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Browse Advanced ATC terms for pilots, air traffic controllers, cabin crew and aviation learners.
A scheduled, routine maintenance check performed at regular intervals to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft, typically involving inspections and minor servicing tasks as prescribed by the maintenance program (ICAO Doc 9760, FAA Part 43).
View termA comprehensive periodic maintenance inspection performed at longer intervals than A- or B-Checks, involving in-depth systems checks, component replacements, and structural inspections as prescribed by regulatory maintenance programs (ICAO Doc 9760, FAA Part 43).
View termAn extensive, scheduled maintenance inspection that involves major disassembly, overhaul, and comprehensive structural and systems checks, typically performed every 6–12 years to ensure long-term airworthiness (ICAO Doc 9760, FAA Part 43).
View termA ground-based transmitter providing precision approach and landing guidance by augmenting GNSS signals for aircraft at equipped airports (ICAO Doc 9849, FAA AC 150/5300-13).
View termA precision approach and landing system using GNSS signals enhanced by a Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS), providing Category I–III approach capabilities (ICAO Doc 9849, Annex 10).
View termSatellite-based communication for aircraft using L-band frequencies (1–2 GHz), supporting global voice and data links (ICAO Doc 9869, ARINC 741).
View termFlight-laws function holding safe sideslip target during engine-out or crosswind approach to maintain directional control.
View termAn updated TCAS alert that instructs the flight crew to reverse a previously issued vertical avoidance maneuver due to a change in conflicting traffic behavior (ICAO Doc 9863, FAA AIM).
View termPrecision approach using ILS equipment with decision height not lower than 100 ft and RVR not less than 300 m.
View termILS precision approach with decision height below 100 ft and RVR not less than 200 m; autopilot or HUD guidance required.
View termILS precision autoland with no decision height or below 50 ft and RVR as low as 75 m, requiring fail-operational capability.
View termAerodrome ground-movement and approach rules activated whenever reported runway visual range falls below published minima.
View termA rejected take-off initiated at a speed below V1 due to abnormal indications, system failure, or runway hazard (ICAO Doc 4444, FAA AIM 4‑3‑10).
View termArtificially higher temperature entered in FMS to calculate reduced-thrust take-off setting (flex) within performance limits.
View termAny deliberate or accidental disruption of GNSS signals affecting navigation and surveillance for aircraft, including jamming and signal loss (ICAO Annex 10, EASA SIB 2019-08R1).
View termA deliberate electronic attack that manipulates GNSS signals to provide false position or timing data to aircraft, endangering navigation and surveillance integrity (ICAO Annex 10, EASA SIB 2020-07).
View termA maintenance procedure using a borescope device to visually inspect the internal components of an aircraft engine for defects or damage (FAA AC 33-6, EASA Part 145).
View termTake-off using less than maximum rated thrust by performance calculation, saving engine life and fuel.
View termThe first shared, predicted trajectory of an aircraft, including latitude, longitude, altitude, and time, used in Trajectory-Based Operations for collaborative airspace management (ICAO Doc 9971).
View termA navigation specification for aircraft that combines Area Navigation (RNAV) with defined Required Navigation Performance (RNP) standards, indicating the precision and monitoring required in a given airspace or procedure, in accordance with ICAO Doc 9613.
View termA pan-European collaborative project (SESAR) for research and development of next-generation air traffic management, standardizing procedures and technology across Europe (EU ATM Master Plan, ICAO).
View termA satellite navigation system that augments GNSS signals, providing improved accuracy, integrity, and availability for aviation, including SBAS services like WAAS, EGNOS, GAGAN, and MSAS (ICAO Annex 10, Doc 9849).
View termContinuous or periodic analysis of engine data to assess performance, detect faults, and schedule maintenance (ICAO Doc 9760, FAA AC 33-16).
View termA visual and/or aural alert generated by the Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS or ECAM) to inform pilots of engine status, malfunctions, or required actions according to the system logic (ICAO, FAA AC 25-11A).
View termA cockpit display system that provides pilots with a computer-generated, real-time, 3D depiction of terrain, obstacles, and runways using position and navigation data.
View termA predicted or managed aircraft flight path defined by latitude, longitude, altitude, and time—core to Trajectory-Based Operations (ICAO Doc 9971).
View termA system that enhances the accuracy, integrity, and availability of GNSS signals for aviation by providing local ground-based corrections, used for precision approach and landing (ICAO Doc 9849, Annex 10).
View termA comprehensive system of lighting, signs, and procedures to support safe and efficient aircraft movement on the ground, especially in low visibility (ICAO Doc 9476, FAA AC 120-57).
View termAn operational authorisation indicating an aircraft and crew are approved to operate using specific performance-based navigation specifications such as RNAV and RNP, in accordance with ICAO Doc 9613.
View termA framework for area navigation based on required performance standards for accuracy, integrity, and functionality (ICAO Doc 9613).
