Contextual Model Terms
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Term | Definition |
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4D trajectory | A four-dimensional (x, y, z, and time) trajectory of an aircraft from gate-to-gate, at the level of fidelity required for attaining the agreed ATM system performance levels. |
Z marker beacon | A type of radio beacon, the emissions of which radiate in a vertical cone-shaped pattern. |
World area forecast system | A worldwide system by which world area forecast centres provide aeronautical meteorological en-route forecasts in uniform standardized formats. |
World area forecast centre | A meteorological centre designated to prepare and issue significant weather forecasts and upper-air forecasts in digital form on a global basis direct to States by appropriate means as part of the aeronautical fixed service. |
Winching area | An area provided for the transfer by helicopter of personnel or stores to or from a ship. |
Wet snow | Snow, which, if compacted by hand, will stick together and tend to or form a snowball; specific gravity: 0.35 up to but not including 0.5. |
Weber | The magnetic flux which, linking a circuit of one turn, produces in it an electromotive force of 1 volt as it is reduced to zero at a uniform rate in 1 second. |
Waypoint | A specified geographical location used to define an area navigation route or the flight path of an aircraft employing area navigation. Waypoints are identified as either: Fly-by waypoint. A waypoint which requires turn anticipation to allow tangential interception of the next segment of a route or procedure; or Flyover waypoint. A waypoint at which a turn is initiated in order to join the next segment of a route or procedure. |
Watt | The power which gives rise to the production of energy at the rate of 1 joule per second. |
Vy | Best rate of climb speed. |
VTOSS | The minimum speed at which climb shall be achieved with the critical engine inoperative, the remaining engines operating within approved operating limits. |
Vtoss | The minimum speed at which climb shall be achieved with the critical power-unit inoperative, the remaining power-units operating within approved operating limits. Note.- The speed referred to above may be measured by instrument indications or achieved by a procedure specified in the flight manual. |
Vso | A stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed in the landing configuration. |
Vs1 | A stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed. |
Volt | The unit of electric potential difference and electromotive force which is the difference of electric potential between two points of a conductor carrying a constant current of 1 ampere, when the power dissipated between these points is equal to 1 watt. |
VOLMET broadcast | Provision, as appropriate, of current METAR, SPECI, TAF and SIGMET by means of continuous and repetitive voice broadcasts. |
VOLMET | Meteorological information for aircraft in flight. |
Volcanic ash advisory centre | A meteorological centre designated by regional air navigation agreement to provide advisory information to meteorological watch offices, area control centres, flight information centres, world area forecast centres and international OPMET databanks regarding the lateral and vertical extent and forecast movement of volcanic ash in the atmosphere following volcanic eruptions. |
Voice-automatic terminal information service | The provision of ATIS by means of continuous and repetitive voice broadcasts. |
VMC | The symbol used to designate visual meteorological conditions. |
Visual threshold of illumination | The smallest illuminance required by the eye to make a small light source visible (lux, lx). |
Visual range | The maximum distance, usually horizontally, at which a given light source or object is just visible under particular conditions of background luminance. |
Visual meteorological conditions | Meteorological conditions expressed in terms of visibility, distance from cloud, and ceiling*, equal to or better than specified minima. |
Visual manoeuvring (circling) area | The area in which obstacle clearance should be taken into consideration for aircraft carrying out a circling approach. |
Visual flight rules | A set of rules governing the conduct of flight under visual meteorological conditions. |
Visual approach procedure | A series of predetermined manoeuvres by visual reference, from the initial approach fix, or where applicable, from the beginning of a defined arrival route to a point from which a landing can be completed and thereafter, if a landing is not completed, a go-around procedure can be carried out. |
Visual approach | An approach by an IFR flight when either part or all of an instrument approach procedure is not completed and the approach is executed in visual reference to terrain. |
Visitor | Any person who disembarks and enters the territory of a Contracting State other than that in which that person normally resides; remains there lawfully as prescribed by that Contracting State for legitimate non-immigrant purposes, such as touring, recreation, sports, health, family reasons, religious pilgrimages, or business; and does not take up any gainful occupation during his stay in the territory visited. |
Visible | Visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere. |
Visibility | Visibility for aeronautical purposes is the greater of: a) the greatest distance at which a black object of suitable dimensions, situated near the ground, can be seen and recognized when observed against a bright background; b) the greatest distance at which lights in the vicinity of 1 000 candelas can be seen and identified against an unlit background. |
VHF digital link | A constituent mobile subnetwork of the aeronautical telecommunication network (ATN), operating in the aeronautical mobile VHF frequency band. In addition, the VDL may provide non-ATN functions such as, for instance, digitized voice. |
VFR flight | A flight conducted in accordance with the visual flight rules. |
VFR | The symbol used to designate the visual flight rules. |
Vertical-take-off (helicopter) | Vertical-take-off (helicopter) |
Vertical-landing (helicopter) | Vertical-landing (helicopter) |
Vertical separation | Separation between aircraft expressed in units of vertical distance. |
Vertical polygonal structure | Polygonal structure of a defined vertical extend that is located within an area that extends from the edge(s) of the runway(s) to 90 m from the runway centreline(s) and for all other parts of the aerodrome movement area(s), 50 m from the edge(s) of the defined area(s). |
Vertical point structure | Point structure of a defined vertical extend that is located within an area that extends from the edge(s) of the runway(s) to 90 m from the runway centreline(s) and for all other parts of the aerodrome movement area(s), 50 m from the edge(s) of the defined area(s). |
Vertical planes | Planes perpendicular to the horizontal plane. |
Vertical path angle | Angle of the published final approach descent in baro-VNAV procedures. |
Vertical object | An object with vertical extent that is within the designated buffer area. |
Vertical line structure | Line structure of a defined vertical extend that is located within an area that extends from the edge(s) of the runway(s) to 90 m from the runway centreline(s) and for all other parts of the aerodrome movement area(s), 50 m from the edge(s) of the defined area(s). |
Vertex | A point that defines a line structure, curvature, or shape. |
Verification | Confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence, that specified requirements have been fulfilled (ISO 9000). |
Vectoring | Provision of navigational guidance to aircraft in the form of specific headings, based on the use of an ATS surveillance system. |
Variable message sign | A sign capable of presenting several pre-determined messages or no message, as applicable. |
Validation | Confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence, that the requirements for a specific intended use or application have been fulfilled (ISO 9000). |
User of aeronautical data | The group or organization using the system that contains the delivered aeronautical data on an operational basis, such as the airline operator. |
Usability factor | The percentage of time during which the use of a runway or system of runways is not restricted because of the crosswind component. |
Upper-air chart | A meteorological chart relating to a specified upper-air surface or layer of the atmosphere. |
Unmanned free balloon | A non-power-driven, unmanned, lighter-than-air aircraft in free flight. |
Unmanned aerial vehicle | An unmanned aerial vehicle is a pilotless aircraft, in the sense of Article 8 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which is flown without a pilot-in-command on-board and is either remotely and fully controlled from another place (ground, another aircraft, space) or programmed and fully autonomous. |
Unlimited route concept | A concept of controlled airspace organization which allows an operator complete freedon to choose the route to be taken by a flight from one point to another provided that the route is adequately defined in the flight plan and adhered to as accurately as circumstances permit. |
Unlading | The removal of cargo, mail, baggage or stores from an aircraft after a landing. |
Universe of discourse | View of the real or hypothetical world that includes everything of interest. |
Unit load device | Any type of freight container, aircraft container, aircraft pallet with a net, or aircraft pallet with a net over an igloo. |
Unidentified baggage | Baggage at an airport, with or without a baggage tag, which is not picked up by or identified with a passenger. |
Under way | An aeroplane on the surface of the water is 'under way' when it is not aground or moored to the ground or to any fixed object on the land or in the water. |
Under command | An aeroplane on the surface of the water is 'under command' when it is able to execute manoeuvres as required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea for the purpose of avoiding other vessels. |
Uncontrolled descent en-route | The phase of flight in which an uncontrolled descent is made en-route. |
Uncontrolled descent during take-off | The phase of flight in which any uncontrolled descent occurs after rotation but before the first prescribed power reduction, on reaching 1500 feet (450 metres) or the vfr pattern, whichever comes first. |
Uncontrolled descent during an approach | The phase of flight in which a previously normal descent during an approach becomes uncontrolled. |
Uncontrolled descent | The phase of flight in which an uncontrolled descent from a previously normal manoeuvre occurs. |
Unclaimed baggage | Baggage that arrives at an airport and is not picked up or claimed by a passenger. |
Uncertainty phase | A situation wherein uncertainty exists as to the safety of an aircraft and its occupants. |
Unburned hydrocarbons | The total of hydrocarbon compounds of all classes and molecular weights contained in a gas sample, calculated as if they were in the form of methane. |
Unaccompanied baggage | Baggage that is transported as cargo and may or may not be carried on the same aircraft with the person to whom it belongs. |
UN number | The four-digit number assigned by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods to identify a substance or a particular group of substances. |
Ultimate load | The limit load multiplied by the appropriate factor of safety. |
Type Certificate | A document issued by a Contracting State to define the design of an aircraft type and to certify that this design meets the appropriate airworthiness requirements of that State. |
Turnaround time | The time spent on the ground during a flight duty period between two flight sectors. |
True airspeed | The speed of the aeroplane relative to undisturbed air. |
Tropical cyclone advisory centre | A meteorological centre designated by regional air navigation agreement to provide advisory information to meteorological watch offices, world area forecast centres and international OPMET databanks regarding the position, forecast direction and speed of movement, central pressure and maximum surface wind of tropical cyclones. |
Tropical cyclone | Generic term for a non-frontal synoptic-scale cyclone originating over tropical or sub-tropical waters with organized convection and definite cyclonic surface wind circulation. |
Tributary station | An aeronautical fixed station that may receive or transmit messages and/or digital data but which does not relay except for the purpose of serving similar stations connected through it to a communication centre. |
Travel document | A passport or other official document of identity issued by a State or organization, which may be used by the rightful holder for international travel. |
Transport aircraft | Aircraft that are designed for the purpose of transporting persons and/or cargo. |
Transponder | A receiver/transmitter which will generate a reply signal upon proper interrogation; the interrogation and reply being on different frequencies. |
Transmittance | Transmissivity within an optical path of a given length b in the atmosphere (dimensionless). |
Transmissometer | An instrument that takes a direct measurement of the transmittance between two points in space, i.e. over a specified path length or baseline. |
Transmissivity (or transmission coefficient) | The fraction of luminous flux which remains in a beam after traversing an optical path of a unit distance in the atmosphere (dimensionless). |
Transition level | The lowest flight level available for use above the transition altitude. |
Transition layer | The airspace between the transition altitude and the transition level. |
Transition altitude | The altitude at or below which the vertical position of an aircraft is controlled by reference to altitudes. |
Transit delay | In packet data systems, the elapsed time between a request to transmit an assembled data packet and an indication at the receiving end that the corresponding packet has been received and is ready to be used or forwarded. |
Transferring unit/controller | Air traffic control unit in the process of transferring the responsibility for providing air traffic control service to an aircraft to the next air traffic control unit along the route of flight. |
Transferring unit | Air traffic control unit in the process of transferring the responsibility for providing air traffic control service to an aircraft to the next air traffic control unit along the route of flight. |
Transfer of control point | A defined point located along the flight path of an aircraft, at which the responsibility for providing air traffic control service to the aircraft is transferred from one control unit or control position to the next. |
Transfer of control | Transfer of responsibility for providing air traffic control service. Note. - When the word process" is used as a suffix to this term, it signifies the series of actions taken by two air traffic control units for the purpose of effecting transfer of responsibility from one unit to the other." |
Trajectory update requirement | The trajectory update requirement specifies displacement values that require an aircraft, when it is displaced by at least one of these values from the last trajectory advised to ATM, to provide updated trajectory information to the ATM system. |
Trajectory or profile | This is a description of the movement of an aircraft, both in the air and on the ground, including position, time and, at least via calculation, speed and acceleration. |
Traffic synchronization | Traffic synchronization concerns the management of the flow of traffic through merging and crossing points, such as traffic around major aerodromes or airway crossings. It currently includes the management and provision of queues both on the ground and in the air. Traffic synchronization, as a function, is closely related to both demand/capacity balancing and separation provision and may in the future be indistinguishable from them. Traffic synchronization also concerns the aerodrome service" part of the concept." |
Traffic information service - broadcast IN | A surveillance function that receives and processes surveillance data from TIS-B OUT data sources. |
Traffic information service - broadcast OUT | A function on the ground that periodically broadcasts the surveillance information made available by ground sensors in a format suitable for TIS-B IN capable receivers. |
Traffic information | Information issued by an air traffic services unit to alert a pilot to other known or observed air traffic which may be in proximity to the position or intended route of flight and to help the pilot avoid a collision. |
Traffic avoidance advice | Advice provided by an air traffic services unit specifying manoeuvres to assist a pilot to avoid a collision. |
Track | The projection on the earth's surface of the path of an aircraft, the direction of which path at any point is usually expressed in degrees from North (true, magnetic or grid). |
Traceability | Ability to trace the history, application or location of that which is under consideration (ISO 9000). |
Touchdown zone | The portion of a runway, beyond the threshold, where it is intended landing aeroplanes first contact the runway. |
Touchdown and lift-off area | A load bearing area on which a helicopter may touch down or lift off. |
Touchdown | The point where the nominal glide path intercepts the runway. |
Total vertical error | The vertical geometric difference between the actual pressure altitude flown by an aircraft and its assigned pressure altitude (flight level). |
Total estimated elapsed time | For IFR flights, the estimated time required from take-off to arrive over that designated point, defined by reference to navigation aids, from which it is intended that an instrument approach procedure will be commenced, or, if no navigation aid is associated with the destination aerodrome, to arrive over the destination aerodrome. For VFR flights, the estimated time required from take-off to arrive over the destination aerodrome. |
Torn-tape relay installation | A teletypewriter installation where messages are received and relayed in teletypewriter tape form and where all operations of relay are performed as the result of operator intervention. |
Tonne | The mass equal to 1 000 kilograms. |
Time division multiplex | A channel sharing strategy in which packets of information from the same source but with different destinations are sequenced in time on the same channel. |
Time division multiple access | A multiple access scheme based on time-shared use of an RF channel employing: (1) discrete contiguous time slots as the fundamental shared resource; and (2) a set of operating protocols that allows users to interact with a master control station to mediate access to the channel. |
Through-flight | A particular operation of aircraft, identified by the operator by the use throughout of the same symbol, from point of origin via any intermediate points to point of destination. |
Threshold | The beginning of that portion of the runway usable for landing. |
Threat management | The process of detecting and responding to threats with countermeasures that reduce or eliminate the consequences of threats and mitigate the probability of errors or undesired states. |
Threat | Events or errors that occur beyond the influence of an operational person, increase operational complexity and must be managed to maintain the margin of safety. |
Tesla | The magnetic flux density given by a magnetic flux of 1 weber per square metre. |
Terrain | The surface of the Earth containing naturally occurring features such as mountains, hills, ridges, valleys, bodies of water, permanent ice and snow, and excluding obstacles. |
Terminal control area | A control area normally established at the confluence of ATS routes in the vicinity of one or more major aerodromes. |
Terminal capacity | The number of passengers and tonnes of cargo per hour which can be processed in a terminal building (sometimes referred to as passenger throughput or cargo throughput). |
Terminal arrival altitude | The lowest altitude that will provide a minimum clearance of 300 m (1 000 ft) above all objects located in an arc of a circle defined by a 46 km (25 NM) radius centred on the initial approach fix (IAF), or where there is no IAF on the intermediate approach fix (IF), delimited by straight lines joining the extremity of the arc to the IF. The combined TAAs associated with an approach procedure shall account for an area of 360 degrees around the IF. |
Terminal area sequencing | The process of organizing traffic entering and departing from a terminal area into an orderly flow. |
Temporary admission | The customs procedure under which certain goods can be brought into a customs territory conditionally relieved totally or partially from payment of import duties and taxes; such goods must be imported for a specific purpose and must be intended for re-exportation within a specified period and without having undergone any change except normal depreciation due to the use made of them. |
Temporal resolution | The periodicity through which a sensor can acquire a new image of the same spot of the Earth's surface. |
Teletypewriter tape | A tape on which signals are recorded in the 5-unit Start-Stop code by completely severed perforations (Chad Type) or by partially severed perforations (Chadless Type) for transmission over teletypewriter circuits. |
Telecommunication | Any transmission, emission, or reception of signs, signals, writing, images and sounds or intelligence of any nature by wire, radio, optical or other electromagnetic systems. |
Technical Instructions | The Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284), approved and issued periodically in accordance with the procedure established by the ICAO Council. |
Taxiway strip | An area including a taxiway intended to protect an aircraft operating on the taxiway and to reduce the risk of damage to an aircraft accidentally running off the taxiway. |
Taxiway intersection marking | Taxiway intersection marking painted across a taxiway. |
Taxiway intersection | A junction of two or more taxiways. |
Taxiway holding position | A designated position at which taxiing aircraft and vehicles must stop and hold position, unless otherwise authorized by the aerodrome control tower. |
Taxiway guidance line | Guidance line painted on a taxiway. |
Taxiway | A defined path on a land aerodrome established for the taxiing of aircraft and intended to provide a link between one part of the aerodrome and another, including: a) Aircraft stand taxilane. A portion of an apron designated as a taxiway and intended to provide access to aircraft stands only. b) Apron taxiway. A portion of a taxiway system located on an apron and intended to provide a through taxi route across the apron. c) Rapid exit taxiway. A taxiway connected to a runway at an acute angle and designed to allow landing aeroplanes to turn off at higher speeds than are achieved on other exit taxiways thereby minimizing runway occupancy times. |
Taxiing to/from runway | The phase of flight, after reaching the movement area, when the aircraft progresses under its own power to the departure runway, or post-flight moves under its own power after leaving the landing runway. |
Taxiing | Movement of an aircraft on the surface of an aerodrome under its own power, excluding take-off and landing and, in the case of helicopters, operation over the surface of an aerodrome within a height band associated with ground effect and at speeds associated with taxiing, i.e. air-taxiing. |
Taxi/ground idle | The operating phases involving taxi and idle between the initial starting of the propulsion engine(s) and the initiation of the take-off roll and between the time of runway turn-off and final shutdown of all propulsion engine(s). |
Taxi-route | A defined path established for the movement of helicopters from one part of a heliport to another. A taxi-route includes a helicopter air or ground taxiway which is centred on the taxi-route. |
Taxi | The phase of flight in which movement of an aircraft on the surface of an aerodrome under its own power occurs, excluding take-off and landing. |
Target level of safety | A generic term representing the level of risk which is considered acceptable in particular circumstances. |
Target | In radar, 1) generally, any discrete object which reflects or retransmits energy back to the radar equipment; 2) specifically, an object of radar search or surveillance. |
Take-off surface | That part of the surface of an aerodrome which the aerodrome authority has declared available for the normal ground or water run of aircraft taking off in a particular direction. |
Take-off runway | A runway intended for take-off only. |
Take-off run available | The length of runway declared available and suitable for the ground run of an aeroplane taking off. |
Take-off run | The phase of flight from the application of take-off power, through the take-off roll and rotation up to 50 feet [15 metres] above runway end elevation. |
Take-off phase | The operating phase defined by the time during which the engine is operated at the rated thrust. |
Take-off distance required (helicopter) | The horizontal distance required from the start of the take-off to the point at which Vtoss, a height of 10.7 m (35 ft) above the take-off surface, and a positive climb gradient are achieved, following failure of the critical power-unit at TDP, the remaining power-units operating within approved operating limits. |
Take-off distance available (helicopter) | The length of the final approach and take-off area plus the length of helicopter clearway (if provided) declared available and suitable for helicopters to complete the take-off. |
Take-off distance available | The length of the take-off run available plus the length of the clearway, if provided. |
Take-off decision point | The point used in determining take-off performance from which, an engine failure occurring at this point, either a rejected take-off may be made or a take-off safely continued. |
Take-off and initial climb phase | That part of the flight from the start of take-off to 300 m (1 000 ft) above the elevation of the FATO, if the flight is planned to exceed this height, or to the end of the climb in the other cases. |
Take-off alternate | An alternate aerodrome at which an aircraft can land should this become necessary shortly after take-off and it is not possible to use the aerodrome of departure. |
Take-off | The phase of flight from the application of take-off power until reaching the first prescribed power reduction, or until reaching the vfr pattern or 1,500 feet (450 metres) above runway end elevation, whichever comes first or the termination (abort) of the take-off. |
Tabular display | A display of information in the form of a table. |
Systematic errors | Systematic errors affect all repeated observations in the same way. Systematic errors are often referred to as bias errors. These effects can be minimized via instrument calibration and/or the use of the appropriate math model. |
System safety approach | A systematic and explicit approach defining all activities and resources (people, organizations, policies, procedures, time spans, milestones, etc.) devoted to the management of safety. This approach starts before the fact, is documented, planned and explicitly supported by documented organizational policies and procedures endorsed by the highest executive levels. The system safety approach uses systems theory, systems engineering and management tools to manage risk formally, in an integrated manner, across all organizational levels, all disciplines and all system life-cycle phases. |
Synthetic display | A display of computer-generated information, normally comprising aircraft positions and associated data presented in alphanumeric or symbolic form. |
Switch-over time (light) | The time required for the actual intensity of a light measured in a given direction to fall from 50 per cent and recover to 50 per cent during a power supply changeover, when the light is being operated at intensities of 25 per cent or above. |
Survival ELT | An ELT which is removable from an aircraft, stowed so as to facilitate its ready use in an emergency, and manually activated by survivors. |
Survey control point | A monumented survey control point. |
Surveillance radar | Radar equipment used to determine the position of an aircraft in range and azimuth. |
Surface-level heliport | A heliport located on the ground or on the water. |
Surface lighting | Lighting within a movement area. |
Suitable alternate aerodrome | A suitable alternate aerodrome is an adequate aerodrome where, for the anticipated time of use, weather reports, or forecasts, or any combination thereof, indicate that the weather conditions will be at or above the required aerodrome operating minima, and the runway surface condition reports indicate that a safe landing will be possible. |
Subsonic aeroplane | An aeroplane incapable of sustaining level flight at speeds exceeding flight Mach number of 1. |
Sub-system | Any system which is associated with the air traffic control system as a provider and/or recipient of information relating to the provision of air traffic control service. |
Strategic action | Strategic action describes action", i.e. initiatives of a general nature, which shall be launched in order to support one or several strategic objectives." |
Stores to be taken away | Goods for sale to the passengers and the crew of aircraft with a view to being landed. |
Stores for consumption | Goods, whether or not sold, intended for consumption by the passengers and the crew on board aircraft, and goods necessary for the operation and maintenance of aircraft, including fuel and lubricants. |
Stores | a) Stores (supplies) for consumption; and b) Stores (supplies) to be taken away. |
Stopway | A defined rectangular area on the ground at the end of take-off run available prepared as a suitable area in which an aircraft can be stopped in the case of an abandoned take-off. |
Stolport | An airport specifically designed for STOL aircraft separate from conventional airport facilities. |
Sterile flight deck | Any period of time when the flight crew should not be disturbed, except for matters critical to the safe operation of the aircraft. |
Steradian | The solid angle which, having its vertex in the centre of a sphere, cuts off an area of the surface of the sphere equal to that of a square with sides of length equal to the radius of the sphere. |
Step-by-step mode | A mode of ATS data interchange where each ATS unit, as the flight progresses, transmits a current flight plan message to the next unit. |
Station declination | An alignment variation between the zero degree radial of a VOR and true north, determined at the time the VOR station is calibrated. |
Static load-bearing surface | A surface capable of supporting the mass of a helicopter situated upon it. |
State safety programme | An integrated set of regulations and activities aimed at improving safety. |
State of the Operator | The State in which the operator's principal place of business is located or, if there is no such place of business, the operator's permanent residence. |
State of Registry | The State on whose register the aircraft is entered. |
State of Origin | The State in the territory of which the consignment was first loaded on an aircraft. |
State of Occurrence | The State in the territory of which an accident or incident occurs. |
State of Manufacture | The State having jurisdiction over the organization responsible for the final assembly of the aircraft. |
State of Design | The State having jurisdiction over the organization responsible for the type design. |
State aircraft | Aircraft used for military, customs, police or other law enforcement services of a State. (see Article 3 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation). |
State | An internationally recognized geographic entity that provides aeronautical information service. |
Starting engines | The phase of flight, while the aircraft is parked with the intention of flight, during which the first engine is started. |
Standing | The phase of flight from the time the first person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight until push-back or, if pushback does not apply, until taxiing from the gate or parking position is commenced. subsequently, from engine shut down upon reaching the gate or parking position after flight until the last person has exited the aircraft. |
Standby | A defined period during which a crew member may be called for a duty with minimum notice. |
