Accusé de réception
An instruction to confirm that a message has been received and understood.
View termCategories
Basic ATC
Browse Basic ATC terms for pilots, air traffic controllers, cabin crew and aviation learners.
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Accélérer
A phrase used to instruct the pilot to hasten a maneuver or action.
View termAffirmatif
A standard radiotelephony term meaning 'Yes'; used to indicate a positive response to a question or instruction.
View termAire de trafic
A defined area on an airport intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes of loading or unloading passengers or cargo, refueling, parking, or maintenance.
View termAlerte de sécurité
A warning issued to alert the pilot of an immediate safety concern.
View termAlerte de trafic
A warning issued to alert the pilot of nearby aircraft that may pose a collision risk.
View termAlignez-vous et attendez
An air traffic control instruction for an aircraft to taxi onto the runway and hold in position, awaiting takeoff clearance.
View termAltitude
The height of an aircraft above sea level, usually expressed in feet.
View termAnnuler IFR
An instruction to terminate the Instrument Flight Rules flight plan.
View termAnnuler le décollage
An instruction to abort the takeoff procedure before the aircraft becomes airborne.
View termAnnuler SID
An instruction to terminate the Standard Instrument Departure procedure.
View termAnnuler STAR
An instruction to terminate the Standard Terminal Arrival Route procedure.
View termApproche autorisée
An instruction indicating that the aircraft is authorized to execute an approach procedure.
View termApproche basse
An approach over the runway where the aircraft descends to runway level but does not land, typically followed by a climb-out.
View termApproche ILS autorisée
An instruction indicating that the aircraft is authorized to execute an Instrument Landing System approach.
View termApproche interrompue
A procedure followed when a landing cannot be completed.
View termApproche RNAV autorisée
An instruction indicating that the aircraft is authorized to execute an RNAV approach.
View termApproche visuelle autorisée
An instruction indicating that the aircraft is authorized to execute a visual approach.
View termApproche VOR autorisée
An instruction indicating that the aircraft is authorized to execute a VOR approach.
View termApproche à vue
An IFR approach procedure that permits an aircraft under VFR conditions to proceed to the destination airport by visual reference to the surface while operating on an IFR flight plan
View termAttendez
An instruction meaning 'wait and I will call you'; it indicates that the controller or pilot is temporarily unable to communicate.
View termAttendez des vecteurs
An advisory indicating that the pilot should anticipate receiving radar vector instructions from ATC at a specified time, altitude, or fix, typically used to sequence traffic or guide aircraft to a specific point.
View termAttendez une nouvelle autorisation
An instruction indicating that further clearance will be provided at a specified time or location.
View termAttendez à
An instruction to maintain a specific position or altitude until further notice.
View termAttente
To maintain a specific position or altitude, often in a holding pattern.
View termAugmenter la vitesse
A phrase used to instruct the pilot to increase the aircraft's speed.
View termAutorisé
An explicit authorization by ATC for a pilot to proceed under specified conditions within controlled airspace.
View termAutorisé au décollage
An air traffic control authorization for an aircraft to depart from a specified runway, indicating that the runway is available and safe for immediate takeoff.
View termAutorisé à l'atterrissage
An air traffic control authorization for an aircraft to land on a specified runway, indicating that the runway is available and safe for landing.
View termBien reçu, j'exécute
A radiotelephony term meaning 'will comply'; it signifies that the message has been received, understood, and will be complied with.
View termCap
The direction in which the aircraft’s nose is pointed, expressed in degrees from magnetic north.
View termCarburant minimum
A declaration by a pilot indicating that the aircraft has enough fuel to reach the destination but no extra fuel for delays.
View termChangement de fréquence approuvé
ATC clearance for the pilot to leave the current frequency, typically when no further communication is required on that frequency.
View termCircuit d'attente
A racetrack-shaped flight path flown to delay an aircraft's approach.
View termContact négatif
Phrase used by pilots to indicate that they do not have visual contact with the reported traffic.
