUTOMATIC FLIGHT INFORMATION SERVICE (AFIS)
AUTOMATED WEATHER SYSTEM
JET BLAST
LOCAL AIRPORT ADVISORY (LAA)
ONE

−

MINUTE WEATHER

RADAR APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY
REQUIRED NAVIGATION PERFORMANCE (RNP)
TRACEABLE PRESSURE STANDARD
WAKE TURBULENCE

g.

Editorial/format changes were made where necessary. Revision bars were not used due to the insignificant

nature of the changes.