Standard isobaric surface | An isobaric surface used on a worldwide basis for representing and analysing the conditions in the atmosphere. |
Standard instrument departure | A designated instrument flight rule (IFR) departure route linking the aerodrome or a specified runway of the aerodrome with a specified significant point, normally on a designated ATS route, at which the en-route phase of a flight commences. |
Standard instrument arrival | A designated instrument flight rule (IFR) arrival route linking a significant point, normally on an ATS route, with a point from which a published instrument approach procedure can be commenced. |
Standard atmosphere | An atmosphere defined as follows: a) the air is a perfect dry gas; b) the physical constants are: - Sea level mean molar mass: M0 = 28.964 420 � 10-3 kg mol-1 -Sea level atmospheric pressure: P0 = 1 013.250 hPa - Sea level temperature: t0 = 15�C T0 = 288.15 K - Sea level atmospheric density: ?0 = 1.225 0 kg m-3 - Temperature of the ice point: Ti = 273.15 K - Universal gas constant: R* = 8.314 32 JK-1mol-1 c) the temperature gradients are: Geopotential altitude (km) Temperature gradient (Kelvin per standard From To geopotential kilometre) -5.0 11.0 -6.5 11.0 20.0 0.0 20.0 32.0 +1.0 32.0 47.0 +2.8 47.0 51.0 0.0 51.0 71.0 -2.8 71.0 80.0 -2.0 |
Standard altimeter setting | A pressure setting of 1013.2 hPa (1013.1 mb) which, when set on the subscale of the sensitive altimeter, will cause the altimeter to read zero when at mean sea level in the ICAO standard atmosphere. |
SSR response | The visual indication, in non-symbolic form, on a situation display, of a response from an SSR transponder in reply to an interrogation. |
Spectral resolution | The capability of a sensor to discriminate the detected radiance in different intervals of wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. Hence, the spectral resolution is determined by the number of bands that a particular sensor is capable to capture and by the corresponding spectral bandwidth. |
Specification | Document which establishes the requirements the product or service should be compliant with. |
Special VFR flight | A VFR flight cleared by air traffic control to operate within a control zone in meteorological conditions below VMC. |
Spatial resolution | The capacity of the system (lens, sensor, emulsion, electronic components, etc.) to define the smallest possible object in the image. Historically, this has been measured as the number of lines pair per millimetre that can be resolved in a photograph of a bar chart. This is the so-called analogue resolution. For the modern photogrammetric cameras equipped with forward motion compensation (FMC) devices and photogrammetric panchromatic black and white emulsions, the resolution could (depending on contrast) be 40 to 80 lp/mm (line pairs per millimetre). |
Spare parts | Articles, including engines and propellers, of a repair or replacement nature for incorporation in an aircraft. |
Spacing | Any application of a distance or time between an aircraft and a hazard at or above separation minima in order to maintain a safe and orderly flow of traffic. |
Solo flight time | Flight time during which a student pilot is the sole occupant of an aircraft. |
SNOWTAM | A special series NOTAM notifying the presence or removal of hazardous conditions due to snow, ice, slush or standing water associated with snow, slush and ice on the movement area, by means of a specific format. |
Snow (on the ground) | a) Dry snow. Snow which can be blown if loose or, if compacted by hand, will fall apart again upon release; specific gravity: up to but not including 0.35. b) Wet snow. Snow which, if compacted by hand, will stick together and tend to or form a snowball; specific gravity: 0.35 up to but not including 0.5. c) Compacted snow. Snow which has been compressed into a solid mass that resists further compression and will hold together or break up into lumps if picked up; specific gravity: 0.5 and over. |
Smoke Number | The dimensionless term quantifying smoke emissions (see 3 of Appendix 2). |
Smoke | The carbonaceous materials in exhaust emissions which obscure the transmission of light. |
Small aeroplane | An aeroplane of a maximum certificated take-off mass of 5 700 kg or less. |
Slush | Water-saturated snow which with a heel-and-toe slap-down motion against the ground will be displaced with a splatter; specific gravity: 0.5 up to 0.8. |
Slotted aloha | A random access strategy whereby multiple users access the same communications channel independently, but each communication must be confined to a fixed time slot. The same timing slot structure is known to all users, but there is no other coordination between the users. |
Slant visual range | The visual range of a specified object or light along a line of sight which differs significantly from the horizontal; for example, the visual range of ground objects or lights as seen from an aircraft on the approach (metre, m). |
Situational awareness | The perception of elements in the environment, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their status into the near future. [Endsley, 1990] For example, for pilots, the elements of the environment include, but are not limited to, the crew, passengers, aircraft systems, time, position, weather, traffic, and ATC constraints. |
Situation display | An electronic display depicting the position and movement of aircraft and other information as required. |
Single channel simplex | Simplex using the same frequency channel in each direction. |
Simultaneous mode | A mode of ATS data interchange where information extracted from the filed flight plan is sent simultaneously in a filed flight plan message to all ATS units concerned along the route of flight. |
Simplex | A method in which telecommunication between two stations takes place in one direction at a time. |
Significant point | A specified geographical location used in defining an ATS route or the flight path of an aircraft and for other navigation and ATS purposes. |
Significant obstacle | Any natural terrain feature or man-made fixed object, permanent or temporary, which has vertical significance in relation to adjacent and surrounding features and which is considered a potential hazard to the safe passage of aircraft in the type of operation for which the individual procedure is designed. |
Significant | In the context of the medical provisions in Chapter 6, significant means to a degree or of a nature that is likely to jeopardize flight safety. |
Signal area | An area on an aerodrome used for the display of ground signals. |
Sign a maintenance release (to) | To certify that maintenance work has been completed satisfactorily in accordance with the applicable Standards of airworthiness, by issuing the maintenance release referred to in Annex 6. |
Sign | a) Fixed message sign. A sign presenting only one message. b) Variable message sign. A sign capable of presenting several predetermined messages or no message, as applicable. |
SIGMET information | Information issued by a meteorological watch office concerning the occurrence or expected occurrence of specified en-route weather phenomena which may affect the safety of aircraft operations. |
Sievert | The unit of radiation dose equivalent corresponding to 1 joule per kilogram. |
Siemens | The electric conductance of a conductor in which a current of 1 ampere is produced by an electric potential difference of 1 volt. |
Shoulder | An area adjacent to the edge of a pavement so prepared as to provide a transition between the pavement and the adjacent surface. |
Shoreline | A line following the general contour of the shore, except that in cases of inlets or bays less than 30 nautical miles in width, the line shall pass directly across the inlet or bay to intersect the general contour on the opposite side. |
Shipboard heliport | A heliport located on a ship that may be purpose or non-purpose-built. A purpose-built shipboard heliport is one designed specifically for helicopter operations. A non-purpose-built shipboard heliport is one that utilizes an area of the ship that is capable of supporting a helicopter but not designed specifically for that task. |
Service road | Part of aerodrome surface that must be used only by service vehicles and is not considered as surface movement areas for aircraft. |
Serious injury | An injury which is sustained by a person in an accident and which: a) requires hospitalization for more than 48 hours, commencing within seven days from the date the injury was received; or b) results in a fracture of any bone (except simple fractures of fingers, toes or nose); or c) involves lacerations which cause severe haemorrhage, nerve, muscle or tendon damage; or d) involves injury to any internal organ; or e) involves second or third degree burns, or any burns affecting more than 5 per cent of the body surface; or f) involves verified exposure to infectious substances or injurious radiation. |
Serious incident | An incident involving circumstances indicating that there was a high probability of an accident and associated with the operation of an aircraft which, in the case of a manned aircraft, takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight until such time as all such persons have disembarked, or in the case of an unmanned aircraft, takes place between the time the aircraft is ready to move with the purpose of flight until such time as it comes to rest at the end of the flight and the primary propulsion system is shut down. |
Series of flights | Series of flights are consecutive flights that: a) begin and end within a period of 24 hours; and b) are all conducted by the same pilot-in-command. |
Separator | The agent responsible for separation provision for a conflict, being either the airspace user or a separation provision service provider. |
Separation provision intervention capability | The quality of humans and/or systems to detect and solve a conflict and to implement and monitor the solution. The communications, navigation and surveillance systems' performance, as well as their situation assessment and problem-solving capabilities, are factors in determining the intervention capability. |
Separation provision | The tactical process of keeping aircraft away from hazards by at least the appropriate separation minima. |
Separation mode | An approved set of rules, procedures and conditions of application associated with separation minima. |
Separation minima | The minimum displacements between an aircraft and a hazard which maintain the risk of collision at an acceptable level of safety. |
Separation | Spacing between aircraft, levels or tracks. |
Sending unit/controller | Air traffic services unit/air traffic controller transmitting a message. |
Semi-automatic relay installation | A teletypewriter installation where interpretation of the relaying responsibility in respect of an incoming message and the resultant settingup of the connections required to effect the appropriate retransmissions require the intervention of an operator but where all other normal operations of relay are carried out automatically. |
Self-sustaining powered sailplane | A powered aeroplane with available engine power which allows it to maintain level flight but not to take-off under its own power. |
Segregated parallel operations | Simultaneous operations on parallel or near-parallel instrument runways in which one runway is used exclusively for approaches and the other runway is used exclusively for departures. |
Security test | A covert or overt trial of an aviation security measure which simulates an attempt to commit an unlawful act. |
Security survey | An evaluation of security needs including the identification of vulnerabilities which could be exploited to carry out an act of unlawful interference, and the recommendation of corrective actions. |
Security restricted area | Those areas of the airside of an airport which are identified as priority risk areas where in addition to access control, other security controls are applied. Such areas will normally include, inter alia, all commercial aviation passenger departure areas between the screening checkpoint and the aircraft, the ramp, baggage make-up areas, including those where aircraft are being brought into service and screened baggage and cargo are present, cargo sheds, mail centres, airside catering and aircraft cleaning premises. |
Security inspection | An examination of the implementation of relevant national civil aviation security programme requirements by an airline, airport, or other entity involved in security. |
Security equipment | Devices of a specialized nature for use, individually or as part of a system, in the prevention or detection of acts of unlawful interference with civil aviation and its facilities. |
Security control | A means by which the introduction of weapons, explosives or other dangerous devices, articles or substances which may be used to commit an act of unlawful interference can be prevented. |
Security audit | An in-depth compliance examination of all aspects of the implementation of the national civil aviation security programme. |
Security | Safeguarding civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference. This objective is achieved by a combination of measures and human and material resources. |
Secondary surveillance radar | A surveillance radar system which uses transmitters/receivers (interrogators) and transponders. |
Secondary radar | A radar system wherein a radio signal transmitted from the radar station initiates the transmission of a radio signal from another station. |
Secondary frequency | The radiotelephony frequency assigned to an aircraft as a second choice for air-ground communication in a radiotelephony network. |
Secondary area | A defined area on each side of the primary area located along the nominal flight track in which decreasing obstacle clearance is provided. |
Second | The duration of 9 192 631 770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the caesium-133 atom. |
Search and rescue unit | A mobile resource composed of trained personnel and provided with equipment suitable for the expeditious conduct of search and rescue operations. |
Search and rescue services unit | A generic term meaning, as the case may be, rescue coordination centre, rescue subcentre or alerting post. |
Search and rescue service | The performance of distress monitoring, communication, coordination and search and rescue functions, initial medical assistance or medical evacuation, through the use of public and private resources, including cooperating aircraft, vessels and other craft and installations. |
Search and rescue region | An area of defined dimensions, associated with a rescue coordination centre, within which search and rescue services are provided. |
Search and rescue facility | Any mobile resource, including designated search and rescue units, used to conduct search and rescue operations. |
Search and rescue aircraft | An aircraft provided with specialized equipment suitable for the efficient conduct of search and rescue missions. |
Search | An operation normally coordinated by a rescue coordination centre or rescue subcentre using available personnel and facilities to locate persons in distress. |
Seaplane landing lane | A defined path on water at an aerodrome prescribed for the landing and take-off run of seaplanes along its entire length. |
Seaplane landing area | A defined area on water at an aerodrome prescribed for the landing and take-off of seaplanes. |
Screening | The application of technical or other means which are intended to identify and/or detect weapons, explosives or other dangerous devices, articles or substances which may be used to commit an act of unlawful interference. |
Scheduled international air service | a series of flights that possesses all of the following characteristics: it passes through the airspace over the territory of more than one State; it is performed by aircraft for the transport of passengers, mail or cargo for remuneration, in such a manner that each flight is open to use by members of the public; and it is operated so as to serve traffic between the same two or more points, either according to a published timetable or with flights so regular or frequent that they constitute a recognizable systematic series. |
Scheduled air service | An air service open to use by the general public and operated according to a published timetable or with such a regular frequency that it constitutes an easily recognizable systematic series of flights. |
Scatter meter | An instrument for estimating extinction coefficient by measuring the flux scattered from a light beam by particles present in the atmosphere. |
Satisfactory evidence | A set of documents or activities that a Contracting State accepts as sufficient to show compliance with an airworthiness requirement. |
Safety-sensitive personnel | Persons who might endanger aviation safety if they perform their duties and functions improperly including, but not limited to, crew members, aircraft maintenance personnel and air traffic controllers. |
Safety recommendation | A proposal of an accident investigation authority based on information derived from an investigation, made with the intention of preventing accidents or incidents and which in no case has the purpose of creating a presumption of blame or liability for an accident or incident. In addition to safety recommendations arising from accident and incident investigations, safety recommendations may result from diverse sources, including safety studies. |
Safety programme | An integrated set of regulations and activities aimed at improving safety. |
Safety not assured | The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which the safety of the aircraft may have been compromised. |
Safety management system | A systematic approach to managing safety, including the necessary organizational structures, accountabilities, policies and procedures. |
Safety case | Both the argument and the document that contend that the level of safety attained will satisfy the safety requirements. It intelligently and coherently argues the degree of safety achieved at any point of a system's life cycle by making rational and coherent reference to the documented results of the system safety approach defined below. |
Safety area | A defined area on a heliport surrounding the FATO which is free of obstacles, other than those required for air navigation purposes, and intended to reduce the risk of damage to helicopters accidentally diverging from the FATO. |
Safe forced landing | Unavoidable landing or ditching with a reasonable expectancy of no injuries to persons in the aircraft or on the surface. |
Runway-holding position | A designated position intended to protect a runway, an obstacle limitation surface, or an ILS/MLS critical/sensitive area at which taxiing aircraft and vehicles shall stop and hold, unless otherwise authorized by the aerodrome control tower. |
Runway visual range | The range over which the pilot of an aircraft on the centre line of a runway can see the runway surface markings or the lights delineating the runway or identifying its centre line. |
Runway turn pad | A defined area on a land aerodrome adjacent to a runway for the purpose of completing a 180-degree turn on a runway. |
Runway strip | A defined area including the runway and stopway, if provided, intended: a) to reduce the risk of damage to aircraft running off a runway; and b) to protect aircraft flying over it during take-off or landing operations. |
Runway incursion severity classification calculator | A computer programme that classifies the outcome of runway incursions. |
Runway incursion | Any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and take-off of aircraft. |
Runway guard lights | A light system intended to caution pilots or vehicle drivers that they are about to enter an active runway. |
Runway exit line | Guidance line painted on the runway exit. |
Runway end safety area | An area symmetrical about the extended runway centre line and adjacent to the end of the strip primarily intended to reduce the risk of damage to an aeroplane undershooting or overrunning the runway. |
Runway displaced area | That portion of a runway between the beginning of the runway and the displaced threshold. |
Runway capacity | The number of aircraft movements which aeronautical authorities determine can safely be operated, usually stated as the total number of landings and take-offs per hour, taking into account such factors as the physical characteristics of the runways and the surrounding area, altitude, the types of aircraft involved (larger aircraft may mandate greater separation) and air traffic control (approach and aerodrome control) capabilities. |
Runway | A defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and take-off of aircraft. |
Run-on landing | The phase of flight in which the helicopter lands with power on. |
Routing Directory | A list in a communication centre indicating for each addressee the outgoing circuit to be used. |
Routing area | A defined area encompassing one or more major traffic flows for the purpose of developing a detailed plan for the implementation of interoperable CNS/ATM systems. |
Route stage | A route or portion of a route flown without an intermediate landing. |
Route segment | A route or portion of route usually flown without an intermediate stop. |
Route description | The unambiguous delineation of a route in terms of an ordered sequence of ATS route designators and/or significant points. |
Rotors running | The phase of flight when the helicopter is standing with its rotors turning prior to take-off or after landing. |
Rotorcraft | A power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight by the reactions of the air on one or more rotors. |
Road-holding position | A designated position at which vehicles may be required to hold. |
Road | An established surface route on the movement area meant for the exclusive use of vehicles. |
RNP type | A containment value expressed as a distance in nautical miles from the intended position within which flights would be for at least 95 per cent of the total flying time. |
RNP system | An area navigation system which supports on-board performance monitoring and alerting. |
RNP route | An ATS route established for the use of aircraft adhering to a prescribed RNP navigation specification. |
RNP operations | Aircraft operations using an RNP system for RNP navigation applications. |
RNAV system | A navigation system which permits aircraft operation on any desired flight path within the coverage of station-referenced navigation aids or within the limits of the capability of self-contained aids, or a combination of these. An RNAV system may be included as part of a flight management system (FMS). |
RNAV operations | Aircraft operations using area navigation for RNAV applications. |
Risk of collision | The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which serious risk of collision has existed. |
Risk not determined | The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which insufficient information was available to determine the risk involved, or inconclusive or conflicting evidence precluded such determination. |
Risk management | The systematic application of management policies, procedures and practices to the tasks of establishing the context of, identifying, analysing, evaluating and treating risks; monitoring the implementation of treatments; and communicating about risk. |
Risk management | The systematic application of management procedures and practices which provide border inspection agencies with the necessary information to address movements or consignments which represent a risk. |
Risk assessment | An assessment by a deporting State of a deportee's suitability for escorted or unescorted removal via commercial air services. The assessment should take into account all pertinent factors, including medical, mental and physical fitness for carriage on a commercial flight, willingness or unwillingness to travel, behavioural patterns and any history of violence. |
Reversal procedure | A procedure designed to enable aircraft to reverse direction during the initial approach segment of an instrument approach procedure. The sequence may include procedure turns or base turns. |
Restricted area | An airspace of defined dimensions, above the land areas or territorial waters of a State, within which the flight of aircraft is restricted in accordance with certain specified conditions. |
Rest period | A continuous and defined period of time, subsequent to and/or prior to duty, during which flight or cabin crew members are free of all duties. |
Resolution | A number of units or digits to which a measured or calculated value is expressed and used. |
Rescue unit | A unit composed of trained personnel and provided with equipment suitable for the expeditious conduct of search and rescue. |
Rescue subcentre | A unit subordinate to a rescue coordination centre, established to complement the latter according to particular provisions of the responsible authorities. |
Rescue coordination centre | A unit responsible for promoting efficient organization of search and rescue services and for coordinating the conduct of search and rescue operations within a search and rescue region. |
Rescue | An operation to retrieve persons in distress, provide for their initial medical or other needs, and deliver them to a place of safety. |
Requirement | Need or expectation that is stated, generally implied or obligatory (ISO 9000). |
Required total system performance | RTSP is the aggregate of criteria, expressed in the form of performance parameters (operational and technical), that the ATM system needs to meet in order to deliver the approved quality of service and RASP specified for a particular environment. |
Required navigation performance | A statement of the navigation performance necessary for operation within a defined airspace. |
Required communication performance type | A label (e.g. RCP 240) that represents the values assigned to RCP parameters for communication transaction time, continuity, availability and integrity. |
Required communication performance | A statement of the performance requirements for operational communication in support of specific ATM functions. |
Required ATM performance | RASP is the set of criteria, expressed in the form of performance parameters and values of those parameters, that the ATM system needs to meet, with a given probability, in order to support the approved quality of service specified for a particular environment. |
Reporting point | A specified (named) geographical location in relation to which the position of an aircraft can be reported. |
Repetitive flight plan | A flight plan related to a series of frequently recurring, regularly operated individual flights with identical basic features, submitted by an operator for retention and repetitive use by ATS units. |
Repeatability | The closeness with which a measurement upon a given, invariant sample can be reproduced in short-term repetitions of the measurement with no intervening instrument adjustment. |
Repair | The restoration of an aeronautical product to an airworthy condition to ensure that the aircraft continues to comply with the design aspects of the appropriate airworthiness requirements used for the issuance of the type certificate for the respective aircraft type, after it has been damaged or subjected to wear. |
Rendering (a licence) valid | The action taken by a Contracting State, as an alternative to issuing its own licence, in accepting a licence issued by any other Contracting State as the equivalent of its own licence. |
Rendering (a Certificate of Airworthiness) valid | The action taken by a Contracting State, as an alternative to issuing its own Certificate of Airworthiness, in accepting a Certificate of Airworthiness issued by any other Contracting State as the equivalent of its own Certificate of Airworthiness. |
Removal order | A written order served by a State on the operator on whose flight an inadmissible person travelled into that State, directing the operator to remove that person from its territory. |
Removal of a person | Action by the public authorities of a State, in accordance with its laws, to direct a person to leave that State. |
Relief flights | Flights operated for humanitarian purposes which carry relief personnel and relief supplies such as food, clothing, shelter, medical and other items during or after an emergency and/or disaster and/or are used to evacuate persons from a place where their life or health is threatened by such emergency and/or disaster to a safe haven in the same State or another State willing to receive such persons. |
Relief | The inequalities in elevation of the surface of the Earth represented on aeronautical charts by contours, hypsometric tints, shading or spot elevations. |
Release time | Time prior to which an aircraft should be given further clearance or prior to which it should notproceed in case of radio failure. |
Release of goods | The action by the customs authorities to permit goods undergoing clearance to be placed at the disposal of the persons concerned. |
Rejected take-off distance required | The horizontal distance required from the start of the take-off to the point where the helicopter comes to a full stop following a power-unit failure and rejection of the take-off at the take-off decision point. |
Rejected take-off distance available (helicopter) | The length of the final approach and take-off area declared available and suitable for performance class 1 helicopters to complete a rejected take-off. |
Rejected take-off area | A defined area on a heliport suitable for helicopters operating in performance class 1 to complete a rejected take-off. |
Regulated agent | An agent, freight forwarder or any other entity who conducts business with an operator and provides security controls that are accepted or required by the appropriate authority in respect of cargo or mail. |
Regular station | A station selected from those forming an en-route air-ground radiotelephony network to communicate with or to intercept communications from aircraft in normal conditions. |
Regional requirement | Regional requirements specify conditions regarding data items within a region if necessary. |
Regional extensions | FF-ICE will be based upon global information standards defining a core set of data. Regional extensions on data elements are permitted in accordance with harmonized global practices for defining and referring to these elements. |
Regional airport | Generally refers to an airport of a medium or small city that is mainly served by short-haul regional services. |
Regional air service | An air service offered on routes serving smaller cities within a region or between regions of a State; or an air service offered on secondary routes serving smaller cities in a regional area involving the territories of more than one State. |
Regional air navigation agreement | Agreement approved by the Council of ICAO normally on the advice of a regional air navigation meeting. |
Reference pressure ratio | The ratio of the mean total pressure at the last compressor discharge plane of the compressor to the mean total pressure at the compressor entry plane when the engine is developing take-off thrust rating in ISA sea level static conditions. |
Reference humidity | The relationship between temperature and reference humidity is defined as follows: - at temperatures at and below ISA, 80 per cent relative humidity, - at temperatures at and above ISA + 28�C, 34 per cent relative humidity, - at temperatures between ISA and ISA + 28�C, the relative humidity varies linearly between the humidity specified for those temperatures. |
Reference Ellipsoid | A geometric figure comprising one component of a geodetic datum, usually determined by rotating an ellipse about its shorter (polar) axis, and used as a surface of reference for geodetic surveys. The reference ellipsoid closely approximates the dimensions of the geoid, with certain ellipsoids fitting the geoid more closely for various areas of the earth. Elevations derived directly from satellite observations are relative to the ellipsoid and are called ellipsoid heights. |
Reference datum height | The height of the extended glide path or a nominal vertical path at the runway threshold. |
Recertification | Certification of an aircraft with or without a revision to its certification noise levels, to a Standard different to that to which it was originally certificated. |
Receiving unit/controller | Air traffic services unit/air traffic controller to which a message is sent. |
