|
A | B |
C | D | E | F
| G | H | I | J
| K | L | M | N
| O | P | Q | R
| S | T | U | V
| W | X | Y | Z
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=A=
A-Weighted Sound Level (dBA): The ear does not respond equally to
sound frequencies. It is less efficient at low and high frequencies than
it is at medium or speech-range frequencies. Thus, to obtain a single
number representing the sound level of a noise having a wide range of
frequencies in a manner representative of the ear's response, it is
necessary to reduce the effects of the low and high frequencies with
respect to the medium frequencies. The resultant sound level is said to
be A-weighted, and the units are decibels (dB); hence, the abbreviation
is dBA. The A-weighted sound level is also called the noise level. Sound
level meters have an A-weighting network for measuring A-weighted sound
level.
Access Taxiway: A taxiway that provides access to a particular
location or area.
Active Based Aircraft: Aircraft that have a current airworthiness
certificate and are based at an airport.
Actual Runway Length: The length of full width, usable runway
from end to end or full strength pavement where those runways are paved.
Administration Building: A building or buildings accommodating
airport admin-istration activity and public facilities for itinerant and
local flying, usually associated with general aviation fixed base
operations.
Administration Space: The space including, but not limited to,
space for offices, cafeterias, conference rooms, lobbies, waiting rooms,
garages, parking lots.
Advisory Circular: A series of FAA publications consisting of all
nonregulatory material of a policy, guidance, and informational nature.
Aeronautical Chart: A map representing a portion of the earth,
made especially for use in air navigation.
AFSS (Automated Flight Service Station): A (non-air traffic
control) FAA facility providing pilots with weather briefing and
flight-plan filing by radio, telephone and in person. Monitors flight
plans for overdue aircraft and initiates search and rescue services.
"Automated" refers to telephone call handling equipment and computer
information systems aiding pilot briefers.
Air Cargo: All commercial air express and air freight except air
mail and air parcel post.
Air Carrier Airport: An airport (or runway) designated by design
and/or use for air carrier operations.
Air Carrier - All Cargo: A certificated route air carrier
authorized to perform scheduled air freight, express, and mail
transportation service as well as the conduct of nonscheduled operations
(which may include passengers over specified routes).
Air Carrier - Certificated Route: An air carrier holding a
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued to conduct
scheduled services over specified routes and a limited amount of
nonscheduled operations.
Air Carrier - Commuter: An air taxi operator which: (1) performs
at least five round trips per week between two or more points and
publishes flight schedules that specify the times, days of the week, and
places between which such flights are performed; or (2) transports mail
by air under a current contract with the U.S. Postal Service.
Air Carrier - Intrastate: An air carrier licensed by a state to
operate wholly within its borders but not permitted to carry interline
passengers from out of state.
Aircraft Approach Category: A grouping of aircraft based on 1.3
times their stall speed in their landing configuration at their maximum
certificated landing weight.
Aircraft Design Group (ADG): A grouping of airplanes based on
wingspan.
Aircraft Operations: The airborne movement (landing or taking
off) of aircraft. There are two types of operations - local and
itinerant.
1. Local operations are performed by aircraft that:
a. Operate in the local traffic pattern or within sight of the airport.
b. Are known to be departing for, or arriving from, flight in local
practice areas within a 20- mile radius of the airport.
c. Execute simulated instrum-ent approaches or low passes at the
airport.
2. Itinerant operations are all aircraft operations other than local
operations.
Aircraft Rescue And Fire Fighting (ARFF): The aircraft rescue and fire
fighting capability required at airports under Federal Aviation
Regulations (FAR) Part 139.
Aircraft Tiedown: Positions on the ground surface that are available for
securing aircraft.
Airfield Capacity (Hourly): The maximum number of aircraft operations
(landings or takeoffs) that can take place on an airfield in one hour
under specific conditions.
Air Freight: A system or service set up for the carrying of freight by
air.
Airman's Meteorological Information (AIRMET): An in-flight weather
advisory concerning weather phenomena of less severity than that covered
by SIGMETs, which are potentially hazardous to certain aircraft, e.g.,
those having limited equipment, instrumentation, or pilot
qualifications. These advisories cover moderate icing and turbulence,
winds of 40 knots or more within 2,000 feet of the surface, and the
initial onset of visibilities less than 2 miles or ceilings less than
1,000 feet.
