Pilot/Controller Glossary

4/20/23

PCG F

−

3

FINAL MONITOR CONTROLLER

−

 Air Traffic Control Specialist assigned to radar monitor the flight path

of aircraft during simultaneous parallel (approach courses spaced less than 9000 feet/9200 feet above 5000 feet)
and simultaneous close parallel approach operations. Each runway is assigned a final monitor controller during
simultaneous parallel and simultaneous close parallel ILS approaches.

FIR

−

(See FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION.)

FIRST PERSON VIEW

−

 UAS operation in which imagery is transmitted to the UAS pilot by an onboard UA

camera.

FIRST TIER CENTER

−

 An ARTCC immediately adjacent to the impacted center.

FIS

−

B

−

(See FLIGHT INFORMATION SERVICE

−

BROADCAST.)

FIX

−

 A geographical position determined by visual reference to the surface, by reference to one or more radio

NAVAIDs, by celestial plotting, or by another navigational device.

FIX BALANCING

−

 A process whereby aircraft are evenly distributed over several available arrival fixes

reducing delays and controller workload.

FLAG

−

 A warning device incorporated in certain airborne navigation and flight instruments indicating that:

a.

Instruments are inoperative or otherwise not operating satisfactorily, or

b.

Signal strength or quality of the received signal falls below acceptable values.

FLAG ALARM

−

(See FLAG.)

FLAMEOUT

−

 An emergency condition caused by a loss of engine power.

FLAMEOUT PATTERN

−

 An approach normally conducted by a single-engine military aircraft experiencing

loss or anticipating loss of engine power or control. The standard overhead approach starts at a relatively high
altitude over a runway (“high key”) followed by a continuous 180 degree turn to a high, wide position (“low key”)
followed by a continuous 180 degree turn final. The standard straight-in pattern starts at a point that results in
a straight-in approach with a high rate of descent to the runway. Flameout approaches terminate in the type
approach requested by the pilot (normally fullstop).

FLIGHT CHECK

−

 A call sign prefix used by FAA aircraft engaged in flight inspection/certification of

navigational aids and flight procedures. The word “recorded” may be added as a suffix; e.g., “Flight Check 320
recorded” to indicate that an automated flight inspection is in progress in terminal areas.

(See FLIGHT INSPECTION.)
(Refer to AIM.)

FLIGHT DATA [FSS]– The primary task of the FSS flight data position is information management. Flight data
services include the development, translation, processing, and coordination of aeronautical, meteorological, and
aviation information.

FLIGHT FOLLOWING

−

(See TRAFFIC ADVISORIES.)

FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION

−

 An airspace of defined dimensions within which Flight Information

Service and Alerting Service are provided.

a.

Flight Information Service. A service provided for the purpose of giving advice and information useful for

the safe and efficient conduct of flights.

b.

Alerting Service. A service provided to notify appropriate organizations regarding aircraft in need of search

and rescue aid and to assist such organizations as required.

FLIGHT INFORMATION SERVICE

−

 A service provided for the purpose of giving advice and information

useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights.

10/5/23

Pilot/Controller Glossary