Readback | A procedure whereby the receiving station repeats a received message or an appropriate part thereof back to the transmitting station so as to obtain confirmation of correct reception. |
RCP type | A label (e.g. RCP 240) that represents the values assigned to RCP parameters for communication transaction time, continuity, availability and integrity. |
Rating | An authorization entered on or associated with a licence and forming part thereof, stating special conditions, privileges or limitations pertaining to such licence. |
Rated thrust | For engine emissions purposes, the maximum take-off thrust approved by the certificating authority for use under normal operating conditions at ISA sea level static conditions, and without the use of water injection. Thrust is expressed in kilonewtons. |
Rated air traffic controller | An air traffic controller holding a licence and valid ratings appropriate to the privileges to be exercised. |
Rapid exit taxiway | A taxiway connected to a runway at an acute angle and designed to allow landing aeroplanes to turn off at higher speeds than are achieved on other exit taxiways thereby minimizing runway occupancy times. |
Ranked 4D trajectories | A series of desired 4D trajectories, with tolerances supplied if necessary by the airspace user to define when the next ranked trajectory should be used. |
Random errors | Random errors of observations refer to the basic inherent property that estimates of a random variable do not agree, in general, with its expectation. |
Radiotelephony network | A group of radiotelephony aeronautical stations which operate on and guard frequencies from the same family and which support each other in a defined manner to ensure maximum dependability of air-ground communications and dissemination of air-ground traffic. |
Radiotelephony | A form of radiocommunication primarily intended for the exchange of information in the form of speech. |
Radiometric resolution | The capability of a sensor to discriminate levels or intensity of spectral radiance. In the analogue systems such as photography, the radiometric resolution is measured based on the number of grey levels that can be obtained. In opto-electronic systems, the radiance is recorded in an array of cells. A digit is assigned to each cell proportional to the received level of energy. This is done by an analog to digital converter in the platform. Generally, in modern sensors the range is between zero radiance into the sensor and 255 at saturation response of the detector. |
Radio navigation service | A service providing guidance information or position data for the efficient and safe operation of aircraft supported by one or more radio navigation aids. |
Radio direction-finding station | A radiodetermination station using radio direction finding. |
Radio direction finding | Radiodetermination using the reception of radio waves for the purpose of determining the direction of a station or object. |
Radio bearing | The angle between the apparent direction of a definite source of emission of electro-magnetic waves and a reference direction, as determined at a radio directionfinding station. A true radio bearing is one for which the reference direction is that of true North. A magnetic radio bearing is one for which the reference direction is that of magnetic North. |
Radian | The plane angle between two radii of a circle which cut off on the circumference an arc equal in length to the radius. |
Radar vectoring | Provision of navigational guidance to aircraft in the form of specific headings, based on the use of radar. |
Radar unit | That element of an air traffic services unit which uses radar equipment to provide one or more services. |
Radar tracking | The act, by either a human or a computer, of following the movements of specific aircraft by means of radar for the purpose of ensuring a continuous indication of the identity, position, track and/or height of the aircraft. |
Radar track position | An extrapolation of aircraft position by the computer based upon radar information and used by the computer for tracking purposes. Note.- In some cases, information other than radar-derived information is used to assist the tracking processes. |
Radar service | Term used to indicate a service provided directly by means of radar. |
Radar separation | The separation used when aircraft position information is derived from radar sources. |
Radar response (or SSR response) | The visual indication in non-symbolic form, on a radar display, of a radar signal transmitted from an object in reply to an interrogation. |
Radar position symbol | A generic term of the visual indication in a symbolic form, on a radar display, of the position of an aircraft obtained after digital computer processing of positional data derived from primary radar and/or SSR. |
Radar position indication | The visual indication, in non-symbolic and/or symbolic form, on a radar display of the position of an aircraft obtained by primary and/or secondary surveillance radar. |
Radar monitoring | The use of radar for the purpose of providing aircraft with information and advice relative to significant deviations from nominal flight path. |
Radar map | Information superimposed on a radar display to provide ready indication of selected features. |
Radar identification | The process of correlating a particular radar blip or radar position symbol with a specific aircraft. |
Radar heading | A magnetic heading given by a controller to a pilot on the basis of radar-derived information for the purpose of providing navigational guidance. |
Radar echo | The visual indication on a radar display of a radar signal reflected from an object. |
Radar display | An electronic display of radar-derived information depicting the position and movement of aircraft. |
Radar controller | A qualified air traffic controller holding a radar rating appropriate to the functions to which he is assigned. |
Radar control | Term used to indicate that radar-derived information is employed directly in the provision of air traffic control service. |
Radar contact | The situation which exists when the radar position of a particular aircraft is seen and identified on a situation display. |
Radar clutter | The visual indication on a situation display of unwanted signals. |
Radar blip | A generic term for the visual indication, in non-symbolic form, on a radar display of the position of an aircraft obtained by primary or secondary radar. |
Radar approach | An approach in which the final approach phase is executed under the direction of a controller using radar. |
Radar | A radio detection device which provides information on range, azimuth and/or elevation of objects. |
Racetrack procedure | A procedure designed to enable the aircraft to reduce altitude during the initial approach segment and/or establish the aircraft inbound when the entry into a reversal procedure is not practical. |
Quality system | Documented organizational procedures and policies; internal audit of those policies and procedures; management review and recommendation for quality improvement. |
Quality management | Coordinated activities to direct and control an organization with regard to quality (ISO 9000). |
Quality control | Part of quality management focused on fulfilling quality requirements (ISO 9000). |
Quality assurance | Part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled (ISO 9000). |
Quality | Degree to which a set of inherent characteristics fulfils requirements (ISO 9000). |
Push-back/tow | The phase of flight when an aircraft is moving from the gate or parking position, not under its own power, but with the assistance of a tug. |
Public health risk | A likelihood of an event that may affect adversely the health of human populations, with an emphasis on one which may spread internationally or may present a serious and direct danger. |
Public health emergency of international concern | An extraordinary event which is determined, as provided in the International Health Regulations (2005) of the World Health Organization: (i) to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease and (ii) to potentially require a coordinated international response. |
Public authorities | The agencies or officials of a Contracting State responsible for the application and enforcement of the particular laws and regulations of that State which relate to any aspect of these Standards and Recommended Practices. |
Psychoactive substances | Alcohol, opioids, cannabinoids, sedatives and hypnotics, cocaine, other psychostimulants, hallucinogens, and volatile solvents, whereas coffee and tobacco are excluded. |
PSR blip | The visual indication, in non-symbolic form, on a situation display of the position of an aircraft obtained by primary radar. |
PSR blip | The visual indication, in non-symbolic form, on a radar display of the position of an aircraft obtained by primary radar. |
Protection area | An area within a taxi-route and around a helicopter stand which provides separation from objects, the FATO, other taxi-routes and helicopter stands, for safe manoeuvring of helicopters. |
Protected service volume | A part of the facility coverage where the facility provides a particular service in accordance with relevant SARPs and within which the facility is afforded frequency protection. |
Protected flight zones | Airspace specifically designated to mitigate the hazardous effects of laser radiation. |
Propulsion system | A system consisting of a power-unit and all other equipment utilized to provide those functions necessary to sustain, monitor and control the power/thrust output of any one power-unit following installation on the airframe. |
Prohibited area | An airspace of defined dimensions, above the land areas or territorial waters of a State, within which the flight of aircraft is prohibited. |
Prognostic chart | A forecast of a specified meteorological element(s) for a specified time or period and a specified surface or portion of airspace, depicted graphically on a chart. |
Profile | The orthogonal projection of a flight path or portion thereof on the vertical surface containing the nominal track. |
Procedure turn | A manoeuvre in which a turn is made away from a designated track followed by a turn in the opposite direction to permit the aircraft to intercept and proceed along the reciprocal of the designated track. |
Procedure altitude/height | A specified altitude/height flown operationally at or above the minimum altitude/height and established to accommodate a stabilized descent at a prescribed descent gradient/angle in the intermediate/final approach segment. |
Procedural separation | The separation used when providing procedural control. |
Procedural control | Term used to indicate that information derived from an ATS surveillance system is not required for the provision of air traffic control service. |
Problematic use of substances | The use of one or more psychoactive substances by aviation personnel in a way that: a) constitutes a direct hazard to the user or endangers the lives, health or welfare of others; and/or b) causes or worsens an occupational, social, mental or physical problem or disorder. |
Private airport | An airport that serves primarily small privately owned aircraft, flying clubs, etc. |
Private aircraft | Any non-State aircraft used for noncommercial purposes. |
Printed communications | Communications which automatically provide a permanent printed record at each terminal of a circuit of all messages which pass over such circuit. |
Primary surveillance radar | A surveillance radar system which uses reflected radio signals. |
Primary runway(s) | Runway(s) used in preference to others whenever conditions permit. |
Primary radar | A radar system which uses reflected radio signals. |
Primary means of communication | The means of communication to be adopted normally by aircraft and ground stations as a first choice where alternative means of communication exist. |
Primary frequency | The radiotelephony frequency assigned to an aircraft as a first choice for air-ground communication in a radiotelephony network. |
Primary area | A defined area symmetrically disposed about the nominal flight track in which full obstacle clearance is provided. |
Prevailing visibility | The greatest visibility value, observed in accordance with the definition of visibility", which is reached within at least half the horizon circle or within at least half of the surface of the aerodrome. These areas could comprise contiguous or non-contiguous sectors." |
Pressure-altitude | An atmospheric pressure expressed in terms of altitude which corresponds to that pressure in the Standard Atmosphere. |
Preliminary Report | The communication used for the prompt dissemination of data obtained during the early stages of the investigation. |
Predictability | Is a measure of delay variance against a performance dependability target. As the variance of expected delay increases, it becomes a very serious concern for airlines when developing and operating their schedules. Conceptually, predictability metrics should be a comparison of the actual flight time to the scheduled flight time, since the scheduled time includes the amount of expected delay at a targeted dependability performance. |
Precision approach runway, category III | An instrument runway served by ILS and/or MLS to and along the surface of the runway and: A - intended for operations with a decision height lower than 30 m (100 ft), or no decision height and runway visual range not less than 200 m. B - intended for operations with a decision height lower than 15 m (50 ft), or no decision height and runway visual range less than 200 m but not less than 50 m. C - intended for operations with no decisions height and no runway visual range limitations. |
Precision approach runway, category II | An instrument runway served by ILS and/or MLS and visual aids intended for operations with a decision height lower than 60 m (200 ft) but not lower than 30 m (100 ft) and a runway visual range not less than 350 m. |
Precision approach runway, category 1 | An instrument runway served by ILS and/or MLS and visual aids intended for operations with a decision height not lower than 60 m (200 ft) and either a visibility not less than 800 m or a runway visual range not less than 550 m. |
Precision approach radar | Primary radar equipment used to determine the position of an aircraft during final approach, in terms of lateral and vertical deviations relative to a nominal approach path, and in range relative to touchdown. |
Precision approach procedure | An instrument approach procedure based on navigation systems (ILS, MLS, GLS and SBAS CAT I) designed for 3D instrument approach operations Type A or B. |
Precision approach and landing operations | An instrument approach and landing using precision lateral and vertical guidance with minima as determined by the category of operation. |
Precision | The smallest difference that can be reliably distinguished by a measurement process. |
Pre-flight information bulletin | A presentation of current NOTAM information of operational significance, prepared prior to flight. |
Powerplant | The system consisting of all the engines, drive system components (if applicable), and propellers (if installed), their accessories, ancillary parts, and fuel and oil systems installed on an aircraft but excluding the rotors for a helicopter. |
Powered-lift | A heavier-than-air aircraft capable of vertical take-off, vertical landing, and low-speed flight, which depends principally on engine-driven lift devices or engine thrust for the lift during these flight regimes and on non-rotating aerofoil(s) for lift during horizontal flight. |
Post-impact | The phase, in an accident or incident sequence, after the aircraft has collided with the first object, place or person. |
Post spacing | Angular or linear distance between two adjacent elevation points. |
Positional response | That element of an SSR response which represents the actual position of the associated aircraft on the display. |
Position symbol | The visual indication in symbolic form, on a situation display, of the position of an aircraft, aerodrome vehicle or other object, obtained after automatic processing of positional data derived from any source. |
Position indication | The visual indication, in non-symbolic and/or symbolic form, on a situation display, of the position of an aircraft, aerodrome vehicle or other object. |
Position | Set of coordinates (latitude and longitude) referenced to the mathematical reference ellipsoid which define the position of a point on the surface of the Earth. |
Portrayal | Presentation of information to humans (ISO 19117). |
Polygon | A surface or area described by a closed line. |
Point-to-point | Pertaining or relating to the interconnection of two devices, particularly end-user instruments. A communication path of service intended to connect two discrete end-users; as distinguished from broadcast or multipoint service. |
Point-in-space reference point | Reference point for the point-in-space approach as identified by the latitude and longitude of the MAPt. |
Point-in-space approach | The point-in-space approach is based on a basic GNSS non-precision approach procedure designed for helicopters only. It is aligned with a reference point located to permit subsequent flight manoeuvring or approach and landing using visual manoeuvring in adequate visual conditions to see and avoid obstacles. |
Point light | A luminous signal appearing without perceptible length. |
Point | The smallest unit of geometry which has no spatial extent. Points are described by two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) coordinates. |
Pilot-in-command under supervision | Co-pilot performing, under the supervision of the pilot-in-command, the duties and functions of a pilot-in-command, in accordance with a method of supervision acceptable to the Licensing Authority. |
Pilot-in-command | The pilot designated by the operator, or in the case of general aviation, the owner, as being in command and charged with the safe conduct of a flight. |
Pilot (to) | To manipulate the flight controls of an aircraft during flight time. |
Person with disabilities | Any person whose mobility is reduced due to a physical incapacity (sensory or locomotor), an intellectual deficiency, age, illness or any other cause of disability when using transport and whose situation needs special attention and the adaptation to the person's needs of the services made available to all passengers. |
Performance-based navigation | Area navigation based on performance requirements for aircraft operating along an ATS route, on an instrument approach procedure or in a designated airspace. |
Performance criteria | Simple, evaluative statements on the required outcome of the competency element and a description of the criteria used to judge whether the required level of performance has been achieved. |
Performance Class 3 helicopter | A helicopter with performance such that, in case of engine failure at any point in the flight profile, a forced landing must be performed. |
Performance Class 2 helicopter | A helicopter with performance such that, in case of engine failure, it is able to safely continue the flight, except when the failure occurs prior to a defined point after take-off or after a defined point before landing, in which cases a forced landing may be required. |
Performance Class 1 helicopter | A helicopter with performance such that, in case of engine failure, it is able to land on the rejected take-off area or safely continue the flight to an appropriate landing area. |
Pavement classification number | A number expressing the bearing strength of a pavement for unrestricted operations. |
Passenger amenities | Facilities provided for passengers which are not essential for passenger processing. |
Passenger aircraft | An aircraft that carries any person other than a crew member, an operator's employee in an official capacity, an authorized representative of an appropriate national authority or a person accompanying a consignment or other cargo. |
Passenger air service | An air service performed primarily for the transport of passengers. |
Pascal | The pressure or stress of 1 newton per square metre. |
Painted centerline | Continuous line along the painted line in the center of a runway connecting the two thresholds. |
Packaging | Receptacles and any other components or materials necessary for the receptacle to perform its containment function. |
Package | The complete product of the packing operation consisting of the packaging and its contents prepared for transport. |
Oxides of nitrogen | The sum of the amounts of the nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide contained in a gas sample calculated as if the nitric oxide were in the form of nitrogen dioxide. |
Overpack | An enclosure used by a single shipper to contain one or more packages and to form one handling unit for convenience of handling and stowage. |
Orthometric height | Height of a point related to the geoid, generally presented as an MSL elevation. |
Ornithopter | A heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight chiefly by the reactions of the air on planes to which a flapping motion is imparted. |
Originator (data) | The first organization in the aeronautical data chain that accepts responsibility for the data. |
Originate | The process of creating a data item or amending the value of an existing data item. |
Option | When an operational concept (or a technical concept) can be realized through various solutions, each of these solutions is seen as an option. Selecting/retaining an option requires investigated cost-benefit and other analyses. In some cases, only one option can be retained. In other cases, several options can be left to the choice of implementers. |
Optimized profile descent | A descent profile normally associated with a published arrival (STAR) and designed to allow maximum practical use of a CDO. It starts from top of descent, taking onto consideration the limitations of the local airport, airspace, environment, traffic and aircraft capabilities, and ATC. To the extent possible the descent profile is comprised of idle-power performance descent profile segments and geometric descent profile segments that maximize altitude, minimize the thrust required to remain on the path, terminate the path at the desired end location and satisfy the altitude and speed constraints along the closed path design. Note.- OPD is one method of facilitating CDO. |
Operator's maintenance control manual | A document which describes the operator's procedures necessary to ensure that all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance is performed on the operator's aircraft on time and in a controlled and satisfactory manner. |
Operator | A person, organization or enterprise engaged in or offering to engage in an aircraft operation. |
Operations specifications | The authorizations, conditions and limitations associated with the air operator certificate and subject to the conditions in the operations manual. |
Operations manual | A manual containing procedures, instructions and guidance for use by operational personnel in the execution of their duties. |
Operations in performance Class 3 | Operations with performance such that, in the event of an engine failure at any time during the flight, a forced landing will be required. |
Operations in performance Class 2 | Operations with performance such that, in the event of critical engine failure, performance is available to enable the helicopter to safely continue the flight to an appropriate landing area, except when the failure occurs early during the take-off manoeuvre or late in the landing manoeuvre, in which cases a forced landing may be required. |
Operations in performance Class 1 | Operations with performance such that, in the event of a critical engine failure, performance is available to enable the helicopter to safely continue the flight to an appropriate landing area, unless the failure occurs prior to reaching the take-off decision point (TDP) or after passing the landing decision point (LDP), in which cases the helicopter must be able to land within the rejected take-off or landing area. |
Operational requirement | A statement of the operational attributes of a system needed for the effective and/or efficient provision of air traffic services to users. |
Operational planning | The planning of flight operations by an operator. |
Operational flight plan | The operator's plan for the safe conduct of the flight based on considerations of aeroplane performance, other operating limitations and relevant expected conditions on the route to be followed and at the aerodromes concerned. |
Operational control communications | Communications required for the exercise of authority over the initiation, continuation, diversion or termination of a flight in the interest of the safety of the aircraft and the regularity and efficiency of a flight. |
Operational control | The exercise of authority over the initiation, continuation, diversion or termination of a flight in the interest of the safety of the aircraft and the regularity and efficiency of the flight. |
Operational concept vision | To achieve an interoperable global ATM system, for all users during all phases of flight, that meets agreed levels of safety, provides for optimum economic operations, is environmentally sustainable and meets national security requirements. |
Operational concept | For the purposes of this document, an operational concept is defined as: a) a high-level description of the ATM services necessary to accommodate traffic at a given time horizon; b) a description of the anticipated level of performance required from, and the interaction between, the ATM services, as well as the objects they affect; and c) a description of the information to be provided to agents in the ATM system and how that information is to be used for operational purposes. |
Operation | An activity or group of activities which are subject to the same or similar hazards and which require a set of equipment to be specified, or the achievement and maintenance of a set of pilot competencies, to eliminate or mitigate the risk of such hazards. |
Operating base | The location from which operational control is exercised. |
Open path CDO procedures | Procedures which require that after the DTW, an FM path terminator should be coded. In contrast, if ATC requires a defined path, a VM path terminator can be used instead. |
Ohm | The electric resistance between two points of a conductor when a constant difference of potential of 1 volt, applied between these two points, produces in this conductor a current of 1 ampere, this conductor not being the source of any electromotive force. |
Offshore operations | Operations which routinely have a substantial proportion of the flight conducted over sea areas to or from offshore locations. Such operations include, but are not limited to, support of offshore oil, gas and mineral exploitation and sea-pilot transfer. |
Offset frequency simplex | A variation of single channel simplex wherein telecommunication between two stations is effected by using in each direction frequencies that are intentionally slightly different but contained within a portion of the spectrum allotted for the operation. |
Obstacle/terrain data collection surface | A defined surface intended for the purpose of collecting obstacle/terrain data. |
Obstacle free zone | The airspace above the inner approach surface, inner transitional surfaces, and balked landing surface and that portion of the strip bounded by these surfaces, which is not penetrated by any fixed obstacle other than a low-mass and frangibly mounted one required for air navigation purposes. |
Obstacle clearance altitude or obstacle clearance height | The lowest altitude or the lowest height above the elevation of the relevant runway threshold or the aerodrome elevation as applicable, used in establishing compliance with appropriate obstacle clearance criteria. |
Obstacle assessment surface | A defined surface intended for the purpose of determining those obstacles to be considered in the calculation of obstacle clearance altitude/height for a specific APV or precision approach procedure. |
Obstacle | All fixed (whether temporary or permanent) and mobile objects, or parts thereof, that: a) are located on an area intended for the surface movement of aircraft; or b) extend above a defined surface intended to protect aircraft in flight; or c) stand outside those defined surfaces and that have been assessed as being a hazard to air navigation. |
Observation (meteorological) | The evaluation of one or more meteorological elements. |
NOTAM | A notice distributed by means of telecommunication containing information concerning the establishment, condition or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedure or hazard, the timely knowledge of which is essential to personnel concerned with flight operations. |
Normal operating zone | Airspace of defined dimensions extending to either side of an ILS localizer course and/or MLS final approach track. Only the inner half of the normal operating zone is taken into account in independent parallel approaches. |
Normal flight zone | Airspace not defined as LFFZ, LCFZ or LSFZ but which must be protected from laser radiation capable of causing biological damage to the eye. |
Normal descent | The phase of flight in which a controlled descent is made from cruise to the initial approach fix, final approach fix, outer marker, 1500 feet above runway end elevation, or entry to the vfr pattern, whichever occurs first. |
Non-scheduled operation | Any air service that is performed other than as a scheduled air service, including but not limited to charter operations. |
Non-scheduled international flight | Any international flight performed other than as a scheduled international air service. |
Non-radar separation | The separation used when aircraft position information is derived from sources other than radar. |
Non-precision approach runway | An instrument runway served by visual aids and a non-visual aid providing at least directional guidance adequate for a straight-in approach. |
Non-precision approach procedure | An instrument approach procedure designed for 2D instrument approach operations Type A. |
Non-precision approach and landing operations | An instrument approach and landing which utilizes lateral guidance but does not utilize vertical guidance. |
Non-network communications | Radiotelephony communications conducted by a station of the aeronautical mobile service, other than those conducted as part of a radiotelephony network. |
Non-instrument runway | A runway intended for the operation of aircraft using visual approach procedures. |
Non-hostile environment | An environment in which: a) a safe forced landing can be accomplished because the surface and surrounding environment are adequate; b) the helicopter occupants can be adequately protected from the elements; c) search and rescue response/capability is provided consistent with anticipated exposure; and d) the assessed risk of endangering persons or property on the ground is acceptable. |
Non-congested hostile environment | A hostile environment outside a congested area. |
No transgression zone | In the context of independent parallel approaches, a corridor of airspace of defined dimensions located centrally between the two extended runway centre lines, where a penetration by an aircraft requires a controller intervention to manoeuvre any threatened aircraft on the adjacent approach. |
No risk of collision | The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which no risk of collision has existed. |
Night | The hours between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight or such other period between sunset and sunrise, as may be prescribed by the appropriate authority. |
Next data authority | The ground system so designated by the current data authority through which an onward transfer of communications and control can take place. |
Newton | The force which when applied to a body having a mass of 1 kilogram gives it an acceleration of 1 metre per second squared. |
Network station | An aeronautical station forming part of a radiotelephony network. |
Net gradient | The net gradient of climb throughout these requirements [Annex 6/I] is the expected gradient of climb diminished by the manoeuvre performance (i.e. that gradient of climb necessary to provide power to manoeuvre) and by the margin (i.e. that gradient of climb necessary to provide for those variations in performance which are not expected to be taken explicit account of operationally). |
