Pilot/Controller Glossary

8/15/19

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

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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

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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,

shoulder

−

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

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 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

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The international radiotelephony distress

signal. When repeated three times, it indicates