Air Navigation Facility (NAVAID): Any facility used or designed for use
as an aid to air navigation.
Airport: An area of land or water that is used or intended to be used
for the landing and takeoff of aircraft, including its buildings and
facilities. (FAR Part 1)
Airport Advisory Service (AAS): A service provided by flight service
stations at airports not served by a control tower. This service
consists of providing information to landing and departing aircraft
concerning wind direction and velocity, favored runway, altimeter
setting, pertinent known traffic, pertinent known field conditions,
airport taxi routes and traffic patterns, and authorized instrument
approach procedures.
Airport Beacon: A navigational aid emitting alternating white and green
flashes to indicate a lighted airport or white flashes only for an
unlighted airport.
Airport Elevation: The highest point on an airport's usable runways
expressed in feet above mean sea level (MSL).
Airport Environs: The area surrounding an airport that is considered to
be directly affected by the presence and operation of the airport.
Airport Imaginary Surfaces: Imaginary surfaces established at an airport
for obstruction determination purposes.
Airport Improvement Program (AIP): A program administered by the Federal
Aviation Administration to provide financial grants-in-aid for airport
planning, airport development projects, and noise compatibility
programs. The program was established through the Airport and Airway
Improvement Act of 1982, which was incorporated as Title V of the Tax
Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-248).
Airport Land Use Plan: A generalized plan depicting proposed land uses
within the airport boundary. The land use plan is a required element of
an airport master plan.
Airport Layout Plan (ALP): The plan for an airport showing the layout of
existing and proposed airport facilities and structures.
Airport Master Plan: Appropriate documents and drawings concerning the
development of a specific airport from a physical, economic, social, and
political jurisdictional perspective. The airport layout plan is a part
of this plan.
Airport Operation: A landing or a takeoff at an airport. (A low approach
below traffic pattern altitude or a touch-and-go operation are counted
as both a landing and a takeoff; i.e., two operations.)
Airport Reference Point (ARP): The airport reference point is the
latitude and longitude of a point that is the approximate center of all
existing and proposed landing and takeoff areas.
Airport Sponsor: A public agency or tax-supported organization such as
an airport authority, that is authorized to own and operate an airport,
obtain property interests, obtain funds, and be legally, financially,
and otherwise able to meet all applicable requirements of current laws
and regulations.
Airport System Planning: The development of information and guidance to
determine the extent, type, nature, location, and timing of airport
development needed to establish a viable and balanced system of public
airports.
Airports Closed to the Public: An airport not available to the public
without permission from the owner.
Airports Open to the Public: An airport open to the public without prior
permission and without restrictions within the physical capacities of
available facilities.
Air Route: Navigable airspace between two points which is identifiable.
Air Route Surveillance Radar (ASR): A remote radar facility connected to
an air route traffic control center and used to detect and display the
azimuth and range of enroute aircraft operating between terminal areas,
enabling the ATC controller to provide air traffic control services in
the air route traffic control system.
Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC): A facility that provides air
traffic control service to aircraft operating on an IFR flight plan
within controlled airspace.
Airspace: Space in the air above the surface of the earth or a
particular portion of such space, usually defined by the boundaries of
an area on the surface projected upward.
Air Traffic: Aircraft operating in the air or on an airport surface,
exclusive of loading ramps and parking areas. (FAR Part 1)
Air Traffic Control (ATC): A service operated by appropriate authority
to promote the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic. (FAR
Part 1)
Air Traffic Hub: Air traffic hubs are not airports; they are the cities
and Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas requiring aviation services.
Communities fall into four classes as determined by each community's
percentage of the total enplaned passengers in scheduled and
nonscheduled service of the domestic certificated air carriers in the 50
states, the District of Columbia, and other U.S. areas designed by the
Federal Aviation Administration. The four hub types are: "L" (large),
"M" (medium), "S" (small), and "N" (non-hub).
Airway: A path through navigable airspace within which air traffic
service is provided.
Alignment (Azimuth): The azimuth or actual magnetic bearing of a course.
Alignment (Elevation): The actual angle above a horizontal plane,
originating at a specific point of a course used for altitude guidance.
