Pilot/Controller Glossary

These points are geographical locations which are defined by navigation aids/fixes. Pilots should discontinue
position reporting over compulsory reporting points when informed by ATC that their aircraft is in "radar
contact."
COMPUTER NAVIGATION FIX (CNF)- A Computer Navigation Fix is a point defined by a latitude/longitude
coordinate and is required to support Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) operations. A five-letter identifier
denoting a CNF can be found next to an "x" on en route charts and on some approach charts. Eventually, all CNFs
will be labeled and begin with the letters "CF" followed by three consonants (e.g., "CFWBG"). CNFs are not
recognized by ATC, are not contained in ATC fix or automation databases, and are not used for ATC purposes.
Pilots should not use CNFs for point-to-point navigation (e.g., proceed direct), filing a flight plan, or in
aircraft/ATC communications. Use of CNFs has not been adopted or recognized by the International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO).
(REFER to AIM 1-1-17b5(i)(2), Global Positioning System (GPS).

CONDITIONS NOT MONITORED- When an airport operator cannot monitor the condition of the movement
area or airfield surface area, this information is issued as a NOTAM. Usually necessitated due to staffing,
operating hours or other mitigating factors associated with airport operations.
CONFIDENCE MANEUVER- A confidence maneuver consists of one or more turns, a climb or descent, or
other maneuver to determine if the pilot in command (PIC) is able to receive and comply with ATC instructions.
CONFLICT ALERT- A function of certain air traffic control automated systems designed to alert radar
controllers to existing or pending situations between tracked targets (known IFR or VFR aircraft) that require
his/her immediate attention/action.
(See MODE C INTRUDER ALERT.)

CONFLICT RESOLUTION- The resolution of potential conflictions between aircraft that are radar identified
and in communication with ATC by ensuring that radar targets do not touch. Pertinent traffic advisories shall
be issued when this procedure is applied.
Note: This procedure shall not be provided utilizing mosaic radar systems.

CONFORMANCE- The condition established when an aircraft"s actual position is within the conformance
region constructed around that aircraft at its position, according to the trajectory associated with the aircraft"s
Current Plan.
CONFORMANCE REGION- A volume, bounded laterally, vertically, and longitudinally, within which an
aircraft must be at a given time in order to be in conformance with the Current Plan Trajectory for that aircraft.
At a given time, the conformance region is determined by the simultaneous application of the lateral, vertical,
and longitudinal conformance bounds for the aircraft at the position defined by time and aircraft"s trajectory.
CONSOLAN- A low frequency, long-distance NAVAID used principally for transoceanic navigations.
CONSOLIDATED WAKE TURBULENCE (CWT)- A version of RECAT that has nine categories, A through
I, that refines the grouping of aircraft while optimizing wake turbulence separation.
CONSTRAINT SATISFACTION POINT (CSP)- Meter Reference Elements (MREs) that are actively
scheduled by TBFM. Constraint satisfaction occurs when the Scheduled Time of Arrival generated for each
metered flight conforms to all the scheduling constraints specified at all the applicable CSPs.
CONTACT-
a. Establish communication with (followed by the name of the facility and, if appropriate, the frequency to
be used).
b. A flight condition wherein the pilot ascertains the attitude of his/her aircraft and navigates by visual
reference to the surface.
(See CONTACT APPROACH.)
(See RADAR CONTACT.)

CONTACT APPROACH- An approach wherein an aircraft on an IFR flight plan, having an air traffic control
authorization, operating clear of clouds with at least 1 mile flight visibility and a reasonable expectation of