View termContact radar
Indication that a particular aircraft is identified on the radar display and radar flight following will be provided
View termContactez la tour
Instruction from ATC to switch radio communication from the current frequency to the aerodrome control tower frequency for landing or taxi clearance.
View termContactez le départ
ATC instruction to switch radio communication to the departure controller, usually issued shortly after takeoff for enroute climb and navigation.
View termContactez le sol
Instruction from ATC to switch communication to the ground control frequency, typically issued after landing or before taxi for departure.
View termContinuez
An ATC instruction to proceed with the current action or phase of flight without change.
View termContinuez l'approche
An instruction to proceed with the instrument or visual approach but not yet cleared to land.
View termContinuez la montée
An ATC instruction to maintain or resume climbing to a previously assigned altitude or to a new altitude.
View termContinuez le roulage
An instruction to proceed with ground movement along a designated taxi route or surface without stopping or awaiting further clearance.
View termCourte finale
The segment of the final approach path closest to the runway.
View termCroisière
The phase of flight where the aircraft maintains a steady altitude and speed.
View termDescendez et maintenez
An instruction to begin descent and level off at the specified altitude, maintaining it until further clearance is issued.
View termDescendez à
An instruction from air traffic control directing an aircraft to decrease altitude to a specified level.
View termDescente d'urgence
A rapid descent by an aircraft in response to an emergency situation.
View termDescente de croisière
A descent at a controlled rate while maintaining cruise speed.
View termDécollez via
An ATC instruction directing the pilot to follow a specified Standard Instrument Departure (SID) or route after takeoff.
View termDégagez la piste
An instruction to exit the runway at the nearest suitable exit.
View termEmplacement
A designated area where an aircraft is parked for loading, unloading, or maintenance.
View termEstimation
A term used by pilots to indicate the estimated time of arrival at a specific point.
View termFinale
The last leg of the approach path before landing.
View termGuidage radar
Heading instructions issued to provide navigational guidance by radar
View termHors de conflit
An indication that the aircraft is no longer in a conflicting situation with another aircraft.
View termIdent
A function on the aircraft transponder that, when activated, causes the radar return to flash on the controller’s screen for identification.
View termIgnorer
A phrase used to instruct the pilot to ignore the previous transmission.
View termIncapable
A phrase used by pilots to indicate they cannot comply with a specific instruction or clearance.
View termInstrument
A term used to describe operations conducted with reference to instruments.
View termInterrompre le décollage
To stop the takeoff procedure after it has begun but before the aircraft becomes airborne.
View termJambe de base
The flight path at right angles to the landing runway off its approach end.
View termMaintenez
An instruction to continue holding a specified altitude, heading, speed, or other parameter until further advised.
View termMaintenez l'altitude actuelle
Instruction to the pilot to continue flying at the present assigned altitude.
View termMaintenez le cap piste
An instruction to continue on the magnetic heading of the runway after takeoff without turning, usually for departure sequencing or obstacle avoidance.
View termMaintenez position avant
An instruction to stop before reaching a specified point, usually a runway or intersection, and not proceed until further clearance is received.
View termMaintenir IFR
A phrase used to instruct the pilot to continue flying under Instrument Flight Rules.
View termMaintenir la séparation visuelle
A phrase used to instruct the pilot to visually keep a safe distance from other aircraft.
View termMaintenir sa propre séparation
A phrase used to instruct the pilot to ensure a safe distance from other aircraft without ATC assistance.
View termMaintenir VFR
A phrase used to instruct the pilot to continue flying under Visual Flight Rules.
View termMayday
A distress call indicating a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate assistance.
View termMise en route approuvée
ATC clearance authorizing the aircraft to start its engines, typically when pushback is not required.
View termMontez et maintenez
Instruction for the aircraft to begin climbing to the stated altitude and maintain that altitude when reached.
View termMontez à
An instruction to initiate a climb to a specific altitude and level off upon reaching it, unless otherwise directed.
View termMontée en croisière
A climb technique where the aircraft climbs at a constant power setting and speed.