Negotiating 4D trajectory | A 4D trajectory proposed by airspace user or ASP as a potential agreed 4D trajectory. |
Near-parallel runways | Non-intersecting runways whose extended centre lines have an angle of convergence/divergence of 15 degrees or less. |
Navigation specification | A set of aircraft and flight crew requirements needed to support performance-based navigation operations within a defined airspace. There are two kinds of navigation specifications: Required navigation performance (RNP) specification. A navigation specification based on area navigation that includes the requirement for performance monitoring and alerting, designated by the prefix RNP, e.g. RNP 4, RNP APCH. Area navigation (RNAV) specification. A navigation specification based on area navigation that does not include the requirement for performance monitoring and alerting, designated by the prefix RNAV, e.g. RNAV 5, RNAV 1. |
Navigation function | The detailed capability of the navigation system (such as the execution of leg transitions, parallel offset capabilities, holding patterns, navigation databases) required to meet the airspace concept. Note.- Navigational functional requirements are one of the drivers for the selection of a particular navigation specification. Navigation functionalities (functional requirements) for each navigation specification can be found in the Performance-based Navigation (PBN) Manual (Doc 9613), Volume II, Parts B and C. |
Navigation application | The application of a navigation specification and the supporting navaid infrastructure, to routes, procedures, and/or defined airspace volume, in accordance with the intended airspace concept. Note.- The navigation application is one element, along with communication, surveillance and ATM procedures which meet the strategic objectives in a defined airspace concept. |
Navigation aid infrastructure | Navaid infrastructure refers to space-based and or ground-based navigation aids available to meet the requirements in the navigation specification. |
Nautical mile | The length equal to 1 852 metres exactly. |
Narcotics control | Measures to control the illicit movement of narcotics and psychotropic substances by air. |
Multi-ring polygon | One or more polygons located inside another polygon that excludes the area of the inner polygons (e.g. doughnut, figure eight). |
Movement area | That part of an aerodrome to be used for the take-off, landing and taxiing of aircraft, consisting of the manoeuvring area and the apron(s). |
Mountainous area | An area of changing terrain profile where the changes of terrain elevation exceed 900 m (3 000 ft) within a distance of 18.5 km (10.0 NM). |
Mole | The amount of substance of a system which contains as many elementary entities as there are atoms in 0.012 kilogram of carbon-12. |
Model | Abstraction of some aspects of reality. |
Mode S subnetwork | A means of performing an interchange of digital data through the use of secondary surveillance radar (SSR) Mode S interrogators and transponders in accordance with defined protocols. |
Mode (SSR) | The conventional identifier related to specific functions of the interrogation signals transmitted by an SSR interrogator. There are four modes specified in Annex 10: A, C, S and intermode. |
Mobile surface station | A station in the aeronautical telecommunication service, other than an aircraft station, intended to be used while in motion or during halts at unspecified points. |
Mixed navigation environment | An environment where different navigation specifications may be applied within the same airspace (e.g. RNP 10 routes and RNP 4 routes in the same airspace) or where operations using conventional navigation are allowed in the same airspace with RNAV or RNP applications. |
Missed approach procedure | The procedure to be followed if the approach cannot be continued. |
Missed approach point | That point in an instrument approach procedure at or before which the prescribed missed approach procedure must be initiated in order to ensure that the minimum obstacle clearance is not infringed. |
Missed approach or go-around | The phase of flight where the aircraft aborts the approach during an ils or other precision approach involving an abnormally early turn on approach before reaching minimum decision altitude or decision height, or where the aircraft breaks off any approach to execute a missed approach or vfr go-around procedure when the approach cannot be continued. |
Missed approach holding fix | A fix used in RNAV applications that marks the end of the missed approach segment and the centre point for the missed approach holding. |
Mishandled baggage | Baggage involuntarily, or inadvertently, separated from passengers or crew. |
Minimum stabilization distance | The minimum distance to complete a turn manoeuvre and after which a new manoeuvre can be initiated. The minimum stabilization distance is used to compute the minimum distance between waypoints. |
Minimum sector altitude | The lowest altitude which may be used which will provide a minimum clearance of 300 m (1 000 ft) above all objects located in an area contained within a sector of a circle of 46 km (25 NM) radius centred on a significant point, the aerodrome reference point (ARP) or the heliport reference point (HRP). |
Minimum obstacle clearance altitude | The minimum altitude for a defined segment of flight that provides the required obstacle clearance. |
Minimum fuel | The term used to describe a situation in which an aircraft's fuel supply has reached a state where little or no delay can be accepted. |
Minimum equipment list | A list which provides for the operation of aircraft, subject to specified conditions, with particular equipment inoperative, prepared by an operator in conformity with, or more restrictive than, the MMEL established for the aircraft type. |
Minimum en-route altitude | The altitude for an en-route segment that provides adequate reception of relevant navigation facilities and ATS communications, complies with the airspace structure and provides the required obstacle clearance. |
Minimum descent altitude or minimum descent height | A specified altitude or height in a non-precision approach or circling approach below which descent must not be made without the required visual reference. |
Metre | The distance travelled by light in a vacuum during 1/299 792 458 of a second. |
Meteorological satellite | An artificial Earth satellite making meteorological observations and transmitting these observations to Earth. |
Meteorological report | A statement of observed meteorological conditions related to a specified time and location. |
Meteorological optical range | The length of the path in the atmosphere required to reduce the luminous flux in a collimated beam from an incandescent lamp, at a colour temperature of 2 700 K, to 0.05 of its original value, the luminous flux being evaluated by means of the photometric luminosity function of the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) (metre (m) or kilometre (km)). |
Meteorological operational telecommunication network | An integrated system of meteorological operational channels, as part of the aeronautical fixed service (AFS), for the exchange of aeronautical meteorological information between the aeronautical fixed stations within the network. |
Meteorological operational channel | A channel of the aeronautical fixed service (AFS), for the exchange of aeronautical meteorological information. |
Meteorological office | An office designated to provide meteorological service for international air navigation. |
Meteorological information | Meteorological report, analysis, forecast, and any other statement relating to existing or expected meteorological conditions. |
Meteorological bulletin | A text comprising meteorological information preceded by an appropriate heading. |
Meteorological authority | The authority providing or arranging for the provision of meteorological service for international air navigation on behalf of a Contracting State. |
Metadata | Data about data (ISO 19115). |
Message format | The disposition and structure of the message fields which constitute a message. |
Message field | An assigned area of a message containing specified elements of data. |
Message element | The smallest assembly of characters, in a message, which has an independent meaning. Note. - A message element is analogous to a word in plain language. |
Message | A communication sent from one location to another and comprising an integral number of fields. |
Medical examiner | A physician with training in aviation medicine and practical knowledge and experience of the aviation environment, who is designated by the Licensing Authority to conduct medical examinations of fitness of applicants for licences or ratings for which medical requirements are prescribed. |
Medical assessor | A physician, appointed by the Licensing Authority, qualified and experienced in the practice of aviation medicine and competent in evaluating and assessing medical conditions of flight safety significance. |
Medical Assessment | The evidence issued by a Contracting State that the licence holder meets specific requirements of medical fitness. |
Mean sea level | The average location of the interface between the ocean and the atmosphere, over a period of time sufficiently long so that all random and periodic variations of short duration average to zero. |
Mean power (of a radio transmitter) | The average power supplied to the antenna transmission line by a transmitter during an interval of time sufficiently long compared with the lowest frequency encountered in the modulation taken under normal operating conditions. |
Maximum mass | Maximum certificated take-off mass. |
Master minimum equipment list | A list established for a particular aircraft type by the organization responsible for the type design with the approval of the State of Design containing items, one or more of which is permitted to be unserviceable at the commencement of a flight. The MMEL may be associated with special operating conditions, limitations or procedures. |
Marking | A symbol or group of symbols displayed on the surface of the movement area in order to convey aeronautical information. |
Marker | An object displayed above ground level in order to indicate an obstacle or delineate a boundary. |
Manoeuvring area | That part of an aerodrome to be used for the take-off, landing and taxiing of aircraft, excluding aprons. |
Manoeuvring | An event involving a phase of flight in which planned low-level flight, or attitude, or planned abnormal attitude, or abnormal acceleration occurs. |
Making way | An aeroplane on the surface of the water is 'making way' when it is under way and has a velocity relative to the water. |
Major traffic flow | A concentration of significant volumes of air traffic on the same or proximate flight trajectories. |
Maintenance release | A document which contains a certification confirming that the maintenance work to which it relates has been completed in a satisfactory manner, either in accordance with the approved data and the procedures described in the maintenance organization's procedures manual or under an equivalent system. |
Maintenance programme | A document which describes the specific scheduled maintenance tasks and their frequency of completion and related procedures, such as a reliability programme, necessary for the safe operation of those aircraft to which it applies. |
Maintenance organization's procedures manual | A document endorsed by the head of the maintenance organization which details the maintenance organization's structure and management responsibilities, scope of work, description of facilities, maintenance procedures and quality assurance or inspection systems. |
Maintenance | The performance of tasks required to ensure the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft, including any one or combination of overhaul, inspection, replacement, defect rectification, and the embodiment of a modification or repair. |
Dispatches of correspondence and other items tendered by and intended for delivery to postal services in accordance with the rules of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). | |
Magnetic variation | The angular difference between True North and Magnetic North. |
Lux | The illuminance produced by a luminous flux of 1 lumen uniformly distributed over a surface of 1 square metre. |
Luminous intensity | The luminous flux per unit solid angle (candela, cd). |
Luminous flux | The quantity derived from radiant flux by evaluating the radiation according to its action upon the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) standard photometric observer (lumen, lm). |
Luminance contrast | The ratio of the difference between the luminance of an object and its background to the luminance of the background (dimensionless). |
Luminance (photometric brightness) | The luminous intensity of any surface in a given direction per unit of projected area (candela per square metre, cd/m2). |
Lumen | The luminous flux emitted in a solid angle of 1 steradian by a point source having a uniform intensity of 1 candela. |
Low flying | The phase of flight made at a height below the normal minima, e.g. in preparation for, or during, observation work, demonstration, photography work or aerial application. |
Longitudinal separation | Separation between aircraft expressed in units of time or distance along track. |
Longitudinal axis of the aeroplane | A selected axis parallel to the direction of flight at a normal cruising speed, and passing through the centre of gravity of the aeroplane. |
Logon address | A specified code used for data link logon to an ATS unit. |
Location indicator | A four-letter code group formulated in accordance with rules prescribed by ICAO and assigned to the location of an aeronautical fixed station. |
Local runway safety teams | A team comprised of representatives from aerodrome operations, air traffic services providers, airlines or aircraft operators, pilot and air traffic controllers associations and any other group with a direct involvement in runway operations that advise the appropriate management on the potential runway incursion issues and recommend mitigation strategies. |
Load factor | The ratio of a specified load to the weight of the aircraft, the former being expressed in terms of aerodynamic forces, inertia forces, or ground reactions. |
Litre | A unit of volume restricted to the measurement of liquids and gases which is equal to 1 cubic decimetre. |
Link | A direct connection between an operational improvement and an enabler, between operational improvements, between enablers or between lines of action. In road-mapping", a link defines a prerequisite for, or an enabler of, an operational improvement, another enabler or a line of action." |
Linear Error Probability | A linear magnitude within which a stated percentage of measurements for a given point will fall. For example, if the vertical accuracy of a surveyed point is stated as 1 m with 90% LEP, then 90% of measurements of the height of this point will fall along a vertical line of length 1 m. The true position is then estimated to lie at the center of this vertical line. |
Line | A connected sequence of points. |
Limit loads | The maximum loads assumed to occur in the anticipated operating conditions. |
Likely | In the context of the medical provisions in Chapter 6, likely means with a probability of occurring that is unacceptable to the medical assessor. |
Lighting system reliability | The probability that the complete installation operates within the specified tolerances and that the system is operationally usable. |
Lighter-than-air aircraft | Any aircraft supported chiefly by its buoyancy in the air. |
Licensing Authority | The Authority designated by a Contracting State as responsible for the licensing of personnel. |
Level off-touchdown | The phase of flight from the point of transition from nose-low to nose-up attitude, just before landing, until touchdown. |
Level | A generic term relating to the vertical position of an aircraft in flight and meaning variously, height, altitude or flight level. |
Leaving point | The point at which an aircraft leaves or is expected to leave a control area for uncontrolled airspace. |
Lateral separation | Separation between aircraft expressed in terms of distance or angular displacement between tracks. |
Laser-beam sensitive flight zone | Airspace outside, and not necessarily contiguous with, the LFFZ and LCFZ where the irradiance is restricted to a level unlikely to cause flash-blindness or after-image effects. |
Laser-beam free flight zone | Airspace in the immediate proximity of the aerodrome where the irradiance is restricted to a level unlikely to cause any visual disruption. |
Laser-beam critical flight zone | Airspace in the proximity of an aerodrome but beyond the LFFZ where the irradiance is restricted to a level unlikely to cause glare effects. |
Large aeroplane | An aeroplane of a maximum certificated take-off mass of over 5 700 kg. |
Landside | That portion of the aerodrome that is not considered airside. It consists primarily of passenger and cargo terminals, including appurtenances that may extend onto the airside, and those other facilities not located within the area defined by the term airside. |
Landing threshold point | The LTP is a point over which the glide path passes at a relative height specified by the reference datum height. It is defined by the WGS-84 latitude, longitude and ellipsoid height. The LTP is normally located at the intersection of the runway centreline and threshold. |
Landing surface | That part of the surface of an aerodrome which the aerodrome authority has declared available for the normal ground or water run of aircraft landing in a particular direction. |
Landing roll | The phase of flight from touchdown until the aircraft exits the landing runway or comes to a stop, whichever occurs first. |
Landing distance required (helicopter) | The horizontal distance required to land and come to a full stop from a point 10.7 m (35 ft) above the landing surface. |
Landing distance available (helicopter) | The length of the final approach and take-off area plus any additional area declared available and suitable for helicopters to complete the landing manoeuvre from a defined height. |
Landing distance available | The length of runway which is declared available and suitable for the ground run of an aeroplane landing. |
Landing direction indicator | A device to indicate visually the direction currently designated for landing and for take-off. |
Landing decision point | The point used in determining landing performance from which, an engine failure occurring at this point, the landing may be safely continued or a balked landing initiated. |
Landing area | That part of a movement area intended for the landing or take-off of aircraft. |
Landing aborted after touch-down | The phase of flight in which an attempt is made to get airborne after touchdown (successful or not). this does not include the take-off portion of a touch-and-go. |
Landing | The phase of flight from the point of transition from nose-low to nose-up attitude, immediately before landing (flare), through touchdown and until aircraft exits landing runway or comes to a stop, whichever occurs first. |
Land and hold short operations location | Marking used for land and hold short operations (LAHSO). |
Lading | The placing of cargo, mail, baggage or stores on board an aircraft to be carried on a flight. |
Koschmieder's law | A relationship between the apparent luminance contrast (Cx) of an object, seen against the horizon sky by a distant observer, and its inherent luminance contrast (C0), i.e. the luminance contrast that the object would have against the horizon when seen from very short range. |
Known consignor | A consignor who originates cargo or mail for its own account and whose procedures meet common security rules and standards sufficient to allow the carriage of cargo or mail on any aircraft. |
Knot | The speed equal to 1 nautical mile per hour. |
Kilogram | The unit of mass equal to the mass of the international prototype of the kilogram. |
Kelvin | A unit of thermodynamic temperature which is the fraction 1/273.16 of the thermodynamic temperature of the triple point of water. |
Just culture | An atmosphere of trust in which people are encouraged (even rewarded) for providing essential safety-related information, but in which they are also clear about where the line must be drawn between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. |
Joule | The work done when the point of application of a force of 1 newton is displaced a distance of 1 metre in the direction of the force. |
Joint rescue coordination centre | A rescue coordination centre responsible for both aeronautical and maritime search and rescue operations. |
Joining point | The point at which an aircraft enters or is expected to enter a control area from uncontrolled airspace. |
Isogriv | A line on a map or chart which joins points of equal angular difference between the North of the navigation grid and Magnetic North. |
Isogonal | A line on a map or chart on which all points have the same magnetic variation for a specified epoch. |
Investigator-in-charge | A person charged, on the basis of his or her qualifications, with the responsibility for the organization, conduct and control of an investigation. |
Investigation | A process conducted for the purpose of accident prevention which includes the gathering and analysis of information, the drawing of conclusions, including the determination of causes and/or contributing factors and, when appropriate, the making of safety recommendations. |
Interpilot air-to-air communication | Two-way communication on the designated air-to-air channel to enable aircraft engaged in flights over remote and oceanic areas out of range of VHF ground stations to exchange necessary operational information and to facilitate the resolution of operational problems. |
Internetworking protocol | A protocol that transfers data packets between intermediate systems and end systems interconnected by subnetworks and that is supported by the routing protocols and addressing plan. |
International telecommunication service | A telecommunication service between offices or stations of different States, or between mobile stations which are not in the same State, or are subject to different States. |
International operating agency | An agency of the kind contemplated in Article 77 of the Convention. |
International NOTAM office | An office designated by a State for the exchange of NOTAM internationally. |
International airways volcano watch | International arrangements for monitoring and providing warnings to aircraft of volcanic ash in the atmosphere. |
International airport | Any airport designated by the Contracting State in whose territory it is situated as an airport of entry and departure for international air traffic, where the formalities incident to customs, immigration, public health, animal and plant quarantine and similar procedures are carried out. |
International air service | An air service that passes through the airspace over the territory of more than one State. |
Intermediate holding position | A designated position intended for traffic control at which taxiing aircraft and vehicles shall stop and hold until further cleared to proceed, when so instructed by the aerodrome control tower. |
Intermediate fix | A fix that marks the end of an initial segment and the beginning of the intermediate segment. In RNAV applications this fix is normally defined by a fly-by waypoint. |
Intermediate approach segment | That segment of an instrument approach procedure between either the intermediate approach fix and the final approach fix or point, or between the end of a reversal, racetrack or dead reckoning track procedure and the final approach fix or point, as appropriate. |
Intermediate approach | The phase of flight between the middle approach fix and the final approach fix; or between the end of a reversal procedure or dead-reckoning track procedure and the final approach fix. |
Integrity (aeronautical data) | A degree of assurance that an aeronautical data and its value has not been lost nor altered since the data origination or authorized amendment. |
Integrated survival suit | A survival suit which meets the combined requirements of the survival suit and life jacket. |
Integrated Aeronautical Information Package | A package which consists of the following elements: - AIP, including amendment service; - Supplements to the AIP; - NOTAM and PIB; - AIC; and - checklists and lists of valid NOTAM. |
Instrument time | Instrument flight time or instrument ground time. |
Instrument runway | One of the following types of runways intended for the operation of aircraft using instrument approach procedures: a) Non-precision approach runway. An instrument runway served by visual aids and a non-visual aid providing at least directional guidance adequate for a straight-in approach. b) Precision approach runway, category I. An instrument runway served by ILS and/or MLS and visual aids intended for operations with a decision height not lower than 60 m (200 ft) and either a visibility not less than 800 m or a runway visual range not less than 550 m. c) Precision approach runway, category II. An instrument runway served by ILS and/or MLS and visual aids intended for operations with a decision height lower than 60 m (200 ft) but not lower than 30 m (100 ft) and a runway visual range not less than 300 m. d) Precision approach runway, category III. An instrument runway served by ILS and/or MLS to and along the surface of the runway and: A - intended for operations with a decision height lower than 30 m (100 ft), or no decision height and a runway visual range not less than 175 m. B - intended for operations with a decision height lower than 15 m (50 ft), or no decision height and a runway visual range less than 175 m but not less than 50 m. C - intended for operations with no decision height and no runway visual range limitations. |
Instrument meteorological conditions | Meteorological conditions expressed in terms of visibility, distance from cloud, and ceiling*, less than the minima specified for visual meteorological conditions. |
Instrument ground time | Time during which a pilot is practising, on the ground, simulated instrument flight in a flight simulation training device approved by the Licensing Authority. |
Instrument flight time | Time during which a pilot is piloting an aircraft solely by reference to instruments and without external reference points. |
Instrument flight rules | A set of rules governing the conduct of flight under instrument meteorological conditions. |
Instrument approach procedure | A series of predetermined manoeuvres by reference to flight instruments with specified protection from obstacles from the initial approach fix, or where applicable, from the beginning of a defined arrival route to a point from which a landing can be completed and thereafter, if a landing is not completed, to a position at which holding or en-route obstacle clearance criteria apply. Instrument approach procedures are classified as follows: Non-precision approach (NPA) procedure. An instrument approach procedure designed for 2D instrument approach operations Type A. Approach procedure with vertical guidance (APV). A performance-based navigation (PBN) instrument approach procedure designed for 3D instrument approach operations Type A. Precision approach (PA) procedure. An instrument approach procedure based on navigation systems (ILS, MLS, GLS and SBAS CAT I) designed for 3D instrument approach operations Type A or B. |
Initial climb | The phase of flight from 50 feet [15 metres] above runway end elevation to the first prescribed power reduction, or until reaching 1500 feet (450 metres). |
Initial approach segment | That segment of an instrument approach procedure between the initial approach fix and the intermediate approach fix or, where applicable, the final approach fix or point. |
Initial approach fix | A fix that marks the beginning of the initial segment and the end of the arrival segment, if applicable. In RNAV applications this fix is normally defined by a fly-by waypoint. |
Initial Approach | Initial Approach (IFR): From the Initil Approach Fix (IAF) to the Final Approach Fix (FAF). |
Information for a collaborative environment | Information necessary to enable the collaborative environment envisioned in the Global ATM Operational Concept. It contains, but is not limited to, information domains such as flight and flow information, aeronautical information and surveillance information. |
Infected area | (for human health purposes) Defined as geographical areas where human and/or animal vector-borne diseases are actively transmitted, as reported by local or national public health authorities or by the World Health Organization. Note.- A list of infected areas notified by health administrations is published in the World Health Organization's Weekly Epidemiological Record. |
Industry codes of practice | Guidance material developed by an industry body, for a particular sector of the aviation industry to comply with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization's Standards and Recommended Practices, other aviation safety requirements and the best practices deemed appropriate. |
Indicated airspeed | The uncorrected reading on the airspeed indicator. |
Independent parallel departures | Simultaneous departures from parallel or near-parallel instrument runways. |
Independent parallel approaches | Simultaneous approaches to parallel or near-parallel instrument runways where radar separation minima between aircraft on adjacent extended runway centre lines are not prescribed. |
Incompatible | Describing dangerous goods which, if mixed, would be liable to cause a dangerous evolution of heat or gas or produce a corrosive substance. |
Incident | An occurrence, other than an accident, associated with the operation of an aircraft which affects or could affect the safety of operation. |
INCERFA | The code word used to designate an uncertainty phase. |
Inadmissible person | A person who is or will be refused admission to a State by its authorities. |
In-flight security officer | A person who is authorized by the government of the State of the Operator and the government of the State of Registration to be deployed on an aircraft with the purpose of protecting that aircraft and its occupants against acts of unlawful interference. This excludes persons employed to provide exclusive personal protection for one or more specific people travelling on the aircraft, such as personal bodyguards. |
Improperly documented person | A person who travels, or attempts to travel: (a) with an expired travel document or an invalid visa; (b) with a counterfeit, forged or altered travel document or visa; (c) with someone else's travel document or visa; (d) without a travel document; or (e) without a visa, if required. |
Import duties and taxes | Customs duties and all other duties, taxes or charges, which are collected on or in connection with the importation of goods. Not included are any charges which are limited in amount to the approximate cost of services rendered or collected by the customs on behalf of another national authority. |
Immigration control | Measures adopted by States to control the entry into, transit through and departure from their territories of persons travelling by air. |
IMC | The symbol used to designate instrument meteorological conditions. |
Imagery | The product of photography or advanced imaging sensors. Can be produced via either aerial or satellite fly-overs. |
Illuminance | The luminous flux per unit area (lux, lx). |
IFR flight | A flight conducted in accordance with the instrument flight rules. |
IFR | The symbol used to designate the instrument flight rules. |
Identification beacon | An aeronautical beacon emitting a coded signal by means of which a particular point of reference can be identified. |
Identification | The situation which exists when the position indication of a particular aircraft is seen on a situation display and positively identified. |
ICAO Public Key Directory | The central database serving as the repository of Document Signer Certificates (CDS) (containing Document Signer Public Keys), CSCA Master List (MLCSCA), Country Signing CA Link Certificates (lCCSCA) and Certificate Revocation Lists issued by Participants, together with a system for their distribution worldwide, maintained by ICAO on behalf of Participants in order to facilitate the validation of data in eMRTDs. |
