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
−
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
−
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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