Alternate Airport: An airport where an aircraft, may land if a landing
at the intended airport becomes inadvisable. (FAR Part I)
Ambient Noise: The total of all noise in a system or situation,
independent of the presence of the specific sound to be measured. In
acoustical measurements, strictly speaking, ambient noise means
electrical noise in the measurement system. However, in popular usage,
ambient noise is also used to mean "background noise" or "residual
noise."
Approach Area: The defined area over which landing and takeoff
operations are made.
Approach Clearance: Authorization issued by air traffic control to the
pilot of an aircraft for an approach for landing under Instrument Flight
Rules.
Approach Control Facility: A terminal air traffic control facility (TRACON,
CST, RAPCON, RATCF, Tower, etc.) providing approach control service.
Approach Fix: The fix from or over which final approach (IFR) to an
airport is executed.
Approach Gate: That point on the final approach course which is one mile
from the approach fix on the side away from the airport or five miles
from the landing threshold, whichever is farther from the landing
threshold.
Approach Lighting System (ALS): An airport lighting facility that emits
radiating light beams in a directional pattern by which the pilot aligns
the aircraft with the runway on his final approach and landing.
Approach Path: A specific flight course laid out in the vicinity of an
airport and designed to bring aircraft in to safe landings; usually
delineated by navigational aids.
Approach Slope Ratio: The ratio of horizontal to vertical distance
indicating the degree of inclination of the approach surface.
Approach Sequence: The order in which aircraft are positioned while
awaiting approach clearance or while on approach.
Approach Surface: An imaginary surface longitudinally centered on the
extended centerline of the runway, beginning at the end of the primary
surface and rising outward and upward to a specified height above the
established airport elevation.
Apron: A defined area, on a land airport, intended to accommodate
aircraft for purposes of loading or unloading passengers or cargo,
refueling, parking, or maintenance.
Area Navigation (RNAV): A method of navigation that permits aircraft
operations on any course within the coverage of available navigation
signals or within the limits of self contained-system capability. (FAR
Part 1)
Area Navigation Low Route: Means an area navigation route within the
airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface of the earth
to, but not including 18,000 feet MSL. (FAR Part 1)
Area Navigation High Route: Means an area navigation route within the
airspace extending upward from, and including 18,000 feet MSL to flight
level 450. (FAR Part 1)
ASOS (Automated Surface Observation System): The primary surface weather
observing system in the U.S., supporting aviation operations and weather
forecasting. Automated sensors record wind direction and speed,
visibility, cloud ceiling, precipitation, etc. Data sent automatically
to the National Weather Service. At many locations, a computer-generated
voice broadcasts the minute-by-minute weather reports to pilots on a
discrete radio frequency.
ATIS (Automated Terminal Information System): A continuous broadcast on
a separate ATC frequency of an airport's current weather (updated at
least hourly). Eliminates controller requirement to read local weather
data to each landing or departing aircraft.
Automated Radar Terminal Systems (ARTS): Computer-aided radar display
capable of associating alphanumeric data with radar returns.
Automatic Direction Finder (ADF): A radio device that uses radio
transmissions from ground stations to automatically indicate the bearing
of an aircraft in relation to the ground transmitter.
Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS): The repetitive
transmission of recorded noncontrolling information in selected high
activity terminal areas.
Avigation Easement: A grant of property interest in land over which a
right of unobstructed flight in the airspace is established.
Aviation Safety And Noise Abatement Act Of 1979: Public Law 96-193,
enacted February 18,1980. The purpose of the Act is to provide
assistance to airport sponsors in preparing and carrying out noise
compatibility programs and in assuring continued safety for aviation.
The Act also contains the requirement for certain types of aircraft to
comply with FAR Part 36, Noise Standards: Aircraft Type and
Airworthiness Certification.
AWOS (Automated Weather Observing System): Provides automated airport
weather observations to pilots on a discrete radio frequency via a
computer-generated voice. Less sophisticated than ASOS, usually
installed using state funds.
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=B=
Base Leg: A flight path in the traffic pattern at, right angles to the
landing runway off the approach end and extending from the downwind leg
of the extended runway centerline.
Bearing: The horizontal direction of an object or point, measured as an
angle, usually clockwise, from true or magnetic north through 360
degrees.
Blast Fence: A barrier used to divert or dissipate jet blast or
propeller wash.
