3/21/24 

Pilot/Controller Glossary 

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 capability 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 standardized procedure which permits an air traffic controller to enter 

the airspace assigned to another air traffic controller without verbal coordination. The procedures are defined 

in a facility directive which ensures approved separation between aircraft. 
PREARRANGED COORDINATION PROCEDURES

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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. 
PRECIPITATION

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 Any or all forms of water particles (rain, sleet, hail, or snow) that fall from the atmosphere 

and reach the surface. 
PRECIPITATION RADAR WEATHER DESCRIPTIONS

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Existing radar systems cannot detect turbulence. 

However, there is a direct correlation between the degree of turbulence and other weather features associated with 

thunderstorms and the weather radar precipitation intensity. Controllers will issue (where capable) precipitation 

intensity as observed by radar when using weather and radar processor (WARP) or NAS ground

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based digital 

radars with weather capabilities. When precipitation intensity information is not available, the intensity will be 

described as UNKNOWN. When intensity levels can be determined, they shall be described as: 

a. 

LIGHT (< 26 dBZ) 

b. 

MODERATE (26 to 40 dBZ) 

c. 

HEAVY (> 40 to 50 dBZ) 

d. 

EXTREME (> 50 dBZ) 

(Refer to the Aviation Weather Handbook, FAA

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H

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8083

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28.) 

PRECISION APPROACH

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(See PRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURE.) 

PRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURE

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 A standard instrument approach procedure in which an electronic 

glideslope or other type of glidepath is provided; e.g., ILS, PAR, and GLS. 

(See INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM.) 
(See PRECISION APPROACH RADAR.) 

PRECISION APPROACH RADAR

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 Radar equipment in some ATC facilities operated by the FAA and/or the 

military services at joint-use civil/military locations and separate military installations to detect and display 

azimuth, elevation, and range of aircraft on the final approach course to a runway. This equipment may be used 

PCG P

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