Hypsometric tints | A succession of shades or colour gradations used to depict ranges of elevation. |
Human performance | Human capabilities and limitations which have an impact on the safety and efficiency of aeronautical operations. |
Human Factors principles | Principles which apply to aeronautical design, certification, training, operations and maintenance and which seek safe interface between the human and other system components by proper consideration to human performance. |
Hovering out of ground effect | Hovering out of ground effect. The helicopter maintains a constant position at a selected point. Ground effect is a condition of improved performance encountered when operating near (within 1/2 rotor diameter) of the ground |
Hovering in ground effect | Hovering in ground effect. Hover: The helicopter maintains a constant position at a selected point. Ground effect is a condition of improved performance encountered when operating near (within 1/2 rotor diameter) of the ground |
Hot spot | A location on an aerodrome movement area with a history or potential risk of collision or runway incursion, and where heightened attention by pilots/drivers is necessary. |
Hostile environment | An environment in which: a) a safe forced landing cannot be accomplished because the surface and surrounding environment are inadequate; or b) the helicopter occupants cannot be adequately protected from the elements; or c) search and rescue response/capability is not provided consistent with anticipated exposure; or d) there is an unacceptable risk of endangering persons or property on the ground. |
Horizontal plane | The plane containing the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the aeroplane. |
Homogeneous ATM area | An airspace with a common air traffic management interest, based on similar characteristics of traffic density, complexity, air navigation system infrastructure requirements or other specified considerations wherein a common detailed plan will foster the implementation of interoperable CNS/ATM systems. |
Homing | The procedure of using the direction-finding equipment of one radio station with the emission of another radio station, where at least one of the stations is mobile, and whereby the mobile station proceeds continuously towards the other station. |
Holdover time | The estimated time the anti-icing fluid (treatment) will prevent the formation of ice and frost and the accumulation of snow on the protected (treated) surfaces of an aeroplane. |
Holding procedure | A predetermined manoeuvre which keeps an aircraft within a specified airspace while awaiting further clearance. |
Holding point | A specified location, identified by visual or other means, in the vicinity of which the position of an aircraft in flight is maintained in accordance with air traffic control clearances. |
Holding fix | A geographical location that serves as a reference for a holding procedure. |
Holding bay | A defined area where aircraft can be held, or bypassed, to facilitate efficient surface movement of aircraft. |
Hertz | The frequency of a periodic phenomenon of which the period is 1 second. |
Henry | The inductance of a closed circuit in which an electromotive force of 1 volt is produced when the electric current in the circuit varies uniformly at a rate of 1 ampere per second. |
Heliport operating minima | The limits of usability of a heliport for: a) take-off, expressed in terms of runway visual range and/or visibility and, if necessary, cloud conditions; b) landing in precision approach and landing operations, expressed in terms of visibility and/or runway visual range and decision altitude/height (DA/H) as appropriate to the category of the operation; c) landing in approach and landing operations with vertical guidance, expressed in terms of visibility and/or runway visual range and decision altitude/height (DA/H); and d) landing in non-precision approach and landing operations, expressed in terms of visibility and/or runway visual range, minimum descent altitude/height (MDA/H) and, if necessary, cloud conditions. |
Heliport | An aerodrome or a defined area on a structure intended to be used wholly or in part for the arrival, departure and surface movement of helicopters. |
Helipad | A small designated area, usually with a prepared surface, on a heliport, aerodrome, landing/take-off area, apron area, or movement area used for take-off, landing, or parking of helicopters. |
Helideck | A heliport located on an offshore structure such as an exploration or production platform used for the exploitation of oil or gas. |
Helicopter stand | An aircraft stand which provides for parking a helicopter and where ground taxi operations are completed or where the helicopter touches down and lifts off for air taxi operations. |
Helicopter ground taxiway | A ground taxiway intended for the ground movement of wheeled undercarriage helicopters. |
Helicopter clearway | A defined area on the ground or water, selected and/or prepared as a suitable area over which a helicopter operated in performance class 1 may accelerate and achieve a specific height. |
Helicopter air taxiway | A defined path on the surface established for the air taxiing of helicopters. |
Helicopter | A heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight chiefly by the reactions of the air on one or more power-driven rotors on substantially vertical axes. |
Height | The vertical distance of a level, a point or an object considered as a point, measured from a specified datum. |
Heavier-than-air aircraft | Any aircraft deriving its lift in flight chiefly from aerodynamic forces. |
Heading | The direction in which the longitudinal axis of an aircraft is pointed, usually expressed in degrees from North (true, magnetic, compass or grid). |
Head-up display | A display system that presents flight information into the pilot's forward external field of view. |
Hazards | The objects or elements that an aircraft can be separated from. These are: other aircraft, terrain, weather, wake turbulence, incompatible airspace activity and, when the aircraft is on the ground, surface vehicles and other obstructions on the apron and manoeuvring area. For any hazard (i.e. any condition, event or circumstance that could induce an accident), a risk can be identified as the combination of the overall probability or frequency of occurrence of a harmful effect induced by the hazard, and the severity of that effect. The terms accident and incident are defined in Annex 13 - Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation. |
Hazard beacon | An aeronautical beacon used to designate a danger to air navigation. |
Gyroplane | A heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight by the reactions of the air on one or more rotors which rotate freely on substantially vertical axes. |
Ground-to-air communication | One-way communication from stations or locations on the surface of the earth to aircraft. |
Ground visibility | The visibility at an aerodrome as reported by an accredited observer or by automatic systems. |
Ground speed | The speed of an aircraft relative to the surface of the earth. |
Ground handling | Services necessary for an aircraft's arrival at, and departure from, an airport, other than air traffic services. |
Ground equipment | Articles of a specialized nature for use in the maintenance, repair and servicing of an aircraft on the ground, including testing equipment and cargo- and passenger-handling equipment. |
Ground effect | A condition of improved performance (lift) due to the interference of the surface with the airflow pattern of the rotor system when a helicopter or other VTOL aircraft is operating near the ground. |
Ground earth station | An earth station in the fixed satellite service, or, in some cases, in the aeronautical mobile-satellite service, located at a specified fixed point on land to provide a feeder link for the aeronautical mobilesatellite service. |
Grid point data in digital form | Computer processed meteorological data for a set of regularly spaced points on a chart, for transmission from a meteorological computer to another computer in a code form suitable for automated use. |
Gregorian calendar | Calendar in general use; first introduced in 1582 to define a year that more closely approximates the tropical year than the Julian calendar (ISO 19108). |
Gray | The energy imparted by ionizing radiation to a mass of matter corresponding to 1 joule per kilogram. |
Globally unique flight identifier | A single reference for FF-ICE information pertinent to a flight that is unique globally. |
Global navigation satellite system | A worldwide position and time determination system that includes one or more satellite constellations, aircraft receivers and system integrity monitoring, augmented as necessary to support the required navigation performance for the intended operation. |
Glider flight time | The total time occupied in flight, whether being towed or not, from the moment the glider first moves for the purpose of taking off until the moment it comes to rest at the end of the flight. |
Glider | A non-power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft, deriving its lift in flight chiefly from aerodynamic reactions on surfaces which remain fixed under given conditions of flight. |
Glide path | A descent profile determined for vertical guidance during a final approach. |
Geoid undulation | The distance of the geoid above (positive) or below (negative) the mathematical reference ellipsoid. |
Geoid | The equipotential surface in the gravity field of the Earth which coincides with the undisturbed mean sea level (MSL) extended continuously through the continents. |
Geographic data | Data with implicit or explicit reference to a location relative to the Earth. |
Geographic coordinates | The values of latitude, longitude, and height that define the position of a point on the surface of the Earth with respect to a reference datum. |
Geodetic distance | The shortest distance between any two points on a mathematically defined ellipsoidal surface. |
Geodetic datum | A minimum set of parameters required to define location and orientation of the local reference system with respect to the global reference system/frame. |
Geodesic distance | The shortest distance between any two points on a mathematically defined ellipsoidal surface. |
General aviation operation | An aircraft operation other than a commercial air transport operation or an aerial work operation. |
GBAS azimuth reference point | The GARP is defined to be beyond the FPAP along the procedure centreline by a fixed offset of 305 m (1 000 ft). It is used to establish the lateral deviation display limits. |
Gateway airport | An international airport that is the first point of arrival or last point of departure in a State for international air services. |
Gate-to-gate | Considers the operation of an aircraft not just from take-off to touchdown (the airborne segment) but from the first movement with intention of flight to completion of movement after flight; that is from the gate (or stand or parking position) to gate (or stand or parking position). |
Gate to gate | A concept where the air traffic operations of ATM community members are such that the successive planning and operational phases of their processes are managed and can be achieved in a seamless and coherent way. |
Garbling | The degradation of code information due to the simultaneous presence in a decoder of overlapping reply pulse trains. |
GAMET area forecast | An area forecast in abbreviated plain language for low-level flights for a flight information region or sub-area thereof, prepared by the meteorological office designated by the meteorological authority concerned and exchanged with meteorological offices in adjacent flight information regions, as agreed between the meteorological authorities concerned. |
Gain-to-noise temperature ratio | The ratio, usually expressed in dB/K, of the antenna gain to the noise at the receiver output of the antenna subsystem. The noise is expressed as the temperature that a 1 ohm resistor must be raised to produce the same noise power density. |
Fully automatic relay installation | A teletypewriter installation where interpretation of the relaying responsibility in respect of an incoming message and the resultant settingup of the connections required to effect the appropriate retransmissions is carried out automatically, as well as all other normal operations of relay, thus obviating the need for operator intervention, except for supervisory purposes. |
Frequency channel | A continuous portion of the frequency spectrum appropriate for a transmission utilizing a specified class of emission. |
Frequency area | Designated part of a surface movement area where a specific frequency is required by air traffic control or ground control. |
Free zone | A part of the territory of a Contracting State where any goods introduced are generally regarded, insofar as import duties and taxes are concerned, as being outside the customs territory. |
Frangible object | An object of low mass designed to break, distort or yield on impact so as to present the minimum hazard to aircraft. |
Forward error correction | The process of adding redundant information to the transmitted signal in a manner which allows correction, at the receiver, of errors incurred in the transmission. |
Format | The process of translating, arranging, packing, and compressing a selected set of data for distribution to a specific target system. |
Forecast | A statement of expected meteorological conditions for a specified time or period, and for a specified area or portion of airspace. |
Foot | The length equal to 0.304 8 metre exactly. |
Flyover waypoint | A waypoint at which a turn is initiated in order to join the next segment of a route or procedure. |
Fly-by waypoint | A waypoint which requires turn anticipation to allow tangential interception of the next segment of a route or procedure. |
Flow control | Measures designed to adjust the flow of traffic into a given airspace, along a given route, or bound for a given aerodrome, so as to ensure the most effective utilization of the airspace. |
Flight visibility | The visibility forward from the cockpit of an aircraft in flight. |
Flight time - helicopters | The total time from the moment a helicopter's rotor blades start turning until the moment the helicopter finally comes to rest at the end of the flight, and the rotor blades are stopped. |
Flight time - aeroplanes | The total time from the moment an aeroplane first moves for the purpose of taking off until the moment it finally comes to rest at the end of the flight. |
Flight status | An indication of whether a given aircraft requires special handling by air traffic services units or not. |
Flight simulator | See Flight simulation training device. |
Flight simulation training device | Any one of the following three types of apparatus in which flight conditions are simulated on the ground: A flight simulator, which provides an accurate representation of the flight deck of a particular aircraft type to the extent that the mechanical, electrical, electronic, etc. aircraft systems control functions, the normal environment of flight crew members, and the performance and flight characteristics of that type of aircraft are realistically simulated; A flight procedures trainer, which provides a realistic flight deck environment, and which simulates instrument responses, simple control functions of mechanical, electrical, electronic, etc. aircraft systems, and the performance and flight characteristics of aircraft of a particular class; A basic instrument flight trainer, which is equipped with appropriate instruments, and which simulates the flight deck environment of an aircraft in flight in instrument flight conditions. |
Flight sector | A flight or one of a series of flights which commences at a parking place of the aircraft and terminates at a parking place of the aircraft. It is composed of :- flight preparation,- flight time,- post-flight period after the flight sector or series of flight sectors. |
Flight safety documents system | A set of interrelated documentation established by the operator, compiling and organizing information necessary for flight and ground operations, and comprising, as a minimum, the operations manual and the operator's maintenance control manual. |
Flight recorder | Any type of recorder installed in the aircraft for the purpose of complementing accident/incident investigation. |
Flight progress strip | Strip used for the display of flight data on a flight progress board. |
Flight progress display | A display of data from which the actual and intended progress of flights may be readily determined. |
Flight progress board | A board designed and used for the tabular display of flight data. |
Flight procedures trainer | [Apparatus] which provides a realistic flight deck environment, and which simulates instrument responses, simple control functions of mechanical, electrical, electronic, etc. aircraft systems, and the performance and flight characteristics of aircraft of a particular class. |
Flight plan data | Data selected from the flight plan for purposes of processing, display or transfer. |
Flight plan | Specified information provided to air traffic services units, relative to an intended flight or portion of a flight of an aircraft. |
Flight path monitoring | The use of ATS surveillance systems for the purpose of providing aircraft with information and advice relative to significant deviations from nominal flight path, including deviations from the terms of their air traffic control clearances. |
Flight path alignment point | The FPAP is a point in the same lateral plane as the LTP or FTP that is used to define the alignment of the final approach segment. For approaches aligned with the runway centreline, the FPAP is located at or beyond the opposite threshold of the runway. The delta length offset from the opposite threshold of the runway defines its location. |
Flight operations officer/flight dispatcher | A person designated by the operator to engage in the control and supervision of flight operations, whether licensed or not, suitably qualified in accordance with Annex 1, who supports, briefs and/or assists the pilot-in-command in the safe conduct of the flight. |
Flight manual | A manual, associated with the certificate of airworthiness, containing limitations within which the aircraft is to be considered airworthy, and instructions and information necessary to the flight crew members for the safe operation of the aircraft. |
Flight level | A surface of constant atmospheric pressure which is related to a specific pressure datum, 1 013.2 hectopascals (hPa), and is separated from other such surfaces by specific pressure intervals. |
Flight intent | The future aircraft trajectory expressed as a 4-D profile until destination (taking account of aircraft performance, weather, terrain, and ATM service constraints), calculated and owned" by the aircraft flight management system, and agreed by the pilot." |
Flight information service | A service provided for the purpose of giving advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights. |
Flight information region | An airspace of defined dimensions within which flight information service and alerting service are provided. |
Flight information centre | A unit established to provide flight information service and alerting service. |
Flight information | Information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flight, including information on air traffic, meteorological conditions, aerodrome conditions or air route facilities. |
Flight duty period | A period which commences when a flight or cabin crew member is required to report for duty that includes a flight or a series of flights and which finishes when the aeroplane finally comes to rest and the engines are shut down at the end of the last flight on which he/she is a crew member. |
Flight documentation | Written or printed documents, including charts or forms, containing meteorological information for a flight. |
Flight deck | Term encompassing the flight crew and/or aircraft systems. |
Flight data analysis | A process of analysing recorded flight data in order to improve the safety of flight operations. |
Flight data | Data regarding the actual or intended movement of aircraft, normally presented in coded or abbreviated form. |
Flight crew member | A licensed crew member charged with duties essential to the operation of an aircraft during a flight duty period. |
Fixed message sign | A sign presenting only one message. |
Fixed light | A light having constant luminous intensity when observed from a fixed point. |
Fireproof material | A material capable of withstanding heat as well as or better than steel when the dimensions in both cases are appropriate for the specific purpose. |
Fireproof | The capability to withstand the application of heat by a flame for a period of 15 minutes. |
Fire resistant | The capability to withstand the application of heat by a flame for a period of 5 minutes. |
Final approach track | The flight track in the final approach segment that is normally aligned with the runway centreline. For offset final approach segments, the final approach track is aligned with the orientation of the FTP and the FPAP. |
Final approach segment | That segment of an instrument approach procedure in which alignment and descent for landing are accomplished. |
Final approach fix or point | That fix or point of an instrument approach procedure where the final approach segment commences. |
Final approach and take-off area | A defined area over which the final phase of the approach manoeuvre to hover or landing is completed and from which the take-off manoeuvre is commenced. Where the FATO is to be used by helicopters operating in performance Class 1, the defined area includes the rejected take-off area available. |
Final approach | That part of an instrument approach procedure which commences at the specified final approach fix or point, or where such a fix or point is not specified, a) at the end of the last procedure turn, base turn or inbound turn of a racetrack procedure, if specified; or b) at the point of interception of the last track specified in the approach procedure; and ends at a point in the vicinity of an aerodrome from which: 1) a landing can be made; or 2) a missed approach procedure is initiated. |
Filed flight plan | The flight plan as filed with an ATS unit by the pilot or a designated representative, without any subsequent changes. Note.- When the word message" is used as a suffix to this term, it denotes the content and format of the filed flight plan data as transmitted." |
Fictitious threshold point | The FTP is a point over which the final approach segment path passes at a relative height specified by the reference datum height. It is defined by the WGS-84 latitude, longitude and ellipsoid height. The FTP replaces the LTP when the final approach course is not aligned with the runway extended centreline or when the threshold is displaced from the actual runway threshold. For non-aligned approaches the FTP lies on the intersection of the perpendicular from the FAS to the runway threshold. The FTP elevation is the same as the actual runway threshold elevation. |
Feature type | Class of real world phenomena with common properties (ISO 19110). |
Feature relationship | Relationship that links instances of one feature type with instances of the same or a different feature type (ISO 19101). |
Feature operation | Operation that every instance of a feature type may perform (ISO 19110). |
Feature catalog | Catalog containing definitions and descriptions of the feature types, feature attributes, and feature relationships occurring in one or more sets of geographic data, together with any feature operations that may be applied. |
Feature attribute | Characteristic of a feature (ISO 19101). |
Feature | Abstraction of real world phenomena (ISO 19101). |
Fatigue | A physiological state of reduced mental or physical performance capability resulting from sleep loss or extended wakefulness and/or physical activity that can impair a crew member's alertness and ability to safely operate an aircraft or perform safety related duties. |
Farad | The capacitance of a capacitor between the plates of which there appears a difference of potential of 1 volt when it is charged by a quantity of electricity equal to 1 coulomb. |
Fan marker beacon | A type of radio beacon, the emissions of which radiate in a vertical fan-shaped pattern. |
Factor of safety | A design factor used to provide for the possibility of loads greater than those assumed, and for uncertainties in design and fabrication. |
Extinction coefficient | The proportion of luminous flux lost by a collimated beam, emitted by an incandescent source at a colour temperature of 2 700 K, while travelling the length of a unit distance in the atmosphere (per metre, m-1). |
External equipment | Any instrument, mechanism, part, apparatus, appurtenance, or accessory that is attached to or extends from the helicopter exterior but is not used nor is intended to be used for operating or controlling a helicopter in flight and is not part of an airframe or engine. |
Extended range operation | Any flight by an aeroplane with two turbine engines where the flight time at the one engine inoperative cruise speed (in ISA and still air conditions), from a point on the route to an adequate alternate aerodrome, is greater than the threshold time approved by the State of the Operator. |
Extended flight over water | A flight operated over water at a distance of more than 93 km (50 NM), or 30 minutes at normal cruising speed, whichever is the lesser, away from land suitable for making an emergency landing. |
Expected approach time | The time at which ATC expects that an arriving aircraft, following a delay, will leave the holding fix to complete its approach for a landing. |
Expected | Used in relation to various aspects of performance (e.g. rate or gradient of climb), this term means the standard performance for the type, in the relevant conditions (e.g. mass, altitude and temperature). |
Exit fix | The last reporting point, determined by reference to a navigation aid, over which an aircraft passes or is expected to pass before leaving a flight information region or a control area. |
Exemption | An authorization, other than an approval, granted by an appropriate national authority providing relief from the provisions of the Technical Instructions. |
Executed 4D trajectory | The actual 4D trajectory of the aircraft from the start-up to the present position. |
Exception | A provision in this Annex which excludes a specific item of dangerous goods from the requirements normally applicable to that item. |
Event | A combination of a task or a sub-task and the conditions under which the task or sub-task is to be performed. |
ETOPS en-route alternate | A suitable and appropriate alternate aerodrome at which an aeroplane would be able to land after experiencing an engine shut-down or other abnormal or emergency condition while en-route in an ETOPS operation. |
Estimated time of arrival | For IFR flights, the time at which it is estimated that the aircraft will arrive over that designated point, defined by reference to navigation aids, from which it is intended that an instrument approach procedure will be commenced, or, if no navigation aid is associated with the aerodrome, the time at which the aircraft will arrive over the aerodrome. For VFR flights, the time at which it is estimated that the aircraft will arrive over the aerodrome. |
Estimated off-block time | The estimated time at which the aircraft will commence movement associated with departure. |
Estimated elapsed time | The estimated time required to proceed from one significant point to another. |
Essential radio navigation service | A radio navigation service whose disruption has a significant impact on operations in the affected airspace or aerodrome. |
Error management | The process of detecting and responding to errors with countermeasures that reduce or eliminate the consequences of errors and mitigate the probability of further errors or undesired states. |
Error | An action or inaction by an operational person that leads to deviations from organizational or the operational person's intentions or expectations. |
Equivalent isotropically radiated power | The product of the power supplied to the antenna and the antenna gain in a given direction relative to an isotropic antenna (absolute or isotropic gain). |
Equity | The first aircraft ready to use the ATM resources will receive priority, except where significant overall safety or system operational efficiency would accrue or national interests dictate that priority be provided on a different basis. Equity is ensured for all airspace users that have access to a given airspace or service by the global ATM system. |
Entry fix | The first reporting point, determined by reference to a navigation aid, over which an aircraft passes or is expected to pass upon entering a flight information region or a control area. |
Enterprise data | Common data used by multiple users but stored at a single location. |
EnRoute | The phase of flight from the completion of initial climb at the departure aerodrome to the completion of controlled descent to the outer marker [ifr] or [vfr] to completion of the controlled descent to the vfr pattern or 1,500 feet [450 metres] above runway end elevation, whichever comes first. |
Enhanced vision system | A system to display electronic real-time images of the external scene achieved through the use of image sensors. |
Engines operating | The phase of flight following engine start-up, or after post-flight arrival at the destination. |
Engine(s) not operating | The phase of flight after the first person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight until the first engine is started. subsequently, from engine shut down upon reaching the destination after flight until the last person has exited the aircraft. |
Engine run-up | The phase of flight after start-up, during which power is applied to engines, for a pre-flight engine performance test. |
Engine | A unit used or intended to be used for aircraft propulsion. It consists of at least those components and equipment necessary for functioning and control, but excludes the propeller/rotors (if applicable). |
Energy per symbol to noise density ratio | The ratio of the average energy transmitted per channel symbol to the average noise power in a 1 Hz bandwidth, usually expressed in dB. For A-BPSK and A-QPSK, one channel symbol refers to one channel bit. |
End-user | An ultimate source and/or consumer of information. |
End-to-end | Pertaining or relating to an entire communication path, typically from (1) the interface between the information source and the communication system at the transmitting end to (2) the interface between the communication system and the information user or processor or application at the receiving end. |
Enablers | Initiatives, such as (new) technologies, systems, operational procedures, and operational or socio-economic developments, which facilitate the implementation of operational improvements or of other enablers. |
En-route phase | That part of the flight from the end of the take-off and initial climb phase to the commencement of the approach and landing phase. |
En-route clearance | A clearance covering the flight path of an aircraft after take-off to the point at which an approach to land is expected to commence. Note.- In some circumstances it may be necessary to subdivide this clearance, e.g. into sections divided by control area boundaries or into the departure, climb, or descent phases of flight. |
En-route alternate | An alternate aerodrome at which an aircraft would be able to land in the event that a diversion becomes necessary while en route. |
En-route - holding | The phase of flight, in which a pre-determined ad-hoc manoeuvre occurs, which keeps the aircraft within a specified airspace en-route awaiting further instructions. |
eMRTD | An MRTD (passport, visa or card) that has a contactless integrated circuit embedded in it and the capability of being used for biometric identification of the MRTD holder in accordance with the standards specified in the relevant Part of Doc 9303 - Machine Readable Travel Documents. |
Emergency service provider | Provider of emergency services, such as search and rescue organizations. |
Emergency phase | A generic term meaning, as the case may be, uncertainty phase, alert phase or distress phase. |