Building Restriction Line (BRL): A line shown on the airport layout plan
beyond which airport buildings must not be positioned in order to limit
their proximity to aircraft movement areas and impact on airport
imaginary surfaces.
Bypass Taxiway: A taxiway located adjacent to an area that accommodates
moving or parked aircraft specifically designed to achieve efficient
aircraft passing movements.
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=C=
Capital Improvement Program (CIP): A multiyear (sometimes a single year)
schedule of capital expenditures for construction or equipment at an
airport.
Category II Operations: An aircraft operation using a straight-in ILS
approach to the runway of an airport under a Category II ILS instrument
approach procedures.
Ceiling: Means the height above the surface of the earth of the lowest
layer of clouds or obscuring phenomena that is reported as "broken,"
"overcast," or "obscuration."
CEQ (Council On Environmental Quality) Regulations: CEQ Regulations
implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) were
published in the Federal Register on November 29,1978. References to the
Regulations in FAA Order 5050.4A (Airport Environ-mental Handbook)
identify a given section, e.g., CEQ 1500 or CEQ 1508.8.
Circling Approach Area: An area in which aircraft circle to land under
visual conditions after completing an instrument approach.
CLASS A Airspace: Airspace between 18,000 and 60,000 feet MSL over the
conterminous United States. IFR clearances are required for all aircraft
operating in CLASS A airspace. Formerly called the Positive Control
Area.
CLASS B Airspace: Airspace area around the businest U.S. hub airports,
typically toa radious of 20 nautical miles and up to 10,000 feet above
ground level. Operations within CLASS B airspace require an ATC
clearance and at least a Private pilot certificate (local waivers
available), radio communication, and an altitude-reporting (Mode C)
transponder. Formerly called TCA.
CLASS C Airspace: Airspace area around busy U.S. Airports (other than
CLASS B). Radio contact with approach control is mandatory for all
traffic. Typically includes an area from the surface to 1,200 feet AGL
out to 5 miles and from 1,200 to 4,000 feet AGL to 10 miles from the
airport. Formerly called Airport Radar Service Area (ARSA).
CLASS D Airspace: Airspace around an airport with an operating control
tower; typically to a radius of 5 miles from the surface to 2,500 feet AGL. Radio contact with the control tower required prior to entry.
Formerly call Airport Traffic Area (ATA).
CLASS E Airspace: General controlled airspace comprising control areas,
transition areas, Victor airways, the Continental Control Area, etc.
CLASS F Airspace: International airspace designation not used in the
U.S.
CLASS G Airspace: Uncontrolled airspace, generally the airspace from the
surface up to 700 or 1,200 feet AGL in most of the U.S., but up to as
high as 14,500 feet in some remote Western and sparsely populated areas.
Co-Location: To place coaxially oriented components such as in a VOR and
a T ACAN one above the other or a VOR/DME combination.
Compass Calibration Pad: An airport facility for calibrating an aircraft
compass.
Conical Surface: A surface extending from the periphery of the
horizontal surface outward and upward at a slope of 20:1 as prescribed
by FAR Part 77.
Continental Control Area: The continental control area consists of the
airspace of the 48 contiguous states; the District of Columbia and
Alaska, excluding the Alaska peninsula west of Longitude 160 degrees 00'
00" W., at and above 14,500 feet MSL, but does not include:
a. The airspace less than 1,500 feet above the surface of the earth; or
b. Prohibited and restricted areas, other than the restricted areas
listed in FAR Part 71 Subpart D.
Controlled Airspace: Airspace within which aircraft may be subject to
air traffic control.
Control Zone: Airspace extending upward from the surface of the earth
which may include one or more airports and is normally a circular area
of five statute miles in radius with extensions where necessary to
include instrument approach and departure paths.
Coverage: The designated volume of airspace within which reliable
information is produced by a facility.
Critical Aircraft: In airport design, the aircraft that controls one or
more design items such as runway length, pavement strength, lateral
separation, etc., for a particular airport. The same aircraft may not be
critical to all design items.
Crosswind: A wind blowing across the line of flight of an aircraft.
Crosswind Runway: A runway that provides for wind coverage not
adequately provided by the primary runways.
CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency): The radio frequency, also
called the UNICOM frequency, used by all traffic at an airport without
an operating control tower to coordinate approaches and landings,
takeoffs and departures. Pilots announce their positions, intentions and
actions in the traffic pattern for the benefit of other traffic.
