Pilot/Controller Glossary

4/20/23

PCG T

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TRANSITIONAL HAZARD AREA (THA)

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 Used by ATC. Airspace normally associated with an Aircraft

Hazard Area within which the flight of aircraft is subject to restrictions.

(See AIRCRAFT HAZARD AREA.)
(See CONTINGENCY HAZARD AREA.)
(See REFINED HAZARD AREA.)

TRANSMISSOMETER

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 An apparatus used to determine visibility by measuring the transmission of light

through the atmosphere. It is the measurement source for determining runway visual range (RVR).

(See VISIBILITY.)

TRANSMITTING IN THE BLIND

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A transmission from one station to other stations in circumstances where

two-way communication cannot be established, but where it is believed that the called stations may be able to
receive the transmission.

TRANSPONDER

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 The airborne radar beacon receiver/transmitter portion of the Air Traffic Control Radar

Beacon System (ATCRBS) which automatically receives radio signals from interrogators on the ground, and
selectively replies with a specific reply pulse or pulse group only to those interrogations being received on the
mode to which it is set to respond.

(See INTERROGATOR.)
(See ICAO term TRANSPONDER.)
(Refer to AIM.)

TRANSPONDER [ICAO]

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 A receiver/transmitter which will generate a reply signal upon proper interrogation;

the interrogation and reply being on different frequencies.

TRANSPONDER CODES

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(See CODES.)

TRANSPONDER OBSERVED 

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 Phraseology used to inform a VFR pilot the aircraft

’

s assigned beacon code

and position have been observed. Specifically, this term conveys to a VFR pilot the transponder reply has been
observed and its position correlated for transit through the designated area.

TRIAL PLAN

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 A proposed amendment which utilizes automation to analyze and display potential conflicts

along the predicted trajectory of the selected aircraft.

TRSA

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(See TERMINAL RADAR SERVICE AREA.)

TRUST

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(See THE RECREATIONAL UAS SAFETY TEST.)

TSAS

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(See TERMINAL SEQUENCING AND SPACING.)

TSD

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(See TRAFFIC SITUATION DISPLAY.)

TURBOJET AIRCRAFT

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 An aircraft having a jet engine in which the energy of the jet operates a turbine which

in turn operates the air compressor.

TURBOPROP AIRCRAFT

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 An aircraft having a jet engine in which the energy of the jet operates a turbine

which drives the propeller.

TURBULENCE

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 An atmospheric phenomenon that causes changes in aircraft altitude, attitude, and or airspeed

with aircraft reaction depending on intensity. Pilots report turbulence intensity according to aircraft’s reaction
as follows:

a.

Light 

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 Causes slight, erratic changes in altitude and or attitude (pitch, roll, or yaw).

b.

Moderate

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 Similar to Light but of greater intensity. Changes in altitude and or attitude occur but the aircraft

remains in positive control at all times. It usually causes variations in indicated airspeed.

10/5/23

Pilot/Controller Glossary