Pilot/Controller Glossary
GROUND CLUTTER
This reproduces published FAA reference text for study. It does not replace the current official FAA publication or regulation.
A pattern produced on the radar scope by ground returns which may degrade other radar returns in the affected area. The effect of ground clutter is minimized by the use of moving target indicator (MTI) circuits in the radar equipment resulting in a radar presentation which displays only targets which are in motion.
Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 18, 2026.