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= D =
Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL): A method for predicting, by a
single number rating, cumulative aircraft noise that affects communities
in airport environs. The DNL value represents decibels of noise as
measured by an A-weighted sound-level meter. In the DNL procedure, the
noise exposure from each aircraft takeoff or landing at ground level
around an airport is calculated, and these noise exposures are
accumulated for a typical 24-hour period. (The 24-hour period often used
is the average day of the peak month for aircraft operations during the
year being analyzed.) Daytime and nighttime noise exposures are
considered separately. A weighting factor equivalent to a penalty of 10
decibels is applied to \ operations between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. to
account for the increased sensitivity of people to nighttime noise. The
DNL values can be expressed graphically on maps using either contours or
grid cells. DNL may also be used for measuring other noise sources, such
as automobile traffic, to determine combined noise effects.
dBA: See A-Weighted Sound Level.
Decibel (dB): A unit for measuring the volume of a sound, equal to the
logarithm of the ratio of the intensity of the sound to the intensity of
an arbitrarily chosen standard sound.
Decision Height (DH): The height at which a decision must be made,
during an ILS or PAR instrument approach, to either continue the
approach or to execute a missed approach. (FAR Part 1)
de minimis: Below the level of significance requiring formal
determination of project conformity.
Designated Instrument Runway: A runway that has been selected as being
suitable for the installation of a precision approach aid such as an ILS,
for which there is an existing or forecast need.
DF Fix: The geographical location of an aircraft obtained by the
direction finder.
Direction Finder (DF, VDF, UVD): A radio receiver equipped with a
directional sensing antenna used to take bearings on a radio
transmitter.
Displaced Threshold: A threshold that is located at a point on the
runway other than the beginning.
Distance Measuring Equipment (DME): Electronic equipment used to
measure, in nautical miles, the slant range of the aircraft from a
navigation aid.
DME Fix: A geographical position determined by reference to a
navigational aid which provides distance and azimuth information as
defined by a specified distance in nautical miles and a radial in
degrees magnetic from that aid.
DME Separation: Spacing of aircraft in terms of distance (miles)
determined by reference to distance measuring equipment. (DME).
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= E =
Enplaned Passengers: The total number of revenue passengers boarding
aircraft, including originating, stopover, and transfer passengers, in
scheduled and nonscheduled services.
En Route Air Traffic Control Service: Air traffic control service
provided aircraft on an IFR flight plan when these aircraft are
operating between departure and destination terminal areas.
Environmental Assessment (EA): A statement prepared under the
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA),
Section 102(2) (c). The EA represents a Federal agency's evaluation of
the effects of a proposed action on the environment. Regulations
relating to the preparation of an EA are published in FAA Order 5050.4A,
Airport Environmental Handbook.
Exit Taxiway: A taxiway used as an exit from a runway to another runway,
apron, or other aircraft operating area.
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= F =
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration): The Department of
Transportation's agency for aviation. In addition to regulating
airports, aircraft manufacturing and parts certification, aircraft
operation and pilot certification ("licensing"), the FAA operates Air
Traffic Control, purchases and maintains navigation equipment, certifies
airports and aids airport development, among other activities.
FAA Order 5050.4A: This document, entitled Airport Environmental
Handbook, was published by the FAA on October 8,1985. It contains all of
the essential information an airport sponsor needs to meet both
procedural and substantive environmental requirements.
FAR (Federal Aviation Regulations): Commonly used term for the rules and
regulations covering every aspect of aviation. Codified into Parts.
FAR PART 36: Federal Aviation Regulations Part 36, Noise Standards:
Aircraft Type and Airworthiness Certif1cation. Establishes noise
standards for the civil aviation fleet. Some extensions for compliance
are included in the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979.
FAR PART 77: Federal Aviation Regulations Part 77, Objects Affecting
Navigable Airspace. Establishes standards for determining obstructions
and conducting aeronautical studies to determine the potential effects
of obstructions on air- craft operations. Objects are considered to be
obstructions to air navigation according to FAR Part 77 if they would
exceed certain heights or penetrate certain imaginary surfaces
established in relation to airports. Objects classified as obstructions
are subject to an aeronautical study by the FAA to determine their
potential effects on aircraft operations.