View termMontée initiale
The initial leg of the traffic pattern after takeoff, flown parallel to the runway and in the direction of departure.
View termNiveau
A generic term used to denote a pilot's cleared vertical position, whether expressed as an altitude, flight level, or height.
View termNiveau de vol
A standardised altitude expressed in hundreds of feet, based on a pressure setting of 1013.2 hPa.
View termNégatif
A standard radiotelephony term meaning 'No'; used to indicate a negative response or denial.
View termOption
An ATC clearance that permits the pilot to perform a touch and go, stop and go, low approach, or full stop landing at the pilot’s discretion.
View termOrbite
A 360-degree turn in the air to delay or maintain position.
View termPan pan
A radio call indicating an urgent situation that is not immediately life-threatening.
View termPas de côté
A maneuver to change from one parallel runway to another during approach.
View termPassage au-dessus
A visual maneuver used to enter the traffic pattern from above the airfield, typically involving an initial pass over the runway followed by a break into the pattern.
View termPassant
A term used by pilots to report the altitude they are currently climbing or descending through.
View termPassez sur
Instruction to change the aircraft's communication radio frequency to another specified ATC unit or frequency.
View termPiste
A defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and takeoff of aircraft.
View termPiste dégagée
Confirmation that the aircraft has exited the runway.
View termPorte
A designated area at an airport where passengers board or disembark from an aircraft.
View termPosé-décollé
A maneuver in which an aircraft lands on a runway and immediately takes off again without coming to a full stop.
View termPoursuivez la descente
An ATC instruction directing the pilot to maintain the ongoing descent to a specified level or altitude without interruption.
View termProcédez direct
An ATC instruction authorizing an aircraft to fly directly to a specified point, bypassing the previously assigned route or waypoints.
View termProcédez via
An ATC instruction directing an aircraft to follow a specified route, airway, or series of waypoints.
View termPrévoir
Used by ATC to advise pilots of anticipated instructions or clearances, such as altitude changes or approach clearances, to assist with planning.
View termPrêt pour le départ
A phrase used by pilots to indicate they are prepared to begin the takeoff roll.
View termPrêt pour le repoussage
A phrase used by pilots to indicate they are prepared for the aircraft to be pushed back from the gate.
View termPrêt pour le roulage
A phrase used by pilots to indicate they are prepared to begin taxiing.
View termPrêt à copier
A phrase used by pilots to indicate they are prepared to receive and write down instructions or clearances.
View termQNH
The altimeter subscale setting that causes the altimeter to read elevation above mean sea level at an airfield. Used primarily below transition altitude.
View termQuitte
Used by pilots to report they are vacating a specific altitude, either climbing or descending from it.
View termQuitter la voie aérienne
An instruction to exit a designated airway.
View termRalentir
A phrase used to instruct the pilot to reduce speed.
View termRapport de position
A report made by a pilot to ATC providing the aircraft's current position, altitude, and other relevant information.
View termRejoignez
Instruction to intercept and follow a specified route, airway, arrival procedure, or traffic pattern.
View termRejoignez la base
Instruction to enter the circuit on the base leg, a perpendicular segment to final approach before landing.
View termRejoignez la vent arrière
An instruction to enter the traffic circuit on the downwind leg, parallel to and opposite direction of landing runway.
View termRejoindre finale
An instruction to align the aircraft with the final approach path for landing.
View termRejoindre la voie aérienne
An instruction to enter and follow a designated airway.
View termRelecture
A procedure where the receiving station repeats a received message or its pertinent parts to confirm accurate reception.
View termRelecture correcte
A phrase used by ATC to confirm that the pilot's readback of instructions is accurate.
View termRemise de gaz
An aborted landing approach, requiring the aircraft to climb and reattempt landing.
View termRemonter la piste
A procedure whereby an aircraft taxis in the opposite direction of take-off or landing on a runway to reach the threshold or exit.
View termRepoussage approuvé
An air traffic control authorization allowing an aircraft to begin pushback from the gate or stand, typically in coordination with ground services.
