Pilot/Controller GlossaryChange 3
Letter T
T
133 Terms
360 OVERHEAD
See OVERHEAD MANEUVER.
TACAN
TACAN‐ONLY AIRCRAFT
An aircraft, normally military, possessing TACAN with DME but no VOR navigational system capability. Clearances must specify TACAN or VORTAC fixes and approaches.
TACTICAL AIR NAVIGATION (TACAN)
TAILWIND
Any wind more than 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the runway. The magnetic direction of the runway must be used as the basis for determining the longitudinal axis.
TAKEOFF AREA
See LANDING AREA.
TAKEOFF DISTANCE AVAILABLE (TODA)
The takeoff run available plus the length of any remaining runway or clearway beyond the far end of the takeoff run available.
See ICAO term TAKEOFF DISTANCE AVAILABLE.
TAKEOFF DISTANCE AVAILABLE [ICAO]
The length of the takeoff run available plus the length of the clearway, if provided.
TAKEOFF HOLD LIGHTS (THL)
The THL system is composed of in-pavement lighting in a double, longitudinal row of lights aligned either side of the runway centerline. The lights are focused toward the arrival end of the runway at the “line up and wait” point, and they extend for 1,500 feet in front of the holding aircraft. Illuminated red lights indicate to an aircraft in position for takeoff or rolling that it is unsafe to takeoff because the runway is occupied or about to be occupied by an aircraft or vehicle.
TAKEOFF ROLL
The process whereby an aircraft is aligned with the runway centerline and the aircraft is moving with the intent to take off. For helicopters, this pertains to the act of becoming airborne after departing a takeoff area.
TAKEOFF RUN AVAILABLE (TORA)
The runway length declared available and suitable for the ground run of an airplane taking off.
See ICAO term TAKEOFF RUN AVAILABLE.
TAKEOFF RUN AVAILABLE [ICAO]
The length of runway declared available and suitable for the ground run of an aeroplane take‐off.
TARGET
The indication shown on a display resulting from a primary radar return, a radar beacon reply, or an ADS-B report. The specific target symbol presented to ATC may vary based on the surveillance source and automation platform.
See ASSOCIATED.
See DIGITAL TARGET.
See DIGITIZED RADAR TARGET.
See FUSED TARGET.
See PRIMARY RADAR TARGET.
See RADAR.
See ICAO term TARGET.
See UNASSOCIATED.
TARGET [ICAO]
In radar:
Generally, any discrete object which reflects or retransmits energy back to the radar equipment.
Specifically, an object of radar search or surveillance.
TARGET RESOLUTION
A process to ensure that correlated radar targets do not touch. Target resolution must be applied as follows:
Between the edges of two primary targets or the edges of the ASR‐9/11 primary target symbol.
Between the end of the beacon control slash and the edge of a primary target.
Between the ends of two beacon control slashes.
Note 1
Mandatory traffic advisories and safety alerts must be issued when this procedure is used.
Note 2
This procedure must not be used when utilizing mosaic radar systems or multi-sensor mode.
TARGET SYMBOL
See TARGET.
See ICAO term TARGET.
TARMAC DELAY
The holding of an aircraft on the ground either before departure or after landing with no opportunity for its passengers to deplane.
TARMAC DELAY AIRCRAFT
An aircraft whose pilot-in-command has requested to taxi to the ramp, gate, or alternate deplaning area to comply with the Three-hour Tarmac Rule.
TARMAC DELAY REQUEST
A request by the pilot-in-command to taxi to the ramp, gate, or alternate deplaning location to comply with the Three-hour Tarmac Rule.
TAS
See TERMINAL AUTOMATION SYSTEMS.
TAWS
See TERRAIN AWARENESS WARNING SYSTEM.
TAXI
The movement of an airplane under its own power on the surface of an airport (14 CFR section 135.100 [Note]). Also, it describes the surface movement of helicopters equipped with wheels.
See AIR TAXI.
See HOVER TAXI.
