Pilot/Controller Glossary

8/15/19

PCG P

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2

PIREP

−

(See PILOT WEATHER REPORT.)

PITCH POINT

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 A fix/waypoint that serves as a

transition point from a departure procedure or the low
altitude ground

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based navigation structure into the

high altitude waypoint system.

PLANS DISPLAY

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 A display available in EDST

that provides detailed flight plan and predicted
conflict information in textual format for requested
Current Plans and all Trial Plans.

(See EN ROUTE DECISION SUPPORT TOOL)

POFZ

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(See PRECISION OBSTACLE FREE ZONE.)

POINT OUT

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(See RADAR POINT OUT.)

POINT

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TO

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POINT (PTP)

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 A level of NRR service

for aircraft that is based on traditional waypoints in
their FMSs or RNAV equipage.

POLAR TRACK STRUCTURE

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 A system of

organized routes between Iceland and Alaska which
overlie Canadian MNPS Airspace.

POSITION REPORT

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 A report over a known

location as transmitted by an aircraft to ATC.

(Refer to AIM.)

POSITION SYMBOL

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 A computer-generated

indication shown on a radar display to indicate the
mode of tracking.

POSITIVE CONTROL

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 The separation of all air

traffic within designated airspace by air traffic
control.

PRACTICE INSTRUMENT APPROACH

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 An

instrument approach procedure conducted by a VFR
or an IFR aircraft for the purpose of pilot training or
proficiency demonstrations.

PRE

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DEPARTURE CLEARANCE

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 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

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 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
approved separation between aircraft.

PREARRANGED COORDINATION PROCE-
DURES

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 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
approved separation without individual coordination
for each aircraft.

PRECIPITATION

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 Any or all forms of water

particles (rain, sleet, hail, or snow) that fall from the
atmosphere and reach the surface.

PRECIPITATION RADAR WEATHER DESCRIP-
TIONS

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 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

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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 (< 26 dBZ)

b.

MODERATE (26 to 40 dBZ)

c.

HEAVY (> 40 to 50 dBZ)

d.

EXTREME (> 50 dBZ)

(Refer to AC 00

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45, Aviation Weather Services.)

PRECISION APPROACH

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(See PRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURE.)

PRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURE

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  A

standard instrument approach procedure in which an
electronic glideslope or other type of glidepath is
provided; e.g., ILS, PAR, and GLS.

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