Emergency locator transmitter | A generic term describing equipment which broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies and, depending on application, may be automatically activated by impact or be manually activated. An ELT may be any of the following: Automatic fixed ELT (ELT(AF)). An automatically activated ELT which is permanently attached to an aircraft. Automatic portable ELT (ELT(AP)). An automatically activated ELT which is rigidly attached to an aircraft but readily removable from the aircraft. Automatic deployable ELT (ELT(AD)). An ELT which is rigidly attached to an aircraft and which is automatically deployed and activated by impact, and, in some cases, also by hydrostatic sensors. Manual deployment is also provided. Survival ELT (ELT(S)). An ELT which is removable from an aircraft, stowed so as to facilitate its ready use in an emergency, and manually activated by survivors. |
Emergency landing or off-runway landing | The phase of flight where an intentional landing is made at a point other than a runway or normal landing site, in response to an in-flight emergency. |
Emergency descent en-route | The phase of flight in which an intentionally rapid, or premature, descent is made en-route, in response to an in-flight emergency.the descent is controlled by the crew. |
Emergency descent during take-off | The phase of flight in which an intentional descent is made, in response to an emergency, which occurs after rotation but before the first prescribed power reduction, on reaching 1500 feet (450 metres) or the vfr pattern, whichever comes first. |
Emergency descent during approach | The phase of flight in which an intentionally rapid or premature descent is made in response to an in-flight emergency during approach. the descent is controlled by the crew. |
Emergency descent | The phase of flight in which an intentionally rapid or premature descent, from a previously normal manoeuvre, is made in response to an in-flight emergency. the descent is controlled by the crew. |
Embarkation | The boarding of an aircraft for the purpose of commencing a flight, except by such crew or passengers as have embarked on a previous stage of the same through-flight. |
Ellipsoid height | The height related to the reference ellipsoid, measured along the ellipsoidal outer normal through the point in question. |
Elevation | The vertical distance of a point or a level, on or affixed to the surface of the earth, measured from mean sea level. |
Elevated heliport | A heliport located on a raised structure on land. |
Electronic aeronautical chart display | An electronic device by which flight crews are enabled to execute, in a convenient and timely manner, route planning, route monitoring and navigation by displaying required information. |
Efficiency | The ratio of the cost of ideal flight to the cost of procedurally constrained flight. |
Effective intensity | The effective intensity of a flashing light is equal to the intensity of a fixed light of the same colour which will produce the same visual range under identical conditions of observation. |
Effective adjacent channel rejection | The rejection that is obtained at the appropriate adjacent channel frequency when all relevant receiver tolerances have been taken into account. |
Effective acceptance bandwidth | The range of frequencies with respect to the assigned frequency for which reception is assured when all receiver tolerances have been taken into account. |
Dynamic load-bearing surface | A surface capable of supporting the loads generated by a helicopter conducting an emergency touchdown on it. |
Duty period | A period which starts when a flight or cabin crew member is required by an operator to report for or to commence a duty and ends when that person is free from all duties. |
Duty | Any task that flight or cabin crew members are required by the operator to perform, including, for example, flight duty, administrative work, training, positioning and standby when it is likely to induce fatigue. |
Duplex | A method in which telecommunication between two stations can take place in both directions simultaneously. |
Dual instruction time | Flight time during which a person is receiving flight instruction from a properly authorized pilot on board the aircraft. |
Dry snow | Snow, which can be blown if loose or, if compacted by hand, will fall apart upon release; specific gravity: up to but not including 0.35. |
Draping | Digital overlaying of one spatial data set onto another, where both data sets have been georectified (digitally matched) to the same coordinate system and map projection. Particularly useful in 3D visualizations of spatial data. Example: draping a satellite image over terrain data and creating a fly-through visualization in motion. |
Downstream data authority | A designated ground system, different from the current data authority, through which the pilot can contact an appropriate ATC unit for the purposes of receiving a downstream clearance. |
Downstream clearance | A clearance issued to an aircraft by an air traffic control unit that is not the current controlling authority of that aircraft. |
Double channel simplex | Simplex using two frequency channels, one in each direction. |
Doppler shift | The frequency shift observed at a receiver due to any relative motion between transmitter and receiver. |
Domestic airport | An airport used for domestic air services only. |
Domestic air service | An air service operated wholly within the territory of a State. |
Domain | Well-defined set. |
DME distance | The line of sight distance (slant range) from the source of a DME signal to the receiving antenna. |
Diversion | The act of proceeding to an aerodrome other than one at which a landing was intended. |
Ditching | The forced landing of an aircraft on water. |
Distribution (paper) | The process of disseminating documents containing formatted aeronautical data in various media, including the shipping and loading of a database into the target system for application. |
Distribution (data) | The process of duplication of formatted aeronautical data into a database and the shipping and loading of the database into the target system for application. Distribution is usually achieved by transferring the data from one medium to another, with each transfer being verified. |
Distress phase | A situation wherein there is reasonable certainty that an aircraft and its occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger or require immediate assistance. |
Distance DR | DR is the horizontal distance that the helicopter has travelled from the end of the take-off distance available. |
Disruptive passenger | A passenger who fails to respect the rules of conduct at an airport or on board an aircraft or to follow the instructions of the airport staff or crew members and thereby disturbs the good order and discipline at an airport or on board the aircraft. |
Display | A visual presentation of data in a manner which permits interpretation by a controller. |
Displaced threshold | A threshold not located at the extremity of a runway. |
Disinsection | The procedure whereby health measures are taken to control or kill insects present in aircraft, baggage, cargo, containers, goods and mail. |
Disinfection | The procedure whereby health measures are taken to control or kill infectious agents on a human or animal body, in or on affected parts of aircraft, baggage, cargo, goods or containers, as required, by direct exposure to chemical or physical agents. |
Disembarkation | The leaving of an aircraft after a landing, except by crew or passengers continuing on the next stage of the same through-flight. |
Discrete source damage | Structural damage of the aeroplane that is likely to result from: impact with a bird, uncontained fan blade failure, uncontained engine failure, uncontained high-energy rotating machinery failure or similar causes. |
Discrete code | A four-digit SSR code with the last two digits not being 00"." |
Direct transit arrangements | Special arrangements approved by the public authorities concerned by which traffic which is pausing briefly in its passage through the Contracting State may remain under their direct control. |
Direct transit area | A special area established in an international airport, approved by the public authorities concerned and under their direct supervision or control, where passengers can stay during transit or transfer without applying for entry to the State. |
Digital surface model | Digital model of the topographic surface, including vegetation and man-made structures. |
Digital ortho-rectified imagery | Digital aerial photography or satellite imagery that has been matched, or registered, to a surveyed ground control coordinate system and to spatially corresponding elevation data. Directions, angles, and distances are all to scale. A digital ortho-rectified image, therefore, is one whose coordinates have been adjusted to match its corresponding ground location, including adjustment for the effects of terrain undulations. |
Digital Elevation Model | The representation of terrain surface by continuous elevation values at all intersections of a defined grid, referenced to common datum. |
DETRESFA | The code word used to designate a distress phase. |
Destination alternate | An alternate aerodrome at which an aircraft would be able to land should it become either impossible or inadvisable to land at the aerodrome of intended landing. |
Desired 4D trajectory | The current 4D trajectory that is requested and generated by the airspace user with knowledge of the ATM system's operational constraints and resource contention. |
Design taxiing mass | The maximum mass of the aircraft at which structural provision is made for load liable to occur during use of the aircraft on the ground prior to the start of take-off. |
Design take-off mass | The maximum mass at which the aircraft, for structural design purposes, is assumed to be planned to be at the start of the take-off run. |
Design landing mass | The maximum mass of the aircraft at which, for structural design purposes, it is assumed that it will be planned to land. |
Descent fix | A fix established in a precision approach at the FAP to eliminate certain obstacles before the FAP, which would otherwise have to be considered for obstacle clearance purposes. |
Derived version of an aeroplane | An aeroplane which, from the point of view of airworthiness, is similar to the noise certificated prototype but incorporates changes in type design which may affect its noise characteristics adversely. |
Derived version of a helicopter | A helicopter which, from the point of view of airworthiness, is similar to the noise certificated prototype but incorporates changes in type design which may affect its noise characteristics adversely. |
Derivative version | An aircraft gas turbine engine of the same generic family as an originally type-certificated engine and having features which retain the basic core engine and combustor design of the original model and for which other factors, as judged by the certificating authority, have not changed. |
Deportee | A person who had legally been admitted to a State by its authorities or who had entered a State illegally, and who at some later time is formally ordered by the competent authorities to leave that State. |
Deportation order | A written order, issued by the competent authorities of a State and served upon a deportee, directing him to leave that State. |
Dependent parallel approaches | Simultaneous approaches to parallel or near-parallel instrument runways where radar separation minima between aircraft on adjacent extended runway centre lines are prescribed. |
Departure point | Aerodrome or point in space from which departure takes place. |
Demand | The number of aircraft requesting to use the ATM system in a given time period. |
Delay | The difference between actual block time and ideal block time. |
Degree Celsius | The special name for the unit kelvin for use in stating values of Celsius temperature. |
Defined point before landing | The point, within the approach and landing phase, after which the helicopter's ability to continue the flight safely, with one engine inoperative, is not assured and a forced landing may be required. |
Defined point after take-off | The point, within the take-off and initial climb phase, before which the helicopter's ability to continue the flight safely, with one engine inoperative, is not assured and a forced landing may be required. |
Deficiency | The aeronautical data process is not adequate to ensure that data quality requirements are satisfied. |
Decoder (or ground decoder, or ground decoding equipment) | The device used to decipher replies received from transponders. |
Declared temperature | A temperature selected in such a way that when used for performance purposes, over a series of operations, the average level of safety is not less than would be obtained by using official forecast temperatures. |
Declared distances - heliports | a) Take-off distance available (TODAH). The length of the FATO plus the length of helicopter clearway (if provided) declared available and suitable for helicopters to complete the take-off. b) Rejected take-off distance available (RTODAH). The length of the FATO declared available and suitable for helicopters operated in performance class 1 to complete a rejected take-off. c) Landing distance available (LDAH). The length of the FATO plus any additional area declared available and suitable for helicopters to complete the landing manoeuvre from a defined height. |
Declared distances | a) Take-off run available (TORA). The length of runway declared available and suitable for the ground run of an aeroplane taking off. b) Take-off distance available (TODA). The length of the take-off run available plus the length of the clearway, if provided. c) Accelerate-stop distance available (ASDA). The length of the take-off run available plus the length of the stopway, if provided. d) Landing distance available (LDA). The length of runway which is declared available and suitable for the ground run of an aeroplane landing. |
Declared capacity | A measure of the ability of the ATC system or any of its subsystems or operating positions to provide service to aircraft during normal activities. It is expressed as the number of aircraft entering a specified portion of airspace in a given period of time, taking due account of weather, ATC unit configuration, staff and equipment available, and any other factors that may affect the workload of the controller responsible for the airspace. |
Declarant | Any person who makes a goods declaration or in whose name such a declaration is made. |
Decision altitude or decision height | A specified altitude or height in a 3D instrument approach operation at which a missed approach must be initiated if the required visual reference to continue the approach has not been established. |
Deadheading crew | A crew member positioned by the operator in flight or by surface transport. |
Dead reckoning navigation | The estimating or determining of position by advancing an earlier known position by the application of direction, time and speed data. |
De-icing/anti-icing pad | An area comprising an inner area for the parking of an aeroplane to receive de-icing/anti-icing treatment and an outer area for the manoeuvring of two or more mobile de-icing/anti-icing equipment. |
De-icing/anti-icing facility | A facility where frost, ice or snow is removed (de-icing) from the aeroplane to provide clean surfaces, and/or where clean surfaces of the aeroplane receive protection (anti-icing) against the formation of frost or ice and accumulation of snow or slush for a limited period of time. |
Datum crossing point | The DCP is a point on the glide path directly above the LTP or FTP at a height specified by the RDH. |
Datum | Any quantity or set of quantities that may serve as a reference or basis for the calculation of other quantities (ISO 19104). |
Date of manufacture | The date of issue of the document attesting that the individual aircraft or engine as appropriate conforms to the requirements of the type or the date of an analogous document. |
Database | One or more files of data so structured that appropriate applications may draw from the files and update them. Note.- This primarily refers to data stored electronically and accessed by computer rather than in files of physical records. |
Data type | Specification of the legal value domain and legal operations allowed on values in this domain. |
Data set series | Collection of data sets sharing the same product specification (ISO 19115). |
Data set | Identifiable collection of data (ISO 19101). |
Data quality | A degree or level of confidence that the data provided meet the requirements of the data user in terms of accuracy, resolution and integrity. |
Data product specification | Detailed description of a data set or data set series together with additional information that will enable it to be created, supplied to and used by another party (ISO 19131). |
Data product | Data set or data set series that conforms to a data product specification (ISO 19131). |
Data processing | A systematic sequence of operations performed on data. |
Data originator | The part of an organisation which performs measurements by a particular means and which then groups those measurements to represent an area of terrain or a set of obstacles. |
Data link-VOLMET | Provision of current aerodrome routine meteorological reports (METAR) and aerodrome special meteorological reports (SPECI), aerodrome forecasts (TAF), SIGMET, special air-reports not covered by a SIGMET and, where available, AIRMET via data link. |
Data link-automatic terminal information service | The provision of ATIS via data link. |
Data link initiation capability | A data link application that provides the ability to exchange addresses, names and version numbers necessary to initiate data link applications. |
Data link flight information services | The provision of FIS via data link. |
Data link communications | A form of communication intended for the exchange of messages via a data link. |
Data integrator | The part of an organisation, which takes data from one or more sources to produce a terrain or obstacle database that satisfies a particular specification. |
Data element | A term used to describe any component of an AMDB. For example: a feature, an attribute, an object, an entity, or a value. |
Data convention | An agreed set of rules governing the manner or sequence in which a set of data may be combined into a meaningful communication. |
Dangerous goods incident | An occurrence, other than a dangerous goods accident, associated with and related to the transport of dangerous goods by air, not necessarily occurring on board an aircraft, which results in injury to a person, property or environmental damage, fire, breakage, spillage, leakage of fluid or radiation or other evidence that the integrity of the packaging has not been maintained. Any occurrence relating to the transport of dangerous goods which seriously jeopardizes the aircraft or its occupants is also deemed to constitute a dangerous goods incident. |
Dangerous goods accident | An occurrence associated with and related to the transport of dangerous goods by air which results in fatal or serious injury to a person or major property or environmental damage. |
Dangerous goods | Articles or substances which are capable of posing a risk to health, safety, property or the environment and which are shown in the list of dangerous goods in the Technical Instructions or which are classified according to those Instructions. |
Danger area | An airspace of defined dimensions within which activities dangerous to the flight of aircraft may exist at specified times. |
D-value | The amount (positive or negative) by which the altitude (Z) of a point on an isobaric surface differs from the altitude (Zp) of the same isobaric surface in the ICAO Standard Atmosphere (i.e. D-value = Z - Zp). |
Cyclic redundancy check | A mathematical algorithm applied to the digital expression of data that provides a level of assurance against loss or alteration of data. |
Current flight plan | The flight plan, including changes, if any, brought about by subsequent clearances. |
Current data authority | The designated ground system through which a CPDLC dialogue between a pilot and a controller currently responsible for the flight is permitted to take place. |
Culture | All man-made features constructed on the surface of the Earth, such as cities, railways and canals. |
Cultural features | Manmade morphological formations that include transportation systems (roads and trails; railroads and pipelines; runways; transmission lines), and other manmade structures, (buildings, houses, schools, churches, hospitals). |
Cruising level | A level maintained during a significant portion of a flight. |
Cruise relief pilot | A flight crew member who is assigned to perform pilot tasks during cruise flight, to allow the pilot-in-command or a co-pilot to obtain planned rest. |
Cruise climb | An aeroplane cruising technique resulting in a net increase in altitude as the aeroplane mass decreases. |
Cruise | The phase of flight from the top of climb to cruise altitude, or flight level, to the start of the descent toward the destination aerodrome or landing site. |
Cross-track tolerance | A fix tolerance measured perpendicularly to the nominal track resulting from the airborne and ground equipment tolerances and the flight technical tolerance (FTT). |
Cross-country | A flight between a point of departure and a point of arrival following a pre-planned route using standard navigation procedures. |
Cross-border service | An international shorthaul air service operating across the borders of two contiguous States. |
Critical power-unit(s) | The power-unit(s) failure of which gives the most adverse effect on the aircraft characteristics relative to the case under consideration. Note.- On some aircraft there may be more than one equally critical power-unit. In this case, the expression 'the critical power-unit' means one of those critical power-units. |
Crew member | A person assigned by an operator to duty on an aircraft during a flight duty period. |
Credit | Recognition of alternative means or prior qualifications. |
Coverage geometry | Configuration of the spatiotemporal domain of a coverage described in terms of coordinates. |
Coverage | A feature that acts as a function to return one or more feature attribute values for any direct position within its spatiotemporal domain. |
Coulomb | The quantity of electricity transported in 1 second by a current of 1 ampere. |
Corruption | A change to previously correct data introduced during processing, storage, or transmission, which causes the data to no longer be correct. |
Correct data | Data meeting stated quality requirements. |
Corporate aviation operation | The non-commercial operation or use of aircraft by a company for the carriage of passengers or goods as an aid to the conduct of company business, flown by a professional pilot(s) employed to fly the aircraft. |
Corporate aviation | The non-commercial operation or use of aircraft by a company for the carriage of passengers or goods as an aid to the conduct of company business, flown by a professional pilot employed to fly the aircraft. (Note that corporate aviation is a subset of general aviation.) |
Coordinated airport | Any airport where, in order to land or take-off, it is necessary for an aircraft operator to have been allocated a slot by an appropriate authority. |
Coordinate system | Set of mathematical rules for specifying how coordinates are to be assigned to points. |
Coordinate reference system | Coordinate system that is related to the real world by a datum. |
Cooperative separation | Delegation of the role of separator". The delegation can be for a particular type of hazard or from nominated hazards. If the delegation is accepted, then the accepting party is responsible for compliance with the delegation, using appropriate separation modes." |
Conversion Training | Training required when a pilot is posted to a different aircraft type or model |
Controller-pilot data link communications | A means of communication between controller and pilot, using data link for ATC communications. |
Controller | A person authorized to provide air traffic control services. |
Controlled VFR flight | A controlled flight conducted in accordance with the visual flight rules. |
Controlled flight | Any flight which is subject to an air traffic control clearance. |
Controlled airspace (visual exempted) | Controlled airspace within which both IFR and VFR flights are permitted, but VFR flights are not subject to control. |
Controlled airspace (instrument/visual) | Controlled airspace within which only IFR and controlled VFR flights are permitted. |
Controlled airspace (instrument restricted) | Controlled airspace within which only IFR flights are permitted. |
Controlled airspace | An airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control service is provided in accordance with the airspace classification. |
Controlled aerodrome | An aerodrome at which air traffic control service is provided to aerodrome traffic. |
Control zone | A controlled airspace extending upwards from the surface of the earth to a specified upper limit. |
Control sector | A subdivision of a designated control area within which responsibility is assigned to one controller or to a small group of controllers. |
Control assistant | A person who assists in the provision of air traffic services but who is not authorized to make decisions regarding clearances, advice or information to be issued to aircraft. |
Control area | A controlled airspace extending upwards from a specified limit above the earth. |
Contrast threshold | The minimum value of the luminance contrast that the human eye can detect, i.e. the value which allows an object to be distinguished from its background (dimensionless). |
Contour line | A line on a map or chart connecting points of equal elevation. |
Continuous descent operation | An operation, enabled by airspace design, procedure design and ATC, in which an arriving aircraft descends continuously, to the greatest possible extent, by employing minimum engine thrust, ideally in a low drag configuration, prior to the final approach fix /final approach point. |
Continuity | The probability of a system performing its required function without unscheduled interruptions during the intended period of operations. |
Continuing airworthiness | The set of processes by which an aircraft, engine, propeller or part complies with the applicable airworthiness requirements and remains in a condition for safe operation throughout its operating life. |
Contact point | A specified position, time or level at which an aircraft is required to establish radiocommunication with an air traffic control unit. |
Consultation | Discussion with a meteorologist or another qualified person of existing and/or expected meteorological conditions relating to flight operations; a discussion includes answers to questions. |
Construction area | Part of a movement area under construction. |
Constraint | Any limitation on the implementation of an operational improvement"." |
Consignment | One or more packages of dangerous goods accepted by an operator from one shipper at one time and at one address, receipted for in one lot and moving to one consignee at one destination address. |
Congested hostile environment | A hostile environment within a congested area. |
Congested area | In relation to a city, town or settlement, any area which is substantially used for residential, commercial or recreational purposes. |
Conflict search | Computation and comparison of the predicted flight paths of two or more aircraft for the purpose of determining conflicts. |
Conflict resolution | The determination of alternative flight paths which would be free from conflicts and the selection,of one of these flight paths for use. |
Conflict horizon | The extent to which hazards along the aircraft's future trajectory are considered for separation provision. |
Conflict detection | The discovery of a conflict as a result of a conflict search. |
Conflict | Any situation involving an aircraft and a hazard in which the applicable separation minima may be compromised. |
Configuration deviation list | A list established by the organization responsible for the type design with the approval of the State of Design which identifies any external parts of an aircraft type which may be missing at the commencement of a flight, and which contains, where necessary, any information on associated operating limitations and performance correction. |
Configuration (as applied to the aeroplane) | A particular combination of the positions of the moveable elements, such as wing flaps and landing gear, etc., that affect the aerodynamic characteristics of the aeroplane. |
Confidence level | The probability that the true value of a parameter is within a certain interval around the estimate of its value. The interval is usually referred to as the accuracy of the estimate. |
Confidence | Meta-quality element describing the correctness of quality information. |
Conference communications | Communication facilities whereby direct speech conversation may be conducted between three or more locations simultaneously. |
Computer | A device which performs sequences of arithmetical and logical steps upon data without human intervention.Note.- When the word computer is used in this document it may denote a computer complex, which includes one or more computers and peripheral equipment. |
Completeness | The primary quality parameter describing the degree of conformance of a subset of data compared to its nominal ground with respect to the presence of objects, associations instances, and property instances. |
Competency unit | A discrete function consisting of a number of competency elements. |
Competency element | An action that constitutes a task that has a triggering event and a terminating event that clearly defines its limits, and an observable outcome. |
Competency | A combination of skills, knowledge and attitudes required to perform a task to the prescribed standard. |
Compacted snow | Snow which has been compressed into a solid mass that resists further compression and will hold together or break up into lumps if picked up; specific gravity: 0.5 and over. |
Communication centre | An aeronautical fixed station which relays or retransmits telecommunication traffic from (or to) a number of other aeronautical fixed stations directly connected to it. |
Common point | A point on the surface of the earth common to the tracks of two aircraft, used as a basis for the application of separation (e.g. significant point, waypoint, navigation aid, fix). |
Common mark registering authority | The authority maintaining the non-national register or, where appropriate, the part thereof, in which aircraft of an international operating agency are registered. |
Common mark | A mark assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization to the common mark registering authority registering aircraft of an international operating agency on other than a national basis. |
Commissary supplies | Items, either disposable or intended for multiple use, that are used by the aircraft operator for provision of services during flights, in particular for catering, and for the comfort of passengers. |
Commercial transport aircraft | Transport aircraft that are used for remuneration or hire. |
Commercial airport | An airport used by the general public that includes facilities for processing passengers, handling cargo and servicing commercial aircraft. |
Commercial air transport operation | An aircraft operation involving the transport of passengers, cargo or mail for remuneration or hire. |
Commencement of journey | The point at which the person began his journey, without taking into account any airport at which he stopped in direct transit, either on a through-flight or a connecting flight, if he did not leave the direct transit area of the airport in question. |
Combination service | An air service that carries both passengers and cargo on board the same aircraft. |
Collision avoidance logic | The sub-system or part of ACAS that analyses data relating to an intruder and own aircraft, decides whether or not advisories are appropriate and, if so, generates the advisories. It includes the following functions: range and altitude tracking, threat detection and RA generation. It excludes surveillance. |
Code (SSR) | The number assigned to a particular multiple pulse reply signal transmitted by a transponder in Mode A or Mode C. |
Co-pilot | A licensed pilot serving in any piloting capacity other than as pilot-in-command but excluding a pilot who is on board the aircraft for the sole purpose of receiving flight instruction. |
