Pilot/Controller Glossary

8/15/19

PCG C

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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)

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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

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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

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 The wind compo-

nent measured in knots at 90 degrees to the
longitudinal axis of the runway.

CRUISE

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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

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 A climb technique employed by

aircraft, usually at a constant power setting, resulting
in an increase of altitude as the aircraft weight
decreases.

CRUISING ALTITUDE

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 An altitude or flight level

maintained during en route level flight. This is a
constant altitude and should not be confused with a
cruise clearance.

(See ALTITUDE.)
(See ICAO term CRUISING LEVEL.)

CRUISING LEVEL

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(See CRUISING ALTITUDE.)

CRUISING LEVEL [ICAO]

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 A level maintained

during a significant portion of a flight.

CT MESSAGE

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 An EDCT time generated by the

ATCSCC to regulate traffic at arrival airports.
Normally, a CT message is automatically transferred
from the traffic management system computer to the
NAS en route computer and appears as an EDCT. In
the event of a communication failure between the
traffic management system computer and the NAS,
the CT message can be manually entered by the TMC
at the en route facility.

CTA

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(See CONTROLLED TIME OF ARRIVAL.)
(See ICAO term CONTROL AREA.)

CTAF

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(See COMMON TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FREQUENCY.)

CTAS

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(See 

CENTER TRACON AUTOMATION

SYSTEM.)

CTOP

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(See COLLABORATIVE TRAJECTORY

OPTIONS PROGRAM)

CTRD

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(See CERTIFIED TOWER RADAR DISPLAY.)