3/21/24 

Pilot/Controller Glossary 

M 

MAA

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(See MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED ALTITUDE.) 

MACH NUMBER

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 The ratio of true airspeed to the speed of sound; e.g., MACH .82, MACH 1.6. 

(See AIRSPEED.) 

MACH TECHNIQUE [ICAO]

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 Describes a control technique used by air traffic control whereby turbojet 

aircraft operating successively along suitable routes are cleared to maintain appropriate MACH numbers for a 

relevant portion of the en route phase of flight. The principal objective is to achieve improved utilization of the 

airspace and to ensure that separation between successive aircraft does not decrease below the established 

minima. 
MAHWP

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 Missed Approach Holding Waypoint 

MAINTAIN

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a. 

Concerning altitude/flight level, the term means to remain at the altitude/flight level specified. The phrase 

“climb and” or “descend and” normally precedes “maintain” and the altitude assignment; e.g., “descend and 

maintain 5,000.” 

b. 

Concerning other ATC instructions, the term is used in its literal sense; e.g., maintain VFR. 

MAINTENANCE PLANNING FRICTION LEVEL

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The friction level specified in AC 150/5320-12, 

Measurement, Construction, and Maintenance of Skid Resistant Airport Pavement Surfaces, which represents 

the friction value below which the runway pavement surface remains acceptable for any category or class of 

aircraft operations but which is beginning to show signs of deterioration. This value will vary depending on the 

particular friction measurement equipment used. 

MAKE SHORT APPROACH

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Used by ATC to inform a pilot to alter his/her traffic pattern so as to make a short 

final approach. 

(See TRAFFIC PATTERN.) 

MAN PORTABLE AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS (MANPADS)

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 MANPADS are lightweight, 

shoulder

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launched, missile systems used to bring down aircraft and create mass casualties. The potential for 

MANPADS use against airborne aircraft is real and requires familiarity with the subject. Terrorists choose 

MANPADS because the weapons are low cost, highly mobile, require minimal set

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up time, and are easy to use 

and maintain. Although the weapons have limited range, and their accuracy is affected by poor visibility and 

adverse weather, they can be fired from anywhere on land or from boats where there is unrestricted visibility to 

the target. 
MANDATORY ALTITUDE

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 An altitude depicted on an instrument Approach Procedure Chart requiring the 

aircraft to maintain altitude at the depicted value. 
MANPADS

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(See MAN PORTABLE AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS.) 

MAP

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(See MISSED APPROACH POINT.) 

MARKER BEACON

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 An electronic navigation facility transmitting a 75 MHz vertical fan or boneshaped 

radiation pattern. Marker beacons are identified by their modulation frequency and keying code, and when 

received by compatible airborne equipment, indicate to the pilot, both aurally and visually, that he/she is passing 

over the facility. 

(See INNER MARKER.) 
(See MIDDLE MARKER.) 
(See OUTER MARKER.) 
(Refer to AIM.) 

PCG M

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