View termA separation technique in which aircraft are spaced by time intervals instead of distance to maximize runway throughput, especially in strong headwind conditions (ICAO Doc 4444, SESAR).
View termA concept where aircraft operations are planned, managed, and executed based on a shared, predicted four-dimensional trajectory, enhancing airspace capacity and efficiency (ICAO Doc 9971).
View termOnboard system using infrared or millimeter wave cameras to improve pilot visibility of runway, terrain, and obstacles in poor visibility (ICAO Doc 9365, FAA AC 20-167A).
View termJapan’s Satellite-Based Augmentation System providing GNSS augmentation for aviation, enabling precision approaches at airports in the region (ICAO Doc 9849, JCAB Guidance).
View termThe use of advanced computing techniques to analyze vast amounts of operational data, supporting safety, efficiency, and predictive maintenance in aviation (ICAO Doc 10140).
View termAutoland configuration where a single failure causes autopilot disengage but leaves aircraft in trim, allowing manual landing continuation.
View termA cryptographic method that ensures only authorized software can be loaded on avionics systems during startup (EASA, ICAO Doc 10117).
View termA structured set of procedures within an SMS for identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational safety risks in aviation organizations (ICAO Doc 9859, FAA AC 120-92B).
View termAutoland logic able to complete flare, touchdown and rollout after any single-component failure below alert height.
View termTransparent cockpit display showing critical flight data within the pilot’s forward field of view, reducing the need to look down at instruments.
View termA U.S.-based Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) that enhances GPS accuracy, integrity, and availability for all phases of flight, enabling precision approaches with LPV minima (FAA AIM, ICAO Doc 9849).
View termAn on-board device that rapidly records selected flight parameters for operational monitoring and safety analysis, with quick data download capability (ICAO Annex 6).
View termA specific approach procedure requiring both Required Navigation Performance (RNP) and explicit operational authorisation, used in airspace or at airports with demanding performance and monitoring requirements (ICAO Doc 9613).
View termA globally standardized measure for communications capability, latency, and integrity in airspace—‘240’ indicates message transaction time ≤240 seconds (ICAO Doc 9869).
View termA system that provides pre-recorded, digital, real-time airport and weather information to pilots automatically (ICAO Doc 4444, FAA AIM 4‑1‑13).
View termA database system providing real-time digital terrain and obstacle data for flight planning, situational awareness, and navigation safety (ICAO Doc 9881, Annex 15).
View termA machine-readable NOTAM provided in digital format for direct integration into flight planning, EFBs, and avionics systems, ensuring timely and accurate distribution of aeronautical information (ICAO Doc 10066).
View termDigital message exchange between air traffic control and aircraft, including CPDLC, ADS-C, and other datalink systems for clearances, instructions, and information (ICAO Doc 10037, GOLD).
View termThe United States’ initiative (NextGen) to modernize the national airspace system, integrating new technologies, automation, and procedures for increased safety, efficiency, and capacity (FAA NextGen, ICAO Doc 9854).
View termThe operational allowance permitting dispatch or continued operation of an aircraft with certain inoperative items, as listed in the approved Minimum Equipment List (ICAO Doc 9760, MEL Policy).
View termAn ICAO standard for data link communications in oceanic and remote airspace; FANS 1/A enables CPDLC and ADS-C functions for advanced controller-pilot communications (ICAO Doc 9869, GOLD).
View termThe European SBAS providing GNSS augmentation for safety-critical aviation operations, enabling APV and LPV approaches across Europe (ICAO Doc 9849, EASA AMC 20-28).
View termA terminal arrival procedure in which aircraft from different routes are directed to a predefined merge point and sequenced for final approach (ICAO Doc 9931, FAA NextGen).
View termA precision instrument approach and landing operation with the lowest decision heights and runway visual range (RVR), requiring special authorisation, specific aircraft and crew certification, and strict adherence to Category III minima (ICAO Doc 9365).
View termA precision approach and landing operation using Category II minima that requires special authorisation by the state of the operator and additional operational, equipment, and crew qualifications (ICAO Doc 9365, PANS-OPS Vol I).
View termA system status or advisory displayed on the Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) system, indicating real-time aircraft systems information, warnings, or required actions for pilots (Airbus FCOM, ICAO).
View termA portable, non-mounted device (typically a commercial tablet or laptop) used for flight planning, charts, and manuals, not connected to aircraft data or power (FAA AC 120-76D).
View termA permanently installed EFB system fully integrated with aircraft power and data, certified as part of aircraft avionics (FAA AC 120-76D, EASA AMC 20-25).
View termA portable EFB device that may be temporarily connected to aircraft power/data during flight but is stowed after use (FAA AC 120-76D).
View termA digitally filed and managed flight plan, submitted electronically to ATC, airlines, and relevant authorities, allowing automated processing, distribution, and amendment (ICAO Doc 4444, FAA AIM).
View termA systematic approach by operators to monitor and manage crew fatigue risk, including procedures, training, and reporting, in compliance with ICAO and EASA regulations (ICAO Doc 9966).
