Appendix E: Glossary

APPENDIX E

GLOSSARY

This information can also be found in the AIM and General Planning, Chapter Two.

AIRPORT SURVEILLANCE RADAR (ASR) APPROACH Radar providing position of

aircraft by azimuth and range data without elevation data. It is designed for a maximum range of

60 miles. Used for terminal approach control. Also used for Surveillance approaches. The ASR

approach is conducted in accordance with directions issued by a controller referring only to the

surveillance display. Also see GCA.

AIR ROUTE TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTER (ARTCC) A facility established to provide

traffic control service to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flights operating within controlled

airspace and principally during the enroute phase of flight.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CLEARANCE Authorization by air traffic control facilities for

an aircraft to proceed under specified traffic conditions within controlled airspace.

ALTITUDE RESTRICTION An altitude or altitudes, stated in the order flown, which are to

be maintained until reaching a specific point or time. Altitude restrictions may be issued by

ATC due to traffic, terrain, or other airspace considerations.

APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY A terminal Air Traffic Control facility that provides

approach control service in a terminal area, (NOTE: Approach control service is provided by an

approach control facility for arriving and departing aircraft. At some airports not served by an

approach control facility, the Air Route Traffic Control Center provides limited approach control

service.)

AUTOMATIC TERMINAL INFORMATION SERVICE (ATIS) The continuous broadcast

of recorded non-control information in selected terminal areas. Its purpose is to improve

controller effectiveness and to relieve frequency congestion by automating the repetitive

transmission of essential but routine information.

CEILING The height above the earth's surface of the lowest layer of clouds or obscuring

phenomena that is reported as "broken," "overcast," or "obscuration," and not classified as "thin"

or "partial."

CIRCLETOLAND MANEUVER A maneuver initiated by the pilot to align the aircraft

with a runway for landing when a straightin landing from an instrument approach is not

possible or is not desirable.

CLEARANCE LIMIT The fix to which an aircraft is cleared.

CLEARED FOR THE OPTION ATC authorization for an aircraft to make a touchandgo,

low approach, Missed Approach, stop and go, or full stop landing at the discretion of the pilot.

GLOSSARY E-1