Refer to 14 CFR section 135.100
Refer to AIM
TAXI PATTERNS
Patterns established to illustrate the desired flow of ground traffic for the different runways or airport areas available for use.
TBM
TBO
See TRAJECTORY-BASED OPERATIONS.
TCAS
See TRAFFIC ALERT AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM.
TCH
See THRESHOLD CROSSING HEIGHT.
TDLS
See TERMINAL DATA LINK SYSTEM.
TDZE
TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION (TFR)
A TFR is a regulatory action issued by the FAA via the U.S. NOTAM System, under the authority of United States Code, Title 49. TFRs are issued within the sovereign airspace of the United States and its territories to restrict certain aircraft from operating within a defined area on a temporary basis to protect persons or property in the air or on the ground. While not all inclusive, TFRs may be issued for disaster or hazard situations such as: toxic gas leaks or spills, fumes from flammable agents, aircraft accident/incident sites, aviation or ground resources engaged in wildfire suppression, or aircraft relief activities following a disaster. TFRs may also be issued in support of VIP movements, for reasons of national security; or when determined necessary for the management of air traffic in the vicinity of aerial demonstrations or major sporting events. NAS users or other interested parties should contact a FSS for TFR information. Additionally, TFR information can be found in automated briefings, NOTAM publications, and on the internet at https://www.faa.gov . The FAA also distributes TFR information to aviation user groups for further dissemination.
TERMINAL AREA
A general term used to describe airspace in which approach control service or airport traffic control service is provided.
TERMINAL AREA FACILITY
A facility providing air traffic control service for arriving and departing IFR, VFR, Special VFR, and on occasion en route aircraft.
See APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY.
See TOWER.
TERMINAL AUTOMATION SYSTEMS (TAS)
TAS is used to identify the numerous automated tracking systems including STARS and MEARTS.
TERMINAL DATA LINK SYSTEM (TDLS)
A system that provides Digital Automatic Terminal Information Service (D-ATIS) both on a specified radio frequency and, for subscribers, in a text message via data link to the cockpit or to a gate printer. TDLS also provides the CPDLC Departure Clearance Application (DCL) and Pre‐departure Clearances (PDC), at selected airports, to subscribers, through a service provider, in text to the cockpit or to a gate printer. In addition, TDLS will emulate the Flight Data Input/Output (FDIO) information within the control tower.
TERMINAL FLIGHT DATA MANAGER (TFDM)
An integrated tower flight data automation system to provide improved airport surface and terminal airspace management. TFDM enhances traffic flow management data integration with Time-Based Flow Management (TBFM) and Traffic Flow Management System (TFMS) to enable airlines, controllers, and airports to share and exchange real-time data. This improves surface traffic management and enhances capabilities of TFMS and TBFM. TFDM assists the Tower personnel with surface Traffic Flow Management (TFM) and Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) and enables a fundamental change in the Towers from a local airport‐specific operation to a NAS-connected metering operation. The single platform consolidates multiple Tower automation systems, including: Departure Spacing Program (DSP), Airport Resource Management Tool (ARMT), Electronic Flight Strip Transfer System (EFSTS), and Surface Movement Advisor (SMA). TFDM data, integrated with other FAA systems such as TBFM and TFMS, allows airlines, controllers, and airports to manage the flow of aircraft more efficiently through all phases of flight from departure to arrival gate.
TERMINAL RADAR SERVICE AREA
Airspace surrounding designated airports wherein ATC provides radar vectoring, sequencing, and separation on a full‐time basis for all IFR and participating VFR aircraft. The AIM contains an explanation of TRSA. TRSAs are depicted on VFR aeronautical charts. Pilot participation is urged but is not mandatory.