View termRepoussage et mise en route approuvés
ATC clearance authorizing an aircraft to begin pushback from the gate and start engines.
View termReprenez votre navigation
Instruction for the pilot to return to their own pre-filed or previously assigned route after deviation or vectoring.
View termRestriction d'altitude
A specified altitude that an aircraft must not exceed or descend below.
View termReçu
A standard radiotelephony term meaning 'I have received all of your last transmission'; it does not imply compliance or agreement.
View termRoulage vers
An ATC instruction authorizing an aircraft to proceed under its own power to a specified location on the aerodrome, such as a runway holding point or parking stand.
View termRoulage via
An ATC instruction specifying the taxi route an aircraft must follow, indicating designated taxiways and any other routing information.
View termRéduire la vitesse
A phrase used to instruct the pilot to decrease the aircraft's speed.
View termRéglage altimétrique
The value to which the scale of a pressure altimeter is set so as to indicate elevation or height. In ATC phraseology, this typically refers to the current QNH for a given location.
View termRéglez le code transpondeur
An instruction for a pilot to set a specific transponder code, enabling air traffic control to identify and track the aircraft on radar.
View termRéglez le transpondeur en mode veille
An instruction for a pilot to set the aircraft's transponder to standby mode, ceasing transmission of the transponder signal.
View termRépondez ident
An ATC instruction to activate the IDENT feature on the aircraft's transponder, which causes the radar return to flash, allowing identification of the aircraft.
View termRépétez
A phrase used to request the repetition of all or part of a previous transmission.
View termService radar terminé
ATC instruction indicating that radar monitoring and associated services are no longer being provided; the pilot must now operate under visual or procedural rules.
View termSignalez
An instruction for the pilot to provide specific information, such as position, altitude, or status, either once or at specified intervals.
View termSignalez atteinte
An instruction to notify ATC when a specified altitude or level has been attained.
View termSignalez en passant
An instruction for the pilot to notify ATC when passing through a specific altitude or level.
View termSignalez finale
An instruction for the pilot to inform ATC when the aircraft is on the final approach segment, aligned with the runway centerline and descending for landing.
View termSignalez piste libérée
An instruction to inform ATC when the aircraft has completely left the runway.
View termSignalez établi
An instruction for the pilot to inform ATC when the aircraft is established on a specified segment of the approach, typically the localizer or final approach course.
View termStationnement
The area where aircraft are parked for loading, unloading, or maintenance.
View termTaxi arrière
Taxiing on a runway in the opposite direction of takeoff or landing.
View termTerrain
The physical features of the land that may pose a hazard to aircraft.
View termTour de piste
A standard rectangular traffic pattern around the airfield used for sequencing aircraft for landing or training operations.
View termTournez à droite
An instruction from ATC to initiate a right turn onto a specific heading, route, or to avoid traffic or terrain.
View termTournez à gauche
An instruction to change aircraft heading by initiating a left turn.
View termTrafic en vue
Phrase used by pilots to confirm that they have visually acquired the reported traffic.
View termTraversez la piste
An instruction authorizing an aircraft to proceed across a specified runway, typically during taxi operations.
View termVent arrière
The flight path parallel to the landing runway in the opposite direction of landing.
View termVent traversier
The flight path at right angles to the landing runway at the upwind end.
View termVents
The current atmospheric conditions affecting aircraft movement.
View termVisuel
A term used to describe operations conducted with visual reference to the terrain.
View termVitesse
The rate at which an aircraft is moving through the air, usually expressed in knots.
View termVitesse minimale propre
The lowest speed at which an aircraft can fly in a clean configuration without deploying flaps or slats.
View termVoie de circulation
A path on an airport connecting runways with aprons, hangars, terminals, and other facilities.
View termVérification de l'altitude
A request to verify the current altitude of the aircraft.
View termVérification du vent
A request for the current wind conditions at a specific location.
View termÉcouter
Listen on a frequency without establishing two-way communication, maintaining awareness of transmissions
View term