FAR PART 91: Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91, General Operating and
Flight Rules. On September 25,1991, the FAA issued an amendment to FAR
Part 91 (14CFR91) in conformance with the requirements of the Airport
Noise and Capacity Act of 1990. The amendment to the aircraft operating
rules requires a phased transition to an all Stage 3 fleet operating in
the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia by December
31, 1999. The amendment places a cap on the number of Stage 2 aircraft
allowed to operate in the United States and provides for a continuing
reduction in the population exposed to noise from Stage 2 aircraft.
FAR PART 15O: Federal Aviation Regulations Part 150, Airport Noise
Compatibility Planning. An FAR Part 150 Program is an FAA-assisted study
designed to increase the compatibility of land and facilities in the
areas surrounding an airport that are most directly affected by
operation of the airport. The specific purpose is to reduce the adverse
effects of noise as much as possible by implementing both on-airport
noise abatement measures and off-airport noise mitigation programs. The
basic products of an FAR Part 150 program typically include (1) noise
exposure maps for the existing condition and for 5 years in the future;
(2) workable on-airport noise abatement measures, such as preferential
runway use programs, new or preferential flight tracks, curfews; (3)
off-airport noise mitigation measures (land use control programs and
regulations), such as land acquisition, soundproofing, or special
zoning; (4) an analysis of the costs and the financial feasibility of
the recommended measures; and (5) policies and procedures related to the
implementation of on- and off-airport programs. A community involvement
program is carried on throughout all phases of program development.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The FAA is the agency of the U.S.
Department of Transportation that is charged with (1) regulating air
commerce to promote its safety and development; (2) achieving the
efficient use of navigable airspace of the United States; (3) promoting,
encouraging, and developing civil aviation; (4) developing and operating
a common system of air traffic control and air navigation for both
civilian and military aircraft; and (5) promoting the development of a
national system of airports.
Final Approach Area(s): Areas of defined dimensions protected for
aircraft executing instrument approaches.
Final Approach (IFR): The flight path of an aircraft that is inbound to
the airport on an approved final instrument approach course, beginning
at the final approach fix or point.
Final Approach (VFR): A flight path of a landing aircraft in the
direction of landing along the extended runway centerline.
Flight Track: The average flight path flown by aircraft within specific
corridors. Deviation from these tracks occurs because of weather, pilot
technique, air traffic control, and aircraft weight. Individual flight
tracks within a corridor are "averaged" for purposes of modeling noise
exposure using the Integrated Noise Model (INM).
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= G =
General Aviation: The 92% of U.S. aircraft and more than 65% of U.S.
flight hours flown by other than major and regional airlines or the
military. Often misunderstood as only small, propeller-driven aircraft.
Even a large corporate jet or cargo plane operated under FAR Part 91 can
be a general aviation aircraft.
General Aviation Aircraft: all civil aircraft except those used by air
carriers.
Glide Slope (GS): An ILS navigation facility providing vertical guidance
for aircraft during approach and landing.
GPS (Global Positioning System): Satellite based navigation system
operated by Department of Defense, providing extremely accurate
position, time, and speed information to civilian and military users.
Based on a "constellation" of 24 satellites, GPS will replace
ground-based navigation system (VOR, ILS) as the primary worldwide air
navigation system in the 21st Century.
Ground Controlled Approach (GCA): A radar landing system operated from
the ground by air traffic control personnel transmitting instructions to
the pilot by radio.
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= H =
Handoff: Passing control of an aircraft from one controller to another.
Holding Apron: (see holding bay)
Holding Bay: An area where aircraft can be held, or bypassed, to
facilitate efficient ground traffic movement.
Holding Point: A designated point or location, identifiable by the pilot
by visual reference to the ground or by NAVAJOs, near which he maneuvers
his aircraft while awaiting further clearance.
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= I =
IFR Airport: An airport with an authorized approach procedure.
IFR Conditions: Weather conditions below the minimums for flight under
visual flight rules. (FAR Part 1)
ILS Category I: An ILS that provides acceptable guidance information
from the coverage limits of the ILS to the point at which the localirer
course line intersects the glide path at a height of 100 feet above the
horizontal plane containing the runway threshold. A Category I ILS
supports landing minimums as low as 200 feet, HAT and 1800 RVR.
