Discover published sets by community

A procedure where an aircraft abandons its approach to landing. The pilot climbs and circles the airport to attempt another approach.

A distress call used by pilots to signal a life-threatening emergency.

The movement of an airplane on the ground, under its own power, in contrast to towing or pushback where the aircraft does not move under its own power.

Instrument Landing System - A precision runway approach aid based on two radio beams which provide pilots with vertical and horizontal guidance during an approach to land.

A directive issued by ATC instructing a pilot to stop before entering a runway and remain in that position until further clearance is given.

The term used by ATC to inform an aircraft that it has been identified on the radar display and radar flight following will commence.

A defined volume of airspace associated with an ATC facility's area of responsibility, often divided by altitude layers or geographical boundaries.

Airspace around certain airports where ATC provides radar services to all aircraft. Entry requirements are less strict than Class B.

An approach conducted by an aircraft in which turns are made by the pilot in response to ATC commands, rather than by reference to the aircraft's heading indicator, which is typically used when an aircraft’s gyroscopic navigation instruments have failed.

Standard Terminal Arrival Route - A pre-planned instrument flight rules (IFR) air traffic control arrival procedure published for pilot use in graphic and/or textual form to ensure safe and efficient traffic flows.

The ATC function responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft on the ground, prior to departure and after landing.

Common Traffic Advisory Frequency - A frequency designated for the purpose of carrying out airport advisory practices while operating to or from an airport without an operating control tower.

Airspace around smaller airports with an operational control tower, wherein the ATC service provided is local (tower) only.

An airspace of defined dimensions within which all aircraft must be equipped with altitude-reporting Mode C transponder equipment.

A phrase used by pilots and controllers to indicate that a message has been received and understood.

Automatic Terminal Information Service - A continuous broadcast of recorded noncontrol information in busier terminal areas, essential for arriving and departing aircraft.

A code given by ATC to a pilot to identify their aircraft on radar.

Parts of an airport surface where air traffic control is not responsible for controlling traffic; typically includes parking ramps and maintenance areas.

Refers to the minimum acceptable altitudes during an approach, often associated with ILS or non-precision approaches, below which the pilot must not descend without establishing visual reference with the runway.

An electronic device in an aircraft that automatically responds with a code when it receives a radar signal, enabling ATC to identify the aircraft on their radar screens.

The last leg of the standard aircraft landing pattern where the aircraft is aligned with the runway and descending for landing.

A specified plan filed with ATC, detailing the intended course of an aircraft's flight.

A procedure in which an aircraft is pushed backwards away from an airport gate by tug vehicles, commonly used when the aircraft cannot turn around in a confined space.

Visual Flight Rules - A set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going.

Airspace defined in three dimensions where ATC provides air traffic services to all IFR and VFR aircraft. It surrounds the nation's busiest airports.

An altitude expressed in hundreds of feet designated by ATC. For example, Flight Level 250 represents an altitude of 25,000 feet.

The ATC service responsible for delivery of an aircraft's ATC clearance before departure.

Disturbances in the air caused by the passage of an aircraft, primarily from its wingtip vortices.

Standard Instrument Departure - A pre-planned instrument flight rule (IFR) air traffic control departure procedure printed for pilot use, to provide a clear route for aircraft to follow.