TERMINAL SEQUENCING AND SPACING (TSAS)
Extends scheduling and metering capabilities into the terminal area and provides metering automation tools to terminal controllers and terminal traffic management personnel. Those controllers and traffic management personnel become active participants in time‐based metering operations as they work to deliver aircraft accurately to Constraint Satisfaction Points within terminal airspace to include the runway in accordance with scheduled times at those points. Terminal controllers are better able to utilize efficient flight paths, such as Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) that require a Navigational Specification (NavSpec) of RNP APCH with Radius-to-Fix (RF) legs, or Advanced RNP (A-RNP), through tools that support the merging of mixed-equipage traffic flows. For example, merging aircraft flying RNP APCH AR with RF, A-RNP, and non-RNP approach procedures. Additional fields in the flight plan will identify those flights capable of flying the RNP APCH with RF or A-RNP procedures, and those flights will be scheduled for those types of procedures when available. TSAS will schedule these and the non-RNP aircraft to a common merge point. Terminal traffic management personnel have improved situation awareness using displays that allow for the monitoring of terminal metering operations, similar to the displays used today by center traffic management personnel to monitor en route metering operations.
TERMINAL VFR RADAR SERVICE
A national program instituted to extend the terminal radar services provided instrument flight rules (IFR) aircraft to visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft. The program is divided into four types service referred to as basic radar service, terminal radar service area (TRSA) service, Class B service and Class C service. The type of service provided at a particular location is contained in the Chart Supplement.
Basic Radar Service- These services are provided for VFR aircraft by all commissioned terminal radar facilities. Basic radar service includes safety alerts, traffic advisories, limited radar vectoring when requested by the pilot, and sequencing at locations where procedures have been established for this purpose and/or when covered by a letter of agreement. The purpose of this service is to adjust the flow of arriving IFR and VFR aircraft into the traffic pattern in a safe and orderly manner and to provide traffic advisories to departing VFR aircraft.
TRSA Service- This service provides, in addition to basic radar service, sequencing of all IFR and participating VFR aircraft to the primary airport and separation between all participating VFR aircraft. The purpose of this service is to provide separation between all participating VFR aircraft and all IFR aircraft operating within the area defined as a TRSA.
Class C Service- This service provides, in addition to basic radar service, approved separation between IFR and VFR aircraft, and sequencing of VFR aircraft, and sequencing of VFR arrivals to the primary airport.
Class B Service- This service provides, in addition to basic radar service, approved separation of aircraft based on IFR, VFR, and/or weight, and sequencing of VFR arrivals to the primary airport(s).
See CONTROLLED AIRSPACE.
See TERMINAL RADAR SERVICE AREA.
Refer to AIM
Refer to CHART SUPPLEMENT U.S
TERMINAL‐VERY HIGH FREQUENCY OMNIDIRECTIONAL RANGE STATION (TVOR)
A very high frequency terminal omnirange station located on or near an airport and used as an approach aid.
See NAVIGATIONAL AID.
See VOR.
TERRAIN AWARENESS WARNING SYSTEM (TAWS)
An on-board, terrain proximity alerting system providing the aircrew `Low Altitude warnings' to allow immediate pilot action.
TERRAIN FOLLOWING
The flight of a military aircraft maintaining a constant AGL altitude above the terrain or the highest obstruction. The altitude of the aircraft will constantly change with the varying terrain and/or obstruction.
TETRAHEDRON
A device normally located on uncontrolled airports and used as a landing direction indicator. The small end of a tetrahedron points in the direction of landing. At controlled airports, the tetrahedron, if installed, should be disregarded because tower instructions supersede the indicator.
See SEGMENTED CIRCLE.
Refer to AIM
TF
See TERRAIN FOLLOWING.
TFDM
See TERMINAL FLIGHT DATA MANAGER.
TGUI
See TIMELINE GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE.
THA
THAT IS CORRECT
The understanding you have is right.
THE RECREATIONAL UAS SAFETY TEST (TRUST)
The electronically administered free test required for all recreational UAS operators referred to as the aeronautical knowledge and safety test, under 49 USC §44809 (g).
THREE‐HOUR TARMAC RULE
Rule that relates to Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements placed on airlines when tarmac delays are anticipated to reach 3 hours.
THRESHOLD
The beginning of that portion of the runway usable for landing.
See AIRPORT LIGHTING.
See DISPLACED THRESHOLD.