Co-ordination | The process of obtaining agreement on clearances, transfer of control, advice or information to be issued to aircraft, by means of information exchanged between air traffic services units or between controller positions within such units. |
Co-ordinated Universal Time | International term for time at the prime meridian. |
Cloud of operational significance | A cloud with the height of cloud base below 1 500 m (5 000 ft) or below the highest minimum sector altitude, whichever is greater, or a cumulonimbus cloud or a towering cumulus cloud at any height. |
Closed path CDO procedures | Procedures coded with track to fix (TF) legs and fly-by waypoints. STARs that terminate with a link to an instrument approach procedure should terminate at a fly-by waypoint. STARs that terminate with vector-based legs may be coded with fix to manual termination (FM) or heading to manual termination (VM) path terminators. |
Climb to cruising level or altitude | The phase of flight in which the climb from the completion of the initial climb to cruising level or altitude occurs. |
Climb phase | The operating phase defined by the time during which the engine is operated in the climb operating mode. |
Climb into traffic pattern | The phase of flight from 50 feet [15 metres] above runway end elevation to the first prescribed power reduction on reaching the vfr pattern. applies to pilot training in which the aircraft's climb phase is not intended to reach altitude. |
Clearway | A defined rectangular area on the ground or water under the control of the appropriate authority, selected or prepared as a suitable area over which an aeroplane may make a portion of its initial climb to a specified height. |
Clearance void time | A time specified by an air traffic control unit at which a clearance ceases to be valid unless the aircraft concerned has already taken action to comply therewith. |
Clearance of goods | The accomplishment of the customs formalities necessary to allow goods to enter home use, to be exported or to be placed under another customs procedure. |
Clearance limit | The point to which an aircraft is granted an air traffic control clearance. |
Clearance function | The formulation and transmission of a clearance by an air traffic control unit as well as the acknowledgement and acceptance of such clearance by the pilot. |
Class G airspace | IFR and VFR flights are permitted and receive flight information service if requested. |
Class F airspace | IFR and VFR flights are permitted, all participating IFR flights receive an air traffic advisory service and all flights receive flight information service if requested. Note.- Where air traffic advisory service is implemented, this is considered normally as a temporary measure only until such time as it can be replaced by air traffic control. |
Class E airspace | IFR and VFR flights are permitted, IFR flights are provided with air traffic control service and are separated from other IFR flights. All flights receive traffic information as far as is practical. Class E shall not be used for control zones. |
Class D airspace | IFR and VFR flights are permitted and all flights are provided with air traffic control service, IFR flights are separated from other IFR flights and receive traffic information in respect of VFR flights, VFR flights receive traffic information in respect of all other flights. |
Class C airspace | IFR and VFR flights are permitted, all flights are provided with air traffic control service and IFR flights are separated from other IFR flights and from VFR flights. VFR flights are separated from IFR flights and receive traffic information in respect of other VFR flights. |
Class B airspace | IFR and VFR flights are permitted, all flights are provided with air traffic control service and are separated from each other. |
Class A airspace | IFR flights only are permitted, all flights are provided with air traffic control service and are separated from each other. |
Civil aviation inspector | A civil aviation inspector is an individual, designated by a Contracting State, who is charged with the inspection of the safety, security or related aspects of air transport operations as directed by the appropriate authority. |
Circular error probability | CEP refers to the radius of a circle within which a stated percentage of measurements for a given point will fall. For example, if the horizontal accuracy of a surveyed point is stated as 1 m with 90% CEP, then 90% of measurements of this point will fall within a circle of radius 1 m. The true position is then estimated to lie at the centre of this circle. |
Circuit pattern-base leg | The phase of vfr flight from the start of the turn at end of downwind leg, then at 90 degrees to the landing runway until reaching the extended centre line off the approach end of the runway. |
Circuit pattern - final | The phase of flight between the start of the turn from base leg to a flight path along the extended runway centre line, to the runway. |
Circuit pattern - downwind | The phase of vfr flight from 1500 feet above runway end elevation (450 metres) or the point of vfr pattern entry; commences at about 45 degrees from the threshold, continues parallel to the runway in the direction opposite to landing and terminates upon initiating the turn to base final. |
Circuit Pattern - Crosswind (VFR) | A flight path of the VFR traffic pattern, which is perpendicular to the landing runway, crosses the departure end of the runway, and connects with the downwind leg. |
Circuit mode | A configuration of the communications network which gives the appearance to the application of a dedicated transmission path. |
Circling approach | An extension of an instrument approach procedure which provides for visual circling of the aerodrome prior to landing. |
Channel rate accuracy | This is relative accuracy of the clock to which the transmitted channel bits are synchronized. For example, at a channel rate of 1.2 kbits/s, maximum error of one part in 106 implies the maximum allowed error in the clock is +/- 1.2 x 10-3 Hz. |
Channel rate | The rate at which bits are transmitted over the RF channel. These bits include those bits used for framing and error correction, as well as the information bits. For burst transmission, the channel rate refers to the instantaneous burst rate over the period of the burst. |
Change-over point | The point at which an aircraft navigating on an ATS route segment defined by reference to very high frequency omnidirectional radio ranges is expected to transfer its primary navigational reference from the facility behind the aircraft to the next facility ahead of the aircraft. |
Change of cruise level | The phase of flight during which the aircraft climbs, or descends, from one cruising flight level or altitude to the next cruising flight level or altitude. |
Certify as airworthy (to) | To certify that an aircraft or parts thereof comply with current airworthiness requirements after maintenance has been performed on the aircraft or parts thereof. |
Certified aerodrome | An aerodrome whose operator has been granted an aerodrome certificate. |
Certification | A formal evaluation and confirmation by or on behalf of the appropriate authority for aviation security that a person possesses the necessary competencies to perform assigned functions to an acceptable level as defined by the appropriate authority. |
Celsius temperature | The Celsius temperature is equal to the difference C = T - T0 between two thermodynamic temperatures T and T0 where T0 equals 273.15 kelvin. |
Ceiling | The height above the ground or water of the base of the lowest layer of cloud below 6 000 metres (20 000 feet) covering more than half the sky. |
Causes | Actions, omissions, events, conditions, or a combination thereof, which led to the accident or incident. The identification of causes does not imply the assignment of fault or the determination of administrative, civil or criminal liability. |
Category IIIC (CAT IIIC) operation | A precision instrument approach and landing with no decision height and no runway visual range limitations. |
Category IIIB (CAT IIIB) operation | A precision instrument approach and landing with: a) a decision height lower than 15 m (50 ft) or no decision height; and b) a runway visual range less than 200 m but not less than 50 m. |
Category IIIA (CAT IIIA) operation | A precision instrument approach and landing with: a) a decision height lower than 30 m (100 ft) or no decision height; and b) a runway visual range not less than 200 m. |
Category II (CAT II) operation | A precision instrument approach and landing with a decision height lower than 60 m (200 ft), but not lower than 30 m (100 ft), and a runway visual range not less than 350 m. |
Category I (CAT I) operation | A precision instrument approach and landing with a decision height not lower than 60 m (200 ft) and with either a visibility not less than 800 m or a runway visual range not less than 550 m. |
Category B | With respect to helicopters, means a single-engine or multi-engine helicopter which does not meet Category A standards. Category B helicopters have no guaranteed capability to continue safe flight in the event of an engine failure, and a forced landing is assumed. |
Category A | With respect to helicopters, means a multi-engine helicopter designed with engine and system isolation features specified in Part IVB and capable of operations using take-off and landing data scheduled under a critical engine failure concept which assures adequate designated surface area and adequate performance capability for continued safe flight or safe rejected take-off. |
Carrier-to-noise density ratio | The ratio of the total carrier power to the average noise power in a 1 Hz bandwidth, usually expressed in dBHz. |
Carrier-to-multipath ratio | The ratio of the carrier power received directly, i.e. without reflection, to the multipath power, i.e. carrier power received via reflection. |
Cargo aircraft | Any aircraft, other than a passenger aircraft, which is carrying goods or property. |
Cargo air service | An air service provided for the public transport of freight and mail. |
Cargo | Any property carried on an aircraft other than mail, stores and accompanied or mishandled baggage. |
Capacity | The maximum number of aircraft that can be accommodated in a given time period by the system or one of its components (throughput). |
Capacitor discharge light | A lamp in which high-intensity flashes of extremely short duration are produced by the discharge of electricity at high voltage through a gas enclosed in a tube. |
Capability | The ability of a system to provide a service or perform a function that, either on its own or with other services or functions, can deliver a definable level of performance. This level of performance is measurable within a framework of performance indicators and safety requirements. |
Canopy | Bare Earth supplemented by vegetation height. |
Candela | The luminous intensity, in the perpendicular direction, of a surface of 1/600 000 square metre of black body at the temperature of freezing platinum under a pressure of 101 325 newtons per square metre. |
Calendar | Discrete temporal reference system that provides the basis for defining temporal position to a resolution of one day (ISO 19108). |
Cabin crew member | A crew member who performs, in the interest of safety of passengers, duties assigned by the operator or the pilot-in-command of the aircraft, but who shall not act as a flight crew member. |
Bypass ratio | The ratio of the air mass flow through the bypass ducts of a gas turbine engine to the air mass flow through the combustion chambers calculated at maximum thrust when the engine is stationary in an international standard atmosphere at sea level. |
Broadcast | A transmission of information relating to air navigation that is not addressed to a specific station or stations. |
Bright display | A radar display capable of being used under relatively high ambient light levels. |
Briefing | Oral commentary on existing and/or expected meteorological conditions. |
Border integrity | The enforcement, by a State, of its laws and/or regulations concerning the movement of goods and/or persons across its borders. |
Blunder errors | From the statistical point of view, blunders or mistakes are observations that cannot be considered as belonging to the same sample from the distribution in question. They should not be used with other observations. They should be located and eliminated. |
Blind velocity | The radial velocity of a moving target such that the target is not seen on primary radars fitted with certain forms of fixed echo suppression. |
Blind transmission | A transmission from one station to another station in circumstances where two-way communication cannot be established but where it is believed that the called station is able to receive the transmission. |
Bit error rate | The number of bit errors in a sample divided by the total number of bits in the sample, generally averaged over many such samples. |
Benefit | Reduced cost to the user (to the ATM community as a whole) in the form of a saving in time and/or fuel; increased revenue; and/or an improvement to safety. |
Becquerel | The activity of a radionuclide having one spontaneous nuclear transition per second. |
Basic instrument flight trainer | [Apparatus] which is equipped with appropriate instruments, and which simulates the flight deck environment of an aircraft in flight in instrument flight conditions. |
Base turn | A turn executed by the aircraft during the initial approach between the end of the outbound track and the beginning of the intermediate or final approach track. The tracks are not reciprocal. |
Barrette | Three or more aeronautical ground lights closely spaced in a transverse line so that from a distance they appear as a short bar of light. |
Bare Earth | Surface of the Earth including bodies of water and permanent ice and snow, and excluding vegetation and man-made objects. |
Balloon | A non-power-driven lighter-than-air aircraft. |
Balked landing | A landing manoeuvre that is unexpectedly discontinued at any point below the obstacle clearance altitude/height (OCA/H). |
Baggage | Personal property of passengers or crew carried on an aircraft by agreement with the operator. |
Background check | A check of a person's identity and previous experience, including where legally permissible, any criminal history, as part of the assessment of an individual's suitability to implement a security control and/or for unescorted access to a security restricted area. |
Availability | The ability of a system to perform its required function at the initiation of the intended operation. It is quantified as the proportion of the time the system is available to the time the system is planned to be available. |
Auxiliary power-unit | A self-contained power-unit on an aircraft providing electrical/pneumatic power to aircraft systems during ground operations. |
Autorotative landing - helicopter | The phase of flight where the helicopter lands with no engine power being delivered to the aircraft's rotors, e.g. where the helicopter is manoeuvring in an emergency situation following an engine failure, with the intent to touch down. |
Autorotative descent | Autorotation:a rotorcraft flight condition in which the lifting rotor is driven entirely by action of the air when the rotorcraft is in motion. During powered flight, the rotor drag is overcome with engine power. When the engine fails, or is deliberately disengaged from the rotor system, some other force must be used to sustain rotor RPM so controlled flight can be continued to the ground. This force is generated by adjusting the collective pitch to allow a controlled descent. Airflow during helicopter descent provides the energy to overcome blade drag and turn the rotor. When the helicopter is descending in this manner, it is said to be in a state of autorotation. |
Automatic terminal information service | The automatic provision of current, routine information to arriving and departing aircraft throughout 24 hours or a specified portion thereof: Data link-automatic terminal information service (D-ATIS). The provision of ATIS via data link. Voice-automatic terminal information service (Voice-ATIS). The provision of ATIS by means of continuous and repetitive voice broadcasts. |
Automatic telecommunication log | A record of the activities of an aeronautical telecommunication station recorded by electrical or mechanical means. |
Automatic relay installation | A teletypewriter installation where automatic equipment is used to transfer messages from incoming to outgoing circuits. |
Automatic portable ELT | An automatically activated ELT which is rigidly attached to an aircraft but readily removable from the aircraft. |
Automatic fixed ELT | An automatically activated ELT which is permanently attached to an aircraft. |
Automatic deployable ELT | An ELT which is rigidly attached to an aircraft and which is automatically deployed and activated by impact, and, in some cases, also by hydrostatic sensors. Manual deployment is also provided. |
Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast OUT | A function on an aircraft or vehicle that periodically broadcasts its state vector (position and velocity) and other information derived from on-board systems in a format suitable for ADS-B IN capable receivers. |
Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast IN | A function that receives surveillance data from ADS-B OUT data sources. |
Automatic dependent surveillance - contract | A means by which the terms of an ADS-C agreement will be exchanged between the ground system and the aircraft, via a data link, specifying under what conditions ADS-C reports would be initiated, and what data would be contained in the reports. |
Automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast | A means by which aircraft, aerodrome vehicles and other objects can automatically transmit and/or receive data such as identification, position and additional data, as appropriate, in a broadcast mode via a data link. |
Automatic dependent surveillance | A surveillance technique in which aircraft automatically provide, via a data link, data derived from on-board navigation and position-fixing systems, including aircraft identification, four-dimensional position and additional data as appropriate. |
Authorized agent | A person who represents an aircraft operator and who is authorized by or on behalf of such operator to act on formalities connected with the entry and clearance of the operator's aircraft, crew, passengers, cargo, mail, baggage or stores and includes, where national law permits, a third party authorized to handle cargo on the aircraft. |
ATS surveillance system | A generic term meaning variously, ADS-B, PSR, SSR or any comparable ground-based system that enables the identification of aircraft. |
ATS surveillance service | A term used to indicate a service provided directly by means of an ATS surveillance system. |
ATS route | A specified route designed for channelling the flow of traffic as necessary for the provision of air traffic services. |
ATS direct speech circuit | An aeronautical fixed service (AFS) telephone circuit, for direct exchange of information between air traffic services (ATS) units. |
ATM trajectory constraint | Trajectory constraint imposed by the ATM system. |
ATM operational concept | The ATM operational concept is a high-level description of the ATM services necessary to accommodate traffic at a given time horizon; a description of the anticipated level of performance required from, and the interaction between, the ATM services, as well as the objects they affect; and a description of the information to be provided to agents in the ATM system and how that information is to be used for operational purposes. The operational concept is neither a description of the air navigation infrastructure nor a technical system description nor a detailed description of how a particular functionality or technology could be used. |
ATM community | The aggregate of organizations, agencies or entities that may participate, collaborate and cooperate in the planning, development, use, regulation, operation and maintenance of the ATM system. |
ATIS | The symbol used to designate automatic terminal information service. |
ATC loop | An ordered cycle of information or data flow, computation, co-ordination, decision making, control and monitoring, which constitutes the complete function of an air traffic control unit. |
Associated aircraft systems | Those aircraft systems drawing electrical/pneumatic power from an auxiliary power unit during ground operations. |
Assignment | Distribution of frequencies to stations. Distribution of SSR codes or 24-bit aircraft addresses to aircraft. |
Assemble | A process of merging data from multiple sources into a database and establishing a baseline for subsequent processing. |
ASHTAM | A special series NOTAM notifying by means of a specific format change in activity of a volcano, a volcanic eruption and/or volcanic ash cloud that is of significance to aircraft operations. |
Arrival routes | Routes identified in an instrument approach procedure by which aircraft may proceed from the en-route phase of flight to an initial approach fix. |
Arresting gear location | Location of the arresting gear cable across the runway. |
Area navigation route | An ATS route established for the use of aircraft capable of employing area navigation. |
Area navigation | A method of navigation which permits aircraft operation on any desired flight path within the coverage of ground- or space-based navigation aids or within the limits of the capability of self-contained aids, or a combination of these. |
Area minimum altitude | The minimum altitude to be used under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), that provides a minimum obstacle clearance within a specified area, normally formed by parallels and meridians. |
Area control service | Air traffic control service for controlled flights in control areas. |
Area control centre | A unit established to provide air traffic control service to controlled flights in control areas under its jurisdiction. |
Apron taxiway | Apron taxiway. A portion of a taxiway system located on an apron and intended to provide a through taxi route across the apron. |
Apron management service | A service provided to regulate the activities and the movement of aircraft and vehicles on an apron. |
Apron | A defined area, on a land aerodrome, intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes of loading or unloading passengers, mail or cargo, fuelling, parking or maintenance. |
Approved training organization | An organization approved by and operating under the supervision of a Contracting State in accordance with the requirements of Annex 1 to perform approved training. |
Approved training | Training conducted under special curricula and supervision approved by a Contracting State. |
Approved maintenance organization | An organization approved by a Contracting State, in accordance with the requirements of Annex 6, Part I, Chapter 8 - Aeroplane Maintenance, to perform maintenance of aircraft or parts thereof and operating under supervision approved by that State. |
Approved | Accepted by a Contracting State as suitable for a particular purpose. |
Approval | An authorization granted by an appropriate national authority for: a) the transport of dangerous goods forbidden on passenger and/or cargo aircraft where the Technical Instructions state that such goods may be carried with an approval; or b) other purposes as provided for in the Technical Instructions. |
Appropriate authority | a) Regarding flight over the high seas: The relevant authority of the State of Registry. b) Regarding flight other than over the high seas: The relevant authority of the State having sovereignty over the territory being overflown. |
Appropriate ATS authority | The relevant authority designated by the State responsible for providing air traffic services in the airspace concerned. |
Appropriate airworthiness requirements | The comprehensive and detailed airworthiness codes established, adopted or accepted by a Contracting State for the class of aircraft, engine or propeller under consideration (see 3.2.2 of Part II of this Annex). |
Approach sequence | The order in which two or more aircraft are cleared to approach to land at the aerodrome. |
Approach procedure with vertical guidance | A performance-based navigation (PBN) instrument approach procedure designed for 3D instrument approach operations Type A. |
Approach phase | The operating phase defined by the time during which the engine is operated in the approach operating mode. |
Approach funnel | A specified airspace around a nominal approach path within which an aircraft approaching to land is considered to be making a normal approach. |
Approach control unit | A unit established to provide air traffic control service to controlled flights arriving at, or departing from, one or more aerodromes. |
Approach control service | Air traffic control service for arriving or departing controlled flights. |
Approach and landing phase - helicopters | That part of the flight from 300 m (1 000 ft) above the elevation of the FATO, if the flight is planned to exceed this height, or from the commencement of the descent in the other cases, to landing or to the balked landing point. |
Approach and landing operations with vertical guidance | An instrument approach and landing which utilizes lateral and vertical guidance but does not meet the requirements established for precision approach and landing operations. |
Approach and landing operations using instrument approach procedures | Instrument approach and landing operations are classified as follows: Non-precision approach and landing operations. An instrument approach and landing which utilizes lateral guidance but does not utilize vertical guidance. Approach and landing operations with vertical guidance. An instrument approach and landing which utilizes lateral and vertical guidance but does not meet the requirements established for precision approach and landing operations. Precision approach and landing operations. An instrument approach and landing using precision lateral and vertical guidance with minima as determined by the category of operation. |
Approach - holding | The phase of flight in which a pre-determined ad-hoc manoeuvre during the approach keeps the aircraft within a specified airspace awaiting further instructions. |
Approach | The phase of flight from the outer marker to the to the point of transition from nose-low to nose-high attitude immediately prior to the flare above the runway [ifr]; or [vfr] from 1500 feet (450 metres) above the runway end elevation or from the point of vfr pattern entry to the flare above the runway. |
Application schema | Conceptual schema for data required by one or more applications. |
Application | Manipulation and processing of data in support of user requirements (ISO 19104). |
Anticipated operating conditions | Those conditions which are known from experience or which can be reasonably envisaged to occur during the operational life of the aircraft taking into account the operations for which the aircraft is made eligible, the conditions so considered being relative to the meteorological state of the atmosphere, to the configuration of terrain, to the functioning of the aircraft, to the efficiency of personnel and to all the factors affecting safety in flight. Anticipated operating conditions do not include: a) those extremes which can be effectively avoided by means of operating procedures; and b) those extremes which occur so infrequently that to require the Standards to be met in such extremes would give a higher level of airworthiness than experience has shown to be necessary and practical. |
Angles of coverage | a) Angle of coverage A is formed by two intersecting vertical planes making angles of 70 degrees to the right and 70 degrees to the left respectively, looking aft along the longitudinal axis to a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis. b) Angle of coverage F is formed by two intersecting vertical planes making angles of 110 degrees to the right and 110 degrees to the left respectively, looking forward along the longitudinal axis to a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis.c) Angle of coverage L is formed by two intersecting vertical planes, one parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aeroplane, and the other 110 degrees to the left of the first, when looking forward along the longitudinal axis.d) Angle of coverage R is formed by two intersecting vertical planes, one parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aeroplane, and the other 110 degrees to the right of the first, when looking forward along the longitudinal axis."" |
Ampere | The ampere is that constant electric current which, if maintained in two straight parallel conductors of infinite length, of negligible circular cross-section, and placed 1 metre apart in a vacuum, would produce between these conductors a force equal to 2 x 10-7 newton per metre of length. |
Altitude | The vertical distance of a level, a point or an object considered as a point, measured from mean sea level (MSL). |
Altimetry system error | The difference between the altitude indicated by the altimeter display, assuming a correct altimeter barometric setting, and the pressure altitude corresponding to the undisturbed ambient pressure. |
Alternative means of communication | A means of communication provided with equal status, and in addition to the primary means. |
Alternate heliport | A heliport to which a helicopter may proceed when it becomes either impossible or inadvisable to proceed to or to land at the heliport of intended landing. Alternate heliports include the following: Take-off alternate. An alternate heliport at which a helicopter can land should this become necessary shortly after take-off and it is not possible to use the heliport of departure. En-route alternate. A heliport at which a helicopter would be able to land after experiencing an abnormal or emergency condition while en-route. Destination alternate. An alternate heliport to which a helicopter may proceed should it become either impossible or inadvisable to land at the heliport of intended landing. |
Alternate airport | An airport to which an aircraft may proceed when it becomes either impossible or inadvisable, for technical reasons, to proceed to or to land at the airport of intended landing. |
Alternate aerodrome | An aerodrome to which an aircraft may proceed when it becomes either impossible or inadvisable to proceed to or to land at the aerodrome of intended landing where the necessary services and facilities are available, where aircraft performance requirements can be met and which is operational at the expected time of use. Alternate aerodromes include the following: Take-off alternate. An alternate aerodrome at which an aircraft would be able to land should this become necessary shortly after take-off and it is not possible to use the aerodrome of departure. En-route alternate. An alternate aerodrome at which an aircraft would be able to land in the event that a diversion becomes necessary while en route. Destination alternate. An alternate aerodrome at which an aircraft would be able to land should it become either impossible or inadvisable to land at the aerodrome of intended landing. |
Alphanumeric display | A presentation of letters and figures either on a radar display or on a separate screen or panel. |
Alphanumeric characters | A collective term for letters and figures (digits). |
Along-track tolerance | A fix tolerance along the nominal track resulting from the airborne and ground equipment tolerances. |
Allocation | Distribution of frequencies, SSR codes, etc. to a State, unit or service. Distribution of 24-bit aircraft addresses to a State or common mark registering authority. |
Allard's law | An equation relating illuminance (E) produced by a point source of light of intensity (I) on a plane normal to the line of sight, at distance (x) from the source, in an atmosphere having a transmissivity (T). |
Alerting service | A service provided to notify appropriate organizations regarding aircraft in need of search and rescue aid, and assist such organizations as required. |
Alerting post | Any facility intended to serve as an intermediary between a person reporting an emergency and a rescue coordination centre or rescue subcentre. |
Alert phase | A situation wherein apprehension exists as to the safety of an aircraft and its occupants. |