ILS Category II: An ILS that provides acceptable guidance information
from the coverage limits if the ILS to the point at which the localirer
course line intersects the glide path at a height of 50 feet above the
horizontal plane containing the runway threshold. A category II ILS
supports landing minimums as low as 100 feet, HAT and 1200 RVR.
ILS Category III: An ILS that provides acceptable guidance information
from the coverage limits if the ILS with no decision height specified
above the horizontal plane containing the runway threshold. (See ILS-CA
T III A operations.)
ILS-CAT III A Operations: Operation, with no decision height limitation,
to and along the surface of the runway with a runway visual range not
less than 700 feet.
Impact: In environmental analyses, the word "impact" is used to express
the extent or severity of an environmental problem, e.g., the number of
persons exposed to a given noise environment. As indicated in CEQ 1500
(Section 1508.8), impacts and effects are considered to be synonymous.
Effects or impacts may be ecological, aesthetic, historic, cultural,
economic, social, or health related, and they may be direct, indirect,
or cumulative.
Inner marker (IM): An ILS navigational facility that indicates to the
pilot, both aurally and visually, that he is directly over the facility
at an altitude of 100 feet on final ILS approach, providing he is on the
glide path.
Instrument Approach: An approach to an airport, with intent to land,
when the visibility is less than 3 miles and/or when the ceiling is at
or below the minimum initial altitude.
Instrument Approach Runway: A runway served by an electronic aid
providing directional guidance adequate for a straight-in approach.
Instrument Approach System: An air navigation system used to guide
aircraft to a safe landing beginning at an initial-approach point and
ending at a point near enough to the ground to permit a visual landing.
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR): FAR rules that govern the procedures for
conducting instrument flight. (FAR Part 91)
Instrument Landing System (lLS): A system that provides the lateral,
longitudinal, and vertical guidance necessary for a landing.
Instrument Operation: An aircraft operation in accordance with an IFR
flight plan or an operation where IFR separation between aircraft is
provided by a terminal control facility or air route traffic control
center.
Instrument Runway: A runway equipped with electronic and visual
navigation aids and for which a straight-in (precision or non-precision)
approach procedure has been approved or is planned.
Integrated Noise Model (INM): A computer model developed by the FAA and
required by the FAA for use in environmental assessments, environ-mental
impact statements, and FAR Part 150 studies for developing existing and
future aircraft noise exposure maps.
= J =
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= K =
KNOT (nautical mile per hour): Most common measure of aircraft speed.
100 knots equals 115 statute miles per hour. (For mph, multiply knots by
1.15.)
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= L =
LAAS (Local Area Augmentation System): An enhancement of the Global
Positioning Sytem (GPS) providing greater navigation accuracy and system
integrity.
Land Use Compatibility Assurance: Documentation provided by an airport
sponsor to the FAA. The documentation is related to an application for
an airport development grant. Its purpose is to assure that a reasonably
appropriate action, including the adoption of zoning laws, has been
taken or will be taken to restrict the use of land adjacent to the
airport or in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Such uses are
limited to activities and purposes compatible with normal airport
operations, including the landing and takeoff of aircraft.
Large Airplane: An airplane of more than 12,500 pounds maximum
certificated takeoff weight.
Localizer (LOC): An ILS navigation facility providing horizontal
guidance to the runway centerline during approach and landing.
Localizer Type Directional Aid (LDA): A facility of comparable utility
and accuracy to a localizer that is not aligned with the runway having
an angle of divergence exceeding 3 degrees but not exceeding 30 degrees.
Longitudinal Separation: The longitudinal spacing of aircraft at the
same altitude by a minimum distance expressed in units of time or miles.
Loudness: The judgment of the intensity of a sound by a person. Loudness
depends primarily on the sound pressure of the stimulus. Over much of
the loudness range, it takes about a threefold increase in sound
pressure (approximately 10 decibels) to produce a doubling of loudness.
Low Altitude Airway Structure: The airways serving aircraft operations
up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL.
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= M =
Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA): Means the lowest altitude, expressed in
feet above mean sea level, to which descent is authorized on final
approach or during circle-to-land maneuvering. (FAR Part 1)
Missed Approach: An instrument approach not completed by landing due to:
(1) visual contact not established at authorized minimums; or (2)
landing not completed due to other reasons; or (3) instructions from air
traffic control.