THRESHOLD CROSSING HEIGHT
The theoretical height above the runway threshold at which the aircraft's glideslope antenna would be if the aircraft maintains the trajectory established by the mean ILS glideslope or the altitude at which the calculated glidepath of an RNAV or GPS approaches.
See GLIDESLOPE.
See THRESHOLD.
THRESHOLD LIGHTS
See AIRPORT LIGHTING.
TIE-IN FACILITY
The FSS primarily responsible for providing FSS services, including telecommunications services for landing facilities or navigational aids located within the boundaries of a flight plan area (FPA). Three‐letter identifiers are assigned to each FSS/FPA and are annotated as tie‐in facilities in the Chart Supplement and accessible through FAA Order JO 7350.9, Location Identifiers. Large consolidated FSS facilities may have many tie‐in facilities or FSS sectors within one facility.
See FLIGHT PLAN AREA.
TIME GROUP
Four digits representing the hour and minutes from the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) clock. FAA uses UTC for all operations. The term “ZULU” may be used to denote UTC. The word “local” or the time zone equivalent must be used to denote local when local time is given during radio and telephone communications. When written, a time zone designator is used to indicate local time; e.g., “0205M” (Mountain). The local time may be based on the 24‐hour clock system. The day begins at 0000 and ends at 2359.
TIME‐BASED FLOW MANAGEMENT (TBFM)
A foundational Decision Support Tool for time-based management in the en route and terminal environments. TBFM's core function is the ability to schedule aircraft within a stream of traffic to reach a defined constraint point (e.g., meter fix/meter arc) at specified times, creating a time‐ordered sequence of traffic. The scheduled times allow for merging of traffic flows, efficiently utilizing airport and airspace capacity while minimizing coordination and reducing the need for vectoring/holding. The TBFM schedule is calculated using current aircraft estimated time of arrival at key defined constraint points based on wind forecasts, aircraft flight plan, the desired separation at the constraint point and other parameters. The schedule applies spacing only when needed to maintain the desired separation at one or more constraint points. This includes, but is not limited to, Single Center Metering (SCM), Adjacent Center Metering (ACM), En Route Departure Capability (EDC), Integrated Departure/Arrival Capability (IDAC), Ground-based Interval Management-Spacing (GIM-S), Departure Scheduling, and Extended/Coupled Metering.
TIME‐BASED MANAGEMENT (TBM)
A methodology for managing the flow of air traffic through the assignment of time at specific points for an aircraft. TBM applies time to manage and condition air traffic flows to mitigate demand/capacity imbalances and enhance efficiency and predictability of the NAS. Where implemented, TBM tools will be used to manage traffic even during periods when demand does not exceed capacity. This will sustain operational predictability and assure the regional/national strategic plan is maintained. TBM uses capabilities within TFMS, TBFM, and TFDM. These programs are designed to achieve a specified interval between aircraft. Different types of programs accommodate different phases of flight.
TIMELINE GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (TGUI)
A TBFM display that uses timelines to display the Estimated Time of Arrival and Scheduled Time of Arrival of each aircraft to specified constraint points. The TGUI can also display pre-departure and scheduled aircraft.
TIS-B
See TRAFFIC INFORMATION SERVICE-BROADCAST.
TMI
See TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE.
TMPA
See TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ALERT.
TMU
TOD
See TOP OF DESCENT.
TODA
See TAKEOFF DISTANCE AVAILABLE.
See ICAO term TAKEOFF DISTANCE AVAILABLE.
TOI
See TRACK OF INTEREST.
TOP ALTITUDE
In reference to SID published altitude restrictions, the charted “maintain” altitude contained in the procedure description or assigned by ATC.
TOP OF DESCENT (TOD)
The point at which an aircraft begins the initial descent.
TORA
See ICAO term TAKEOFF RUN AVAILABLE.
TORCHING
The burning of fuel at the end of an exhaust pipe or stack of a reciprocating aircraft engine, the result of an excessive richness in the fuel air mixture.