View termCockpit annunciation indicating availability and health of localizer, glide-slope and autoland monitoring channels.
View termA controller support system that calculates optimal spacing between arriving and departing aircraft to maximize runway efficiency and safety (FAA NextGen, SESAR).
View termA communications system using 5G cellular technology in the C-band spectrum for high-speed, low-latency data transfer to and from aircraft (ICAO GANP, SESAR).
View termA broadband communication system using 4G/LTE technology to provide high-speed data links between aircraft and ground stations (ICAO GANP, SESAR).
View termA digital message sent from ATC to the flight deck over the Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) system, including clearances, instructions, or information (ICAO GOLD).
View termA digital communication system that enables the exchange of messages between air traffic controllers and pilots via data link, used primarily in oceanic, remote, and high-density airspace for clearances, instructions, and reports. (ICAO Doc 4444, GOLD)
View termA digital communication system enabling direct message exchange between air traffic controllers and pilots via data link, primarily used in oceanic, remote, and high-density airspace for clearances, instructions, and reports (ICAO Doc 4444, GOLD).
View termA global aviation data-sharing infrastructure standardizing information exchange among ATM stakeholders, improving situational awareness and efficiency (ICAO Doc 10039).
View termThe process of applying security measures to reduce cyberattack risk on aircraft systems and networks (EASA, ICAO Doc 10117).
View termPilot technique balancing airspeed and altitude by trading potential and kinetic energy for efficient trajectory control.
View termA formal agreement, electronically established between an aircraft and ATC ground station, specifying when position, intent, and status reports are automatically transmitted via ADS-C (ICAO Doc 4444, GOLD).
View termA surveillance technology in which an aircraft automatically broadcasts its position, velocity, and identification derived from GNSS, used by ATC and other aircraft (ICAO Annex 10, Doc 4444).
View termA surveillance function enabling an aircraft to receive and display ADS-B broadcasts from other aircraft, increasing situational awareness (ICAO Annex 10, FAA AIM).
View termIntegrated avionics that guides aircraft from glide-slope capture through flare and rollout without pilot control inputs.
View termARINC 664, also known as AFDX, is a deterministic Ethernet network protocol for reliable, high-speed data communications between avionics subsystems on aircraft.
View termA high-speed, deterministic digital data network based on Ethernet technology, used to interconnect avionics systems on modern aircraft (ARINC 664, AFDX).
View termA system that delivers both power and data over Ethernet cables to avionics equipment, reducing wiring complexity and enabling flexible installations (ARINC 429, ARINC 664).
View termThe use of cryptographic protocols (TLS/SSL) to protect avionics network data in transit from unauthorized access or tampering (ICAO Doc 10117, EASA AMC 20-42).
View termA deterministic, high-speed, full-duplex switched Ethernet network designed specifically for critical avionics systems, providing reliable, low-latency data exchange between aircraft systems (ARINC 664, Part 7).
View termAn observational safety program in which trained auditors monitor routine flight operations to identify threats and errors and recommend safety improvements (ICAO Doc 9803, FAA).
View termA mandatory electronic assessment verifying that aircrew or ATC personnel have completed required computer-based training modules in accordance with regulatory standards (ICAO Doc 9868, EASA AMC1).
View termA standardized tool used to report runway surface condition for operational decision-making, using runway condition codes (RWYCC) per ICAO/FAA harmonized methodology.
View termReported horizontal distance a pilot can see runway markings or lights, measured at 75 metres for CAT IIIB minima.
View termAutothrust safeguard that commands maximum thrust if angle-of-attack approaches stall, preventing loss of lift.
View termAn official authorisation for an aircraft and operator to use Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace, allowing reduced vertical separation of 1,000 feet between FL290 and FL410, in accordance with ICAO Doc 9574.
View termEngine rated for lower maximum take-off thrust than certification limit, permanently reducing stress and maintenance costs.
View termA maintenance approach using data analytics, sensors, and machine learning to predict equipment failures and schedule repairs before faults occur (ICAO Doc 10140, FAA).
View termProtection of aircraft networks from unauthorized access, cyberattacks, and data breaches, ensuring the integrity of onboard systems (EASA, ICAO Doc 10117).
View termSymbol on HUD or PFD showing instantaneous trajectory of aircraft relative to horizon and runway aiming point.
View termA program for analyzing digital flight data to identify, assess, and mitigate operational safety risks, supporting proactive safety management (ICAO Doc 10000, FAA AC 120-82).
View termA secure Wi-Fi network within the cockpit for connecting Electronic Flight Bags, avionics, or crew devices, isolated from passenger cabin networks (FAA, EASA AMC 20-25).
View termA new generation of satellite technology providing much greater data capacity and bandwidth to aircraft for broadband connectivity (FAA, ICAO GANP).
View termA long-range communication system enabling digital message exchange between aircraft and ground stations via high-frequency (HF) radio bands, often used for ATC datalink in oceanic and remote airspace (ICAO Doc 10037).
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