Glossary
Instrument Flight
N
Navigational Aid (NAVAID): An electronic device that provides position data to an aircraft.
Non-Precision Approach: A standard instrument approach where no electronic glideslope is provided,
e.g., VOR, TACAN, or ASR approaches.
P
PAR: Precision approach radar.
Penetration: That portion of a published high altitude terminal instrument approach that prescribes the
descent path from the fix on which the procedure is based to a fix or altitude from which an approach to
the airport is made.
Platform: Defined as 5,000 ft AGL and comes from carrier operations. Point at which speed brakes are
retracted and rate of descent is reduced to 2,000 fpm while maintaining 250 KIAS on a carrier controlled
approach.
PPR: Prior permission required.
Precautionary Approach-USN: A procedure designed to afford a pilot experiencing engine-related flight
difficulties a means of landing safely and expeditiously while providing a safe ejection altitude.
Precision Approach: A descent in an approved procedure for which the navigational facility alignment is
normally on the runway centerline and glideslope information is provided. ILS and PAR are precision
approaches.
Prohibited Area: A designated airspace in which the flight of aircraft is prohibited.
R
Radar Contact: Phrase used by air traffic controllers to indicate that an aircraft is identified on the radar
display and that radar service can be provided until radar identification is lost or terminated. When the
aircraft is informed of “radar contact,” reporting over compulsory reporting points is automatically
discontinued.
Radar Contact Lost: Phrase used by ATC to inform a pilot that radar identification of his or her aircraft
has been lost and that the pilot must begin making position reports over compulsory reporting points.
Radar Hand-off: Transfer of radar control from one ATC facility to another without interruption.
Radar Vector: A heading issued to an aircraft to provide navigational guidance by ground radar.
Radial: A magnetic bearing extending from a VOR, VORTAC, or TACAN.
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