TOS
TOTAL ESTIMATED ELAPSED TIME [ICAO]
For IFR flights, the estimated time required from takeoff to arrive over that designated point, defined by reference to navigation aids, from which it is intended that an instrument approach procedure will be commenced, or, if no navigation aid is associated with the destination aerodrome, to arrive over the destination aerodrome. For VFR flights, the estimated time required from takeoff to arrive over the destination aerodrome.
See ICAO term ESTIMATED ELAPSED TIME.
TOUCH‐AND‐GO
An operation by an aircraft that lands and departs on a runway without stopping or exiting the runway.
TOUCH‐AND‐GO LANDING
See TOUCH‐AND‐GO.
TOUCHDOWN
The point at which an aircraft first makes contact with the landing surface.
Concerning a precision radar approach (PAR), it is the point where the glide path intercepts the landing surface.
See ICAO term TOUCHDOWN.
TOUCHDOWN [ICAO]
The point where the nominal glide path intercepts the runway.
Note
Touchdown as defined above is only a datum and is not necessarily the actual point at which the aircraft will touch the runway.
TOUCHDOWN RVR
See VISIBILITY.
TOUCHDOWN ZONE
The first 3,000 feet of the runway beginning at the threshold. The area is used for determination of Touchdown Zone Elevation in the development of straight‐in landing minimums for instrument approaches.
TOUCHDOWN ZONE [ICAO]
The portion of a runway, beyond the threshold, where it is intended landing aircraft first contact the runway.
TOUCHDOWN ZONE ELEVATION
The highest elevation in the first 3,000 feet of the landing surface. TDZE is indicated on the instrument approach procedure chart when straight‐in landing minimums are authorized.
See TOUCHDOWN ZONE.
TOUCHDOWN ZONE LIGHTING
See AIRPORT LIGHTING.
TOWER
A terminal facility that uses air/ground communications, visual signaling, and other devices to provide ATC services to aircraft operating in the vicinity of an airport or on the movement area. Authorizes aircraft to land or takeoff at the airport controlled by the tower or to transit the Class D airspace area regardless of flight plan or weather conditions (IFR or VFR). A tower may also provide approach control services (radar or nonradar).
See AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICE.
See APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY.
See MOVEMENT AREA.
See TOWER EN ROUTE CONTROL SERVICE.
See ICAO term AERODROME CONTROL TOWER.
Refer to AIM
TOWER EN ROUTE CONTROL SERVICE
The control of IFR en route traffic within delegated airspace between two or more adjacent approach control facilities. This service is designed to expedite traffic and reduce control and pilot communication requirements.
TOWER TO TOWER
See TOWER EN ROUTE CONTROL SERVICE.
TRACEABLE PRESSURE STANDARD
The facility station pressure instrument, with certification/calibration traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Traceable pressure standards may be mercurial barometers, commissioned ASOS or dual transducer AWOS, or portable pressure standards or DASI.
TRACK
The actual flight path of an aircraft over the surface of the earth.
See COURSE.
See FLIGHT PATH.
See ROUTE.
See ICAO term TRACK.
TRACK [ICAO]
The projection on the earth's surface of the path of an aircraft, the direction of which path at any point is usually expressed in degrees from North (True, Magnetic, or Grid).
TRACK OF INTEREST (TOI)
Displayed data representing an airborne object that threatens or has the potential to threaten North America or National Security. Indicators may include, but are not limited to: noncompliance with air traffic control instructions or aviation regulations; extended loss of communications; unusual transmissions or unusual flight behavior; unauthorized intrusion into controlled airspace or an ADIZ; noncompliance with issued flight restrictions/security procedures; or unlawful interference with airborne flight crews, up to and including hijack. In certain circumstances, an object may become a TOI based on specific and credible intelligence pertaining to that particular aircraft/object, its passengers, or its cargo.
TRACK OF INTEREST RESOLUTION
A TOI will normally be considered resolved when: the aircraft/object is no longer airborne; the aircraft complies with air traffic control instructions, aviation regulations, and/or issued flight restrictions/security procedures; radio contact is re-established and authorized control of the aircraft is verified; the aircraft is intercepted and intent is verified to be nonthreatening/nonhostile; TOI was identified based on specific and credible intelligence that was later determined to be invalid or unreliable; or displayed data is identified and characterized as invalid .
