Pilot/Controller Glossary 

12/2/21 

PILOT’S DISCRETION

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 When used in conjunc-

tion with altitude assignments, means that ATC has 
offered the pilot the option of starting climb or 
descent whenever he/she wishes and conducting the 
climb or descent at any rate he/she wishes. He/she 
may temporarily level off at any intermediate 
altitude. However, once he/she has vacated an 
altitude, he/she may not return to that altitude. 

PIREP

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(See PILOT WEATHER REPORT.) 

PITCH POINT

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 A fix/waypoint that serves as a 

transition point from a departure procedure or the low 
altitude ground

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based navigation structure into the 

high altitude waypoint system. 

PLAN, EXECUTE, REVIEW, TRAIN, IMPROVE 
(PERTI)

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 A process that delivers a one

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day detailed 

plan for NAS operations, and a two

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day outlook, 

which sets NAS performance goals for high impact 
constraints. PLAN: Increase lead time for identifying 
aviation system constraint planning and goals while 
utilizing historical NAS performance data and 
constraints to derive successful and/or improved 
advance planning strategies. EXECUTE: Set goals 
and a strategy. The Air Traffic Control System 
Command Center (ATCSCC), FAA field facilities, 
and aviation stakeholders execute the strategy and 
work to achieve the desired/planned outcomes. 
REVIEW: Utilize post event analysis and lessons 
learned to define and implement future strategies and 
operational triggers based on past performance and 
outcomes, both positive and negative. TRAIN: 
Develop training that includes rapid and continuous 
feedback to operational personnel and provides 
increased data and weather knowledge and tools for 
analytical usage and planning. IMPROVE: Imple-
ment better information sharing processes, 
technologies, and procedures that improve the skills 
and technology needed to implement operational 
insights and improvements. 

PLANS DISPLAY

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 A display available in EDST 

that provides detailed flight plan and predicted 
conflict information in textual format for requested 
Current Plans and all Trial Plans. 

(See EN ROUTE DECISION SUPPORT TOOL) 

PLANVIEW GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE 
(PGUI)

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 A TBFM display that provides a spatial 

display of individual aircraft track information. 

POFZ

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(See PRECISION OBSTACLE FREE ZONE.) 

POINT OUT

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(See RADAR POINT OUT.) 

POINT

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TO

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POINT (PTP)

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 A level of NRR service 

for aircraft that is based on traditional waypoints in 
their FMSs or RNAV equipage. 

POLAR TRACK STRUCTURE

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 A system of 

organized routes between Iceland and Alaska which 
overlie Canadian MNPS Airspace. 

POSITION REPORT

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 A report over a known 

location as transmitted by an aircraft to ATC. 

(Refer to AIM.) 

POSITION SYMBOL

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 A computer-generated 

indication shown on a radar display to indicate the 
mode of tracking. 

POSITIVE CONTROL

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 The separation of all air 

traffic within designated airspace by air traffic 
control. 

PRACTICE INSTRUMENT APPROACH

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 An 

instrument approach procedure conducted by a VFR 
or an IFR aircraft for the purpose of pilot training or 
proficiency demonstrations. 

PRE

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DEPARTURE CLEARANCE

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 An application 

with the Terminal Data Link System (TDLS) that 
provides clearance information to subscribers, 
through a service provider, in text to the cockpit or 
gate printer. 

PRE

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DEPARTURE REROUTE (PDRR)

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 A capa-

bility within the Traffic Flow Management System 
that enables ATC to quickly amend and execute 
revised departure clearances that mitigate en route 
constraints or balance en route traffic flows. 

PREARRANGED COORDINATION

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 A standard-

ized procedure which permits an air traffic controller 
to enter the airspace assigned to another air traffic 
controller without verbal coordination. The proce-
dures are defined in a facility directive which ensures 
approved separation between aircraft. 

PREARRANGED COORDINATION PROCE-
DURES

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 A facility’s standardized procedure that 

describes the process by which one controller shall 
allow an aircraft to penetrate or transit another 
controller’s airspace in a manner that assures 
approved separation without individual coordination 
for each aircraft. 

PCG P

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