ALERFA | The code word used to designate an alert phase. |
AIS product | Aeronautical information provided in the form of the elements of the Integrated Aeronautical Information Package (except NOTAM and PIB), including aeronautical charts, or in the form of suitable electronic media. |
Airworthy | The status of an aircraft, engine, propeller or part when it conforms to its approved design and is in a condition for safe operation. |
Airway | A control area or portion thereof established in the form of a corridor. |
Airspace volume concept | A concept of controlled airspace organization which allows an aircraft operator complete freedom to manoeuvre within a designated airspace. |
Airspace user trajectory constraint | Airspace user's trajectory constraint on the acceptable solutions. |
Airspace reservation | A defined volume of airspace normally under the jurisdiction of one aviation authority and temporarily reserved, by common agreement, for exclusive use by another aviation authority. |
Airspace management | The process by which airspace options are selected and applied to meet the needs of the ATM community. |
Airside | The movement area of an airport, adjacent terrain and buildings or portions thereof, access to which is controlled. |
Airship | A power-driven lighter-than-air aircraft. |
AIRPROX | The code word used in an air traffic incident report to designate aircraft proximity. |
Airport capacity | The number of passengers and amount of cargo which an airport can accommodate in a given period of time; it is a combination of runway capacity and terminal capacity. |
AIRMET information | Information issued by a meteorological watch office concerning the occurrence or expected occurrence of specified en-route weather phenomena which may affect the safety of low-level aircraft operations and which was not already included in the forecast issued for low-level flights in the flight information region concerned or sub-area thereof. |
Airmanship | The consistent use of good judgement and well-developed knowledge, skills and attitudes to accomplish flight objectives. |
Airline and operators' documents | Air waybills/consignment notes, passenger tickets and boarding passes, bank and agent settlement plan documents, excess baggage tickets, miscellaneous charges orders (M.C.O.), damage and irregularity reports, baggage and cargo labels, timetables, and weight and balance documents, for use by airlines and operators. |
Airline | As provided in Article 96 of the Convention, any air transport enterprise offering or operating a scheduled international air service. |
Aircraft type designator | A group of alphanumeric characters used to identify, in an abbreviated form, a type of aircraft. |
Aircraft trajectory | The aircraft trajectory is the trajectory that the aircraft intends to fly (and has flown). |
Aircraft station | A mobile station in the aeronautical mobile service, other than a survival craft station, located on board an aircraft. |
Aircraft stand taxilane | Aircraft stand taxilane. A portion of an apron designated as a taxiway and intended to provide access to aircraft stands only. |
Aircraft stand | A designated area on an apron intended to be used for parking an aircraft. |
Aircraft security search | A thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of the aircraft for the purpose of discovering suspicious objects, weapons, explosives or other dangerous devices, articles or substances. |
Aircraft security check | An inspection of the interior of an aircraft to which passengers may have had access and an inspection of the hold for the purposes of discovering suspicious objects, weapons, explosives or other dangerous devices, articles and substances. |
Aircraft required to be operated with a co-pilot | A type of aircraft that is required to be operated with a co-pilot, as specified in the flight manual or by the air operator certificate. |
Aircraft proximity | A situation in which, in the opinion of a pilot or air traffic services personnel, the distance between aircraft as well as their relative positions and speed have been such that the safety of the aircraft involved may have been compromised. An aircraft proximity is classified as follows: Risk of collision. The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which serious risk of collision has existed. Safety not assured. The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which the safety of the aircraft may have been compromised. No risk of collision. The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which no risk of collision has existed. Risk not determined. The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which insufficient information was available to determine the risk involved, or inconclusive or conflicting evidence precluded such determination. |
Aircraft operators' documents | Air waybills/consignment notes, passenger tickets and boarding passes, bank and agent settlement plan documents, excess baggage tickets, miscellaneous charges orders (M.C.O.), damage and irregularity reports, baggage and cargo labels, timetables, and weight and balance documents, for use by aircraft operators. |
Aircraft operator | A person, organization or enterprise engaged in or offering to engage in an aircraft operation. |
Aircraft operating manual | A manual, acceptable to the State of the Operator, containing normal, abnormal and emergency procedures, checklists, limitations, performance information, details of the aircraft systems and other material relevant to the operation of the aircraft. |
Aircraft operating agency | The person, organization or enterprise engaged in, or offering to engage in, an aircraft operation. |
Aircraft observation | The evaluation of one or more meteorological elements made from an aircraft in flight. |
Aircraft intent | Information on planned future aircraft behaviour, which can be obtained from the aircraft systems (avionics). It is associated with the commanded trajectory and will enhance airborne functions. The aircraft intent data correspond either to aircraft trajectory data that directly relate to the future aircraft trajectory as programmed inside the avionics, or the aircraft control parameters as managed by the automatic flight control system. These aircraft control parameters could either be entered by the flight crew or automatically derived by the flight management system. |
Aircraft identification | A group of letters, figures or a combination thereof which is either identical to, or the coded equivalent of, the aircraft call sign to be used in air-ground communications, and which is used to identify the aircraft in ground-ground air traffic services communications. |
Aircraft equipment | Articles, including first-aid and survival equipment and commissary supplies, but not spare parts or stores, for use on board an aircraft during flight. |
Aircraft earth station | A mobile earth station in the aeronautical mobile-satellite service located on board an aircraft (see also GES")." |
Aircraft classification number | A number expressing the relative effect of an aircraft on a pavement for a specified standard subgrade category. |
Aircraft certificated for single-pilot operation | A type of aircraft which the State of Registry has determined, during the certification process, can be operated safely with a minimum crew of one pilot. |
Aircraft call sign | A group of alphanumeric characters used to identify an aircraft in air-ground communication. |
Aircraft avionics | A term designating any electronic device - including its electrical part - for use in an aircraft, including radio, automatic flight control and instrument systems. |
Aircraft address | A unique combination of twenty-four bits available for assignment to an aircraft for the purpose of air-ground communications, navigation and surveillance. |
Aircraft - type of | All aircraft of the same basic design including all modifications thereto except those modifications which result in a change in handling or flight characteristics. |
Aircraft - category | Classification of aircraft according to specified basic characteristics, e.g. aeroplane, helicopter, glider, free balloon. |
Aircraft | Any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air other than the reactions of the air against the earth's surface. |
Airborne collision avoidance system | An aircraft system based on secondary surveillance radar (SSR) transponder signals which operates independently of ground-based equipment to provide advice to the pilot on potential conflicting aircraft that are equipped with SSR transponders. |
AIRAC | An acronym (aeronautical information regulation and control) signifying a system aimed at advance notification based on common effective dates, of circumstances that necessitate significant changes in operating practices. |
Air-to-ground communication | One-way communication from aircraft to stations or locations on the surface of the earth. |
Air-taxiing | Movement of a helicopter/VTOL above the surface of an aerodrome, normally in ground effect and at a ground speed normally less than 37 km/h (20 kt). |
Air-report | A report from an aircraft in flight prepared in conformity with requirements for position, and operational and/or meteorological reporting. |
Air-ground control radio station | An aeronautical telecommunication station having primary responsibility for handling communications pertaining to the operation and control of aircraft in a given area. |
Air-ground communication | Two-way communication between aircraft and stations or locations on the surface of the earth. |
Air-filed flight plan | A flight plan provided to an air traffic services unit by an aircraft during its flight. |
Air transit route | A defined route for the air transiting of helicopters. |
Air traffic services unit | A generic term meaning variously, air traffic control unit, flight information centre or air traffic services reporting office. |
Air traffic services reporting office | A unit established for the purpose of receiving reports concerning air traffic services and flight plans submitted before departure. |
Air traffic services airspaces | Airspaces of defined dimensions, alphabetically designated, within which specific types of flights may operate and for which air traffic services and rules of operation are specified. |
Air traffic service | A generic term meaning variously, flight information service, alerting service, air traffic advisory service, air traffic control service (area control service, approach control service or aerodrome control service). |
Air traffic management system | A system that provides ATM through the collaborative integration of humans, information, technology, facilities and services, supported by air and ground- and/or space-based communications, navigation and surveillance. |
Air traffic management | The dynamic, integrated management of air traffic and airspace including air traffic services, airspace management and air traffic flow management - safely, economically and efficiently - through the provision of facilities and seamless services in collaboration with all parties and involving airborne and ground-based functions. |
Air traffic flow management | A service established with the objective of contributing to a safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic by ensuring that ATC capacity is utilized to the maximum extent possible and that the traffic volume is compatible with the capacities declared by the appropriate ATS authority. |
Air traffic control unit | A generic term meaning variously, area control centre, approach control unit or aerodrome control tower. |
Air traffic control service | A service provided for the purpose of: a) preventing collisions: 1) between aircraft, and 2) on the manoeuvring area between aircraft and obstructions, and b) expediting and maintaining an orderly flow of air traffic. |
Air traffic control instruction | Directives issued by air traffic control for the purpose of requiring a pilot to take a specific action. |
Air traffic control clearance | Authorization for an aircraft to proceed under conditions specified by an air traffic control unit. |
Air traffic advisory service | A service provided within advisory airspace to ensure separation, in so far as practical, between aircraft which are operating on IFR flight plans. |
Air traffic | All aircraft in flight or operating on the manoeuvring area of an aerodrome. |
Air taxi/hover taxi | Air-taxiing. movement of a helicopter/vtol above the surface of an aerodrome, normally in ground effect and at a ground speed normally less than 37 km/h (20 kt). icao annex 2. |
Air taxi service | A type of on-demand air service usually performed by small capacity aircraft on short notice in a very similar way to an automobile taxi service; or in some cases, a service operated on a scheduled basis with stops made only at points where passengers and cargo are to be picked up or discharged. |
Air service | iI its broadest sense, includes any service performed by aircraft for public transportation, whether on a scheduled or non-scheduled basis. For regulatory purposes, however, the term always has a specific meaning (defined in Article 96(a) of the Convention on International Civil Aviation and used in most bilateral air transport agreements between States) and refers to any scheduled air service performed by aircraft for the public transport of passengers, mail or cargo. |
Air route facilities | Facilities provided to permit safe operation of aircraft along an air route, including visual and radio navigation aids for approach and landing at aerodromes, and communication services, meteorological services and air traffic services and facilities. |
Air operator certificate | A certificate authorizing an operator to carry out specified commercial air transport operations. |
Air defence identification zone | Special designated airspace of defined dimensions within which aircraft are required to comply with special identification and/or reporting procedures additional to those related to the provision of air traffic services (ATS). |
AIP Supplement | Temporary changes to the information contained in the AIP which are published by means of special pages. |
AIP Amendment | Permanent changes to the information contained in the AIP. |
Aid to air navigation | Any visual or electronic system which provides information to be used by the pilot or aircraft navigation systems for position determination or flight path guidance. |
Agreed reporting point | A point specified in the route description of a flight plan and agreed between the operator and the air traffic services unit to serve as a reporting point for the flight concerned. |
Agreed 4D trajectory | The current 4D trajectory that is agreed between the airspace user and the ASP after collaboration, or imposition of pre-collaborated rules. |
AFTN station | A station forming part of the aeronautical fixed telecommunication network (AFTN) and operating as such under the authority or control of a State. |
AFTN origin station | An AFTN station where messages and/or digital data are accepted for transmission over the AFTN. |
AFTN destination station | An AFTN station to which messages and/or digital data are addressed for processing for delivery to the addressee. |
AFTN communication centre | An AFTN station whose primary function is the relay or retransmission of AFTN traffic from (or to) a number of other AFTN stations connected to it. |
Afterburning | A mode of engine operation wherein a combustion system fed (in whole or part) by vitiated air is used. |
AFIL | An alpha character group used to designate an airfiled flight plan. |
Aeroplane system | An aeroplane system includes all elements of equipment necessary for the control and performance of a particular major function. It includes both the equipment specifically provided for the function in question and other basic related aeroplane equipment such as that required to supply power for the equipment operation. As used herein [see Attachment E of Annex 6, Volume I] the power-unit is not considered to be an aeroplane system. |
Aeroplane reference field length | The minimum field length required for take-off at maximum certificated take-off mass, sea level, standard atmospheric conditions, still air and zero runway slope, as shown in the appropriate aeroplane flight manual prescribed by the certificating authority or equivalent data from the aeroplane manufacturer. Field length means balanced field length for aeroplanes, if applicable, or take-off distance in other cases. |
Aeroplane | A power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft, deriving its lift in flight chiefly from aerodynamic reactions on surfaces which remain fixed under given conditions of flight. |
Aeronautical telecommunication station | A station in the aeronautical telecommunication service. |
Aeronautical telecommunication service | A telecommunication service provided for any aeronautical purpose. |
Aeronautical telecommunication network | A global internetwork architecture that allows ground, air-ground and avionic data subnetworks to exchange digital data for the safety of air navigation and for the regular, efficient and economic operation of air traffic services. |
Aeronautical telecommunication log | A record of the activities of an aeronautical telecommunication station. |
Aeronautical telecommunication agency | An agency responsible for operating a station or stations in the aeronautical telecommunication service. |
Aeronautical station | A land station in the aeronautical mobile service. In certain instances, an aeronautical station may be located, for example, on board ship or on a platform at sea. |
Aeronautical radio navigation service | A radio navigation service intended for the benefit and for the safe operation of aircraft. |
Aeronautical operational control | Communication required for the exercise of authority over the initiation, continuation, diversion or termination of flight for safety, regularity and efficiency reasons. |
Aeronautical mobile-satellite service (RR S1.35) | A mobilesatellite service in which mobile earth stations are located on board aircraft; survival craft stations and emergency position-indicating radiobeacon stations may also participate in this service. |
Aeronautical mobile-satellite (R)* service (RR S1.36) | An aeronautical mobile-satellite service reserved for communications relating to safety and regularity of flights, primarily along national or international civil air routes. |
Aeronautical mobile service (RR S1.32) | A mobile service between aeronautical stations and aircraft stations, or between aircraft stations, in which survival craft stations may participate; emergency position-indicating radio beacon stations may also participate in this service on designated distress and emergency frequencies. |
Aeronautical mobile | An aeronautical mobile service reserved for communications relating to safety and regularity of flight, primarily along national or international civil air routes. |
Aeronautical meteorological station | A station designated to make observations and meteorological reports for use in international air navigation. |
Aeronautical information service | A service established within the defined area of coverage responsible for the provision of aeronautical information/data necessary for the safety, regularity and efficiency of air navigation. |
Aeronautical information regulation and control | A system aimed at advance notification based on common effective dates, of circumstances that necessitate significant changes in operating practices. |
Aeronautical Information Publication | A publication issued by or with the authority of a State and containing aeronautical information of a lasting character essential to air navigation. |
Aeronautical Information Circular | A notice containing information that does not qualify for the origination of a NOTAM or for inclusion in the AIP, but which relates to flight safety, air navigation, technical, administrative or legislative matters. |
Aeronautical information | Information resulting from the assembly, analysis and formatting of aeronautical data. |
Aeronautical ground light | Any light specially provided as an aid to air navigation, other than a light displayed on an aircraft. |
Aeronautical fixed telecommunication network circuit | A circuit forming part of the aeronautical fixed telecommunication network (AFTN). |
Aeronautical fixed telecommunication network | A worldwide system of aeronautical fixed circuits provided, as part of the aeronautical fixed service, for the exchange of messages and/or digital data between aeronautical fixed stations having the same or compatible communications characteristics. |
Aeronautical fixed station | A station in the aeronautical fixed service. |
Aeronautical fixed service | A telecommunication service between specified fixed points provided primarily for the safety of air navigation and for the regular, efficient and economical operation of air services. |
Aeronautical fixed circuit | A circuit forming part of the aeronautical fixed service (AFS). |
Aeronautical database | Any data that is stored electronically in a system that supports airborne or ground based aeronautical applications. An aeronautical database may be updated at regular intervals. |
Aeronautical data preparation agency | An agency, public or private, other than an originator and/or publisher of government source documents, who compiles official government document information into charts or electronic formats for computer-based systems. |
Aeronautical data | A representation of aeronautical facts, concepts or instructions in a formalized manner suitable for communication, interpretation or processing. |
Aeronautical chart | A representation of a portion of the Earth, its culture and relief, specifically designated to meet the requirements of air navigation. |
Aeronautical broadcasting service | A broadcasting service intended for the transmission of information relating to air navigation. |
Aeronautical beacon | An aeronautical ground light visible at all azimuths, either continuously or intermittently, to designate a particular point on the surface of the earth. |
Aeronautical administrative communications | Communications necessary for the exchange of aeronautical administrative messages. |
Aerodrome traffic zone | An airspace of defined dimensions established around an aerodrome for the protection of aerodrome traffic. |
Aerodrome traffic density | a) Light. Where the number of movements in the mean busy hour is not greater than 15 per runway or typically less than 20 total aerodrome movements. b) Medium. Where the number of movements in the mean busy hour is of the order of 16 to 25 per runway or typically between 20 to 35 total aerodrome movements. c) Heavy. Where the number of movements in the mean busy hour is of the order of 26 or more per runway or typically more than 35 total aerodrome movements. |
Aerodrome traffic circuit | The specified path to be flown by aircraft operating in the vicinity of an aerodrome. |
Aerodrome traffic | All traffic on the manoeuvring area of an aerodrome and all aircraft flying in the vicinity of an aerodrome. |
Aerodrome taxi circuit | The specified path of aircraft on the manoeuvring area during specific wind conditions. |
Aerodrome surface movement area | That part of an aerodrome that is to be used for the take-off, landing, and taxiing of aircraft. This includes runways, taxiways, and apron areas. |
Aerodrome reference point | The designated geographical location of an aerodrome. |
Aerodrome operating minima | The limits of usability of an aerodrome for: a) take-off, expressed in terms of runway visual range and/or visibility and, if necessary, cloud conditions; b) landing in precision approach and landing operations, expressed in terms of visibility and/or runway visual range and decision altitude/height (DA/H) as appropriate to the category of the operation; c) landing in approach and landing operations with vertical guidance, expressed in terms of visibility and/or runway visual range and decision altitude/height (DA/H); and d) landing in non-precision approach and landing operations, expressed in terms of visibility and/or runway visual range, minimum descent altitude/height (MDA/H) and, if necessary, cloud conditions. |
Aerodrome meteorological office | An office, located at an aerodrome, designated to provide meteorological service for international air navigation. |
Aerodrome mapping database | A collection of aerodrome mapping data organized and arranged as a structured data set. |
Aerodrome mapping data | Data collected for the purpose of compiling aerodrome mapping information. |
Aerodrome identification sign | A sign placed on an aerodrome to aid in identifying the aerodrome from the air. |
Aerodrome elevation | The elevation of the highest point of the landing area. |
Aerodrome control tower | A unit established to provide air traffic control service to aerodrome traffic. |
Aerodrome control service | Air traffic control service for aerodrome traffic. |
Aerodrome control radio station | A station providing radiocommunication between an aerodrome control tower and aircraft or mobile aeronautical stations. |
Aerodrome climatological table | Table providing statistical data on the observed occurrence of one or more meteorological elements at an aerodrome. |
Aerodrome climatological summary | Concise summary of specified meteorological elements at an aerodrome, based on statistical data. |
Aerodrome certificate | A certificate issued by the appropriate authority under applicable regulations for the operation of an aerodrome. |
Aerodrome beacon | Aeronautical beacon used to indicate the location of an aerodrome from the air. |
Aerodrome | A defined area on land or water (including any buildings, installations and equipment) intended to be used either wholly or in part for the arrival, departure and surface movement of aircraft. |
Aerobatics | An event involving any phase of flight in which manoeuvring into an abrupt change in attitude, abnormal attitude or abnormal acceleration occurs, (usually associated with air shows and military flight). |
Aerial work | An aircraft operation in which an aircraft is used for specialized services such as agriculture, construction, photography, surveying, observation and patrol, search and rescue, aerial advertisement, etc. |
Advisory route | A designated route along which air traffic advisory service is available. |
Advisory area | A designated area within a flight information region where air traffic advisory service is available. |
Advisory airspace | An airspace of defined dimensions, or designated route, within which air traffic advisory service is available. |
Advisor | A person appointed by a State, on the basis of his or her qualifications, for the purpose of assisting its accredited representative in an investigation. |
Advance Passenger Information System | An electronic communications system whereby required data elements are collected and transmitted to border control agencies prior to flight departure or arrival and made available on the primary line at the airport of entry. |
ADS-C agreement | A reporting plan which establishes the conditions of ADS-C data reporting (i.e. data required by the air traffic services unit and frequency of ADS-C reports which have to be agreed to prior to using ADS-C in the provision of air traffic services). |
ADS service | A service using aircraft information provided by means of automatic dependent surveillance. |
ADS agreement | An ADS reporting plan which establishes the conditions of ADS data reporting (i.e. data required by the air traffic services unit and frequency of ADS reports which have to be agreed to prior to the provision of the ADS services). Note. - The terms of the agreement will be exchanged between the ground system and the aircraft by means of a contract, or a series of contracts. |
Admission | The permission granted to a person to enter a State by the public authorities of that State in accordance with its national laws. |
Adequate alternate aerodrome | An adequate alternate aerodrome is one at which the landing performance requirements can be met and which is expected to be available, if required, and which has the necessary facilities and services, such as air traffic control, lighting, communications, meteorological services, navigation aids, rescue and fire-fighting services and one suitable instrument approach procedure. |
Acts of unlawful interference | These are acts or attempted acts such as to jeopardize the safety of civil aviation, including but not limited to: - unlawful seizure of aircraft, - destruction of an aircraft in service, - hostage-taking on board aircraft or on aerodromes, - forcible intrusion on board an aircraft, at an airport or on the premises of an aeronautical facility, - introduction on board an aircraft or at an airport of a weapon or hazardous device or material intended for criminal purposes, - use of an aircraft in service for the purpose of causing death, serious bodily injury, or serious damage to property or the environment, - communication of false information such as to jeopardize the safety of an aircraft in flight or on the ground, of passengers, crew, ground personnel or the general public, at an airport or on the premises of a civil aviation facility. |
Acrobatic flight | Manoeuvres intentionally performed by an aircraft involving an abrupt change in its attitude, an abnormal attitude, or an abnormal variation in speed. |
Acknowledgement | Notification that a given communication has been correctly received and understood. |
Accuracy | A degree of conformance between the estimated or measured value and the true value. |
Accredited representative | A person designated by a State, on the basis of his or her qualifications, for the purpose of participating in an investigation conducted by another State. Where the State has established an accident investigation authority, the designated accredited representative would normally be from that authority. |
Accredited medical conclusion | The conclusion reached by one or more medical experts acceptable to the Licensing Authority for the purposes of the case concerned, in consultation with flight operations or other experts as necessary. |
Accident | An occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which, in the case of a manned aircraft, takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight until such time as all such persons have disembarked, or in the case of an unmanned aircraft, takes place between the time the aircraft is ready to move with the purpose of flight until such time as it comes to rest at the end of the flight and the primary propulsion system is shut down, in which: a) a person is fatally or seriously injured as a result of: - being in the aircraft, or - direct contact with any part of the aircraft, including parts which have become detached from the aircraft, or - direct exposure to jet blast, except when the injuries are from natural causes, self-inflicted or inflicted by other persons, or when the injuries are to stowaways hiding outside the areas normally available to the passengers and crew; or b) the aircraft sustains damage or structural failure which: - adversely affects the structural strength, performance or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and - would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component, except for engine failure or damage, when the damage is limited to a single engine, (including its cowlings or accessories), to propellers, wing tips, antennas, probes, vanes, tires, brakes, wheels, fairings, panels, landing gear doors, windscreens, the aircraft skin (such as small dents or puncture holes), or for minor damages to main rotor blades, tail rotor blades, landing gear, and those resulting from hail or bird strike (including holes in the radome); or c) the aircraft is missing or is completely inaccessible. |
Accepting unit/controller | Air traffic control unit next to take control of an aircraft. |
Accelerate-stop distance available | The length of the take-off run available plus the length of stopway, if provided. |
Aborted take-off | The phase of flight in which any attempt is made to terminate a take-off between the application of take-off power, through rotation and up to 50 feet [or 15 metres] above the elevation of the runway end. |
Aborted - interrupted approach | The phase of flight where the pilot aborts the approach during an ils or other precision approach involving an abnormally early turn on approach before reaching minimum decision altitude or decision height. |