TRAFFIC
A term used by a controller to transfer radar identification of an aircraft to another controller for the purpose of coordinating separation action. Traffic is normally issued:
In response to a handoff or point out,
In anticipation of a handoff or point out, or
In conjunction with a request for control of an aircraft.
A term used by ATC to refer to one or more aircraft.
TRAFFIC ADVISORIES
Advisories issued to alert pilots to other known or observed air traffic which may be in such proximity to the position or intended route of flight of their aircraft to warrant their attention. Such advisories may be based on:
Visual observation.
Observation of radar identified and nonidentified aircraft targets on an ATC radar display, or
Verbal reports from pilots or other facilities.
Note 1
The word “traffic” followed by additional information, if known, is used to provide such advisories; e.g., “Traffic, 2 o'clock, one zero miles, southbound, eight thousand.”
Note 2
Traffic advisory service will be provided to the extent possible depending on higher priority duties of the controller or other limitations; e.g., radar limitations, volume of traffic, frequency congestion, or controller workload. Radar/ nonradar traffic advisories do not relieve the pilot of his/her responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft. Pilots are cautioned that there are many times when the controller is not able to give traffic advisories concerning all traffic in the aircraft's proximity; in other words, when a pilot requests or is receiving traffic advisories, he/she should not assume that all traffic will be issued.
Refer to AIM
TRAFFIC ALERT (aircraft call sign), TURN (left/right) IMMEDIATELY, (climb/descend) AND MAINTAIN (altitude).
See SAFETY ALERT.
TRAFFIC ALERT AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM (TCAS)
An airborne collision avoidance system based on radar beacon signals which operates independent of ground‐based equipment. TCAS‐I generates traffic advisories only. TCAS‐II generates traffic advisories, and resolution (collision avoidance) advisories in the vertical plane.
TRAFFIC IN SIGHT
Used by pilots to inform a controller that previously issued traffic is in sight.
See NEGATIVE CONTACT.
See TRAFFIC ADVISORIES.
TRAFFIC INFORMATION
See TRAFFIC ADVISORIES.
TRAFFIC INFORMATION SERVICE-BROADCAST (TIS-B)
The broadcast of ATC derived traffic information to ADS-B equipped (1090ES or UAT) aircraft. The source of this traffic information is derived from ground-based air traffic surveillance sensors, typically from radar targets. TIS-B service will be available throughout the NAS where there are both adequate surveillance coverage (radar) and adequate broadcast coverage from ADS-B ground stations. Loss of TIS-B will occur when an aircraft enters an area not covered by the GBT network. If this occurs in an area with adequate surveillance coverage (radar), nearby aircraft that remain within the adequate broadcast coverage (ADS-B) area will view the first aircraft. TIS-B may continue when an aircraft enters an area with inadequate surveillance coverage (radar); nearby aircraft that remain within the adequate broadcast coverage (ADS-B) area will not view the first aircraft.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE (TMI)
Tools used to manage demand with capacity in the National Airspace System (NAS.) TMIs can be used to manage NAS resources (e.g., airports, sectors, airspace) or to increase the efficiency of the operation. TMIs can be either tactical (i.e., short term) or strategic (i.e., long term), depending on the type of TMI and the operational need.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ALERT
A term used in a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued in conjunction with a special traffic management program to alert pilots to the existence of the program and to refer them to a special traffic management program advisory message for program details. The contraction TMPA is used in NOTAM text.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT UNIT
The entity in ARTCCs and designated terminals directly involved in the active management of facility traffic. Usually under the direct supervision of an assistant manager for traffic management.
TRAFFIC NO FACTOR
Indicates that the traffic described in a previously issued traffic advisory is no factor.
TRAFFIC NO LONGER OBSERVED
Indicates that the traffic described in a previously issued traffic advisory is no longer depicted on radar, but may still be a factor.