Missed Approach Procedure (MAP): Flight procedures prescribed when an
aircraft fails to land after completing an instrument approach.
Mitigation Measure: An action that can be planned or taken to alleviate
(mitigate) an adverse environmental impact. Mitigation consists of:
(1) Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or
parts of an action.
(2) Minimizing the impact by limiting the degree or magnitude of the
action and its implementation.
(3) Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the
affected environment.
(4) Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and
maintenance operations during the life of the action.
(5) Compensating for the impact by replacing or providing substitute
resources or environments. A proposed airport development project, or
alternatives to that project, may constitute a mitigation measure.
MOA (Military Operations Area): Airspace, depicted on navigational
charts, in which military flight operations (training and practice
combat) are conducted. May be transited by VFR civilian traffic, but
special vigilance is recommended. (See also Restricted Area)
MSL (Mean Sea Level): Altitude expressed as feet above sea level, rather
than above local terrain (AGL). To ignore varying terrain elevations,
all navigational altitudes and barometric altimeters are based on height
above mean sea level. Only radar altimeters, which measure the distance
between the aircraft and the ground at low altitudes, indicate actual
height above the ground.
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= N =
Nautical Mile: Most common distance measurement in aviation, equivalent
to 1.15 statute (standard U.S.) miles.
NAVAID: Any facility used in aid of air navigation, including lights,
equipment for disseminating weather information, for signaling, for
radio direction finding, or for radio or other electronic communication,
and any other structure or mechanism having a similar purpose for
guiding or controlling flight in the air or the landing or take-off of
aircraft.
Noise: Any sound that is considered to be undesirable because it
interferes with speech and hearing, or is intense enough to damage
hearing, or is otherwise annoying.
Noise Abatement Procedures: Changes in runway use, flight approach and
departure routes and procedures, and other air traffic procedures that
are made to shift adverse aviation effects away from noise-sensitive
areas (such as residential neighborhoods).
Noise Contours: Lines drawn on a map that connect points of equivalent DNL values. They are usually drawn in 5 dB intervals, such as
connections of DNL 75 values, DNL 70 values, DNL 65 values, and so
forth.
Noise-Sensitive Land Use: Land uses that can be adversely affected by
high levels of aircraft noise. Residences, schools, hospitals, religious
facilities, libraries, and other similar uses are often considered to be
sensitive to noise.
Nonprecision Instrument Runway: A runway having only horizontal
navigation guidance for which a straight-in, nonprecision instrument
approach procedure has been approved.
Normally Unacceptable (DNL) above 65 but not exceeding 75 decibels): The
noise exposure is significantly more severe; barriers may be necessary
between the site and prominent noise sources to make the outdoor
environment acceptable; special building constructions may be necessary
to ensure that people indoors are sufficiently protected from outdoor
noise.
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= O =
100-Year Floodplain: An area subject to flooding with an annual
frequency of 1: 100.
Obstacle Free Area (OFA): A two dimensional ground area surrounding
runways, taxiways, and taxilanes which is clear of objects except for
objects whose location is fixed by function.
Obstacle Free Zone (OFZ): The airspace centered about the runway that is
clear of object penetrations other than frangible NAVAIDS.
Outer Marker (OM): An ILS navigation facility located four to seven
miles from the runway edge on the extended centerline which indicates
both aurally and visually, that the aircraft is passing over the
facility and can begin its final approach.
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= P =
Pattern: The configuration or form of a flight path flown by an
aircraft, or prescribed to be flown, as in making an approach to a
landing.
Precision Approach Procedure: A standard instrument approach procedure
in which an electronic glide slope is provided, such as ILS or PAR. (FAR
Part I)
Precision Approach Radar (PAR): A radar facility used to detect and
display azimuth, range, and elevation of an aircraft on the final
approach to a runway.
Primary Surface: A rectangular surface longitudinally centered about a
runway. Its width is a variable dimension and it usually extends 200
feet beyond each end of the runway. The elevation of any point on this
surface coincides with the elevation of its nearest perpendicular point
on the runway centerline or extended runway centerline.
Project: The whole of an action that has a potential for resulting in a
physical change in the environment, directly or ultimately, and that is
any