TRAFFIC PATTERN
The traffic flow that is prescribed for aircraft landing at, taxiing on, or taking off from an airport. The components of a typical traffic pattern are departure, upwind leg, crosswind leg, downwind leg, base leg, and final approach.
Upwind Leg- A flight path that begins after departure and continues straight ahead along the extended runway centerline. Upwind leg is an extension of departure and is used when issuing control instructions for separation, spacing or sequencing.
Crosswind Leg- A flight path at right angles to the landing runway off its upwind end.
Downwind Leg- A flight path parallel to the landing runway in the direction opposite to landing. The downwind leg normally extends between the crosswind leg and the base leg.
Base Leg- A flight path at right angles to the landing runway off its approach end. The base leg normally extends from the downwind leg to the intersection of the extended runway centerline.
NOTE- ATC may instruct a pilot to report a “2‐mile left base” to Runway 22. This instruction means that the pilot is expected to maneuver their aircraft into a left base leg that will intercept a straight‐in final 2 miles from the approach end of Runway 22 and advise ATC.
REFERENCE- Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, FAA-H-8083-25, Chapter 14, Airport Operations, Traffic Patterns.
Final Approach- A flight path in the direction of landing along the extended runway centerline. The final approach normally extends from the base leg to the runway. An aircraft making a straight‐in approach VFR is also considered to be on final approach.
NOTE- ATC may instruct a pilot to report “5‐mile final” to Runway 22. This instruction means that the pilot should maneuver their aircraft onto a straight‐in final and advise ATC when they are five miles from the approach end of Runway 22.
Departure- The flight path that begins after takeoff and continues straight ahead along the extended runway centerline. The departure climb continues until reaching a point at least 1/2 mile beyond the departure end of the runway and within 300 feet of the traffic pattern altitude.
REFERENCE- Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, FAA-H-8083-25, Chapter 14, Airport Operations, Traffic Patterns.
See TAXI PATTERNS.
See ICAO term AERODROME TRAFFIC CIRCUIT.
Refer to 14 CFR part 91
Refer to AIM
TRAFFIC SITUATION DISPLAY (TSD)
TSD is a computer system that receives radar track data from all 20 CONUS ARTCCs, organizes this data into a mosaic display, and presents it on a computer screen. The display allows the traffic management coordinator multiple methods of selection and highlighting of individual aircraft or groups of aircraft. The user has the option of superimposing these aircraft positions over any number of background displays. These background options include ARTCC boundaries, any stratum of en route sector boundaries, fixes, airways, military and other special use airspace, airports, and geopolitical boundaries. By using the TSD, a coordinator can monitor any number of traffic situations or the entire systemwide traffic flows.
TRAJECTORY
A EDST representation of the path an aircraft is predicted to fly based upon a Current Plan or Trial Plan.
See EN ROUTE DECISION SUPPORT TOOL.
TRAJECTORY ALTERING CLEARANCE (TAC)
A clearance that alters altitude, speed, heading, or route.
TRAJECTORY MODELING
The automated process of calculating a trajectory.
TRAJECTORY OPTIONS SET (TOS)
A TOS is an electronic message, submitted by the operator, that is used by the Collaborative Trajectory Options Program (CTOP) to manage the airspace captured in the traffic management program. The TOS will allow the operator to express the route and delay trade-off options that they are willing to accept.
TRAJECTORY-BASED OPERATIONS (TBO)
An Air Traffic Management method for strategically planning and managing flights throughout the operation by using Time-Based Management (TBM), information exchange between air and ground systems, and the aircraft's ability to fly trajectories in time and space. Aircraft trajectory is defined in four dimensions – latitude, longitude, altitude, and time.
TRANSFER OF COMMUNICATION (TOC)
A CPDLC uplink that instructs the pilot to either contact or monitor the next air traffic radio frequency.
TRANSFER OF CONTROL
That action whereby the responsibility for the separation of an aircraft is transferred from one controller to another.
See ICAO term TRANSFER OF CONTROL.
TRANSFER OF CONTROL [ICAO]
Transfer of responsibility for providing air traffic control service.
TRANSFERRING CONTROLLER
A controller/facility transferring control of an aircraft to another controller/facility.
See ICAO term TRANSFERRING UNIT/CONTROLLER.
TRANSFERRING FACILITY
TRANSFERRING UNIT/CONTROLLER [ICAO]
Air traffic control unit/air traffic controller in the process of transferring the responsibility for providing air traffic control service to an aircraft to the next air traffic control unit/air traffic controller along the route of flight.
Note
See definition of accepting unit/controller.
TRANSITION
The general term that describes the change from one phase of flight or flight condition to another; e.g., transition from en route flight to the approach or transition from instrument flight to visual flight.
TRANSITION POINT
A point at an adapted number of miles from the vertex at which an arrival aircraft would normally commence descent from its en route altitude. This is the first fix adapted on the arrival speed segments.
TRANSITIONAL AIRSPACE
That portion of controlled airspace wherein aircraft change from one phase of flight or flight condition to another.
TRANSITIONAL HAZARD AREA (THA)
Used by ATC. Airspace normally associated with an Aircraft Hazard Area within which the flight of aircraft is subject to restrictions.
See AIRCRAFT HAZARD AREA.
See REFINED HAZARD AREA.
TRANSMISSOMETER
An apparatus used to determine visibility by measuring the transmission of light through the atmosphere. It is the measurement source for determining runway visual range (RVR).
See VISIBILITY.
TRANSMITTING IN THE BLIND
A transmission from one station to other stations in circumstances where two‐way communication cannot be established, but where it is believed that the called stations may be able to receive the transmission.
TRANSPONDER
The airborne radar beacon receiver/transmitter portion of the Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS) which automatically receives radio signals from interrogators on the ground, and selectively replies with a specific reply pulse or pulse group only to those interrogations being received on the mode to which it is set to respond.
See INTERROGATOR.
Refer to AIM
TRANSPONDER [ICAO]
A receiver/transmitter which will generate a reply signal upon proper interrogation; the interrogation and reply being on different frequencies.
TRANSPONDER CODES
See CODES.
TRANSPONDER OBSERVED
Phraseology used to inform a VFR pilot the aircraft’s assigned beacon code and position have been observed. Specifically, this term conveys to a VFR pilot the transponder reply has been observed and its position correlated for transit through the designated area.
TRIAL PLAN
A proposed amendment which utilizes automation to analyze and display potential conflicts along the predicted trajectory of the selected aircraft.
TRSA
See TERMINAL RADAR SERVICE AREA.
TRUST
See THE RECREATIONAL UAS SAFETY TEST.
TSAS
See TERMINAL SEQUENCING AND SPACING.
TSD
See TRAFFIC SITUATION DISPLAY.
TURBOJET AIRCRAFT
An aircraft having a jet engine in which the energy of the jet operates a turbine which in turn operates the air compressor.
TURBOPROP AIRCRAFT
An aircraft having a jet engine in which the energy of the jet operates a turbine which drives the propeller.
TURBULENCE
An atmospheric phenomenon that causes changes in aircraft altitude, attitude, and or airspeed with aircraft reaction depending on intensity. Pilots report turbulence intensity according to aircraft's reaction as follows:
Light - Causes slight, erratic changes in altitude and or attitude (pitch, roll, or yaw).
Moderate- Similar to Light but of greater intensity. Changes in altitude and or attitude occur but the aircraft remains in positive control at all times. It usually causes variations in indicated airspeed.
Severe- Causes large, abrupt changes in altitude and or attitude. It usually causes large variations in indicated airspeed. Aircraft may be momentarily out of control.
Extreme- The aircraft is violently tossed about and is practically impossible to control. It may cause structural damage.
See CHOP.
Refer to AIM
TURN ANTICIPATION
(maneuver anticipation).
TVOR
See TERMINAL‐VERY HIGH FREQUENCY OMNIDIRECTIONAL RANGE STATION.
TWO‐WAY RADIO COMMUNICATIONS FAILURE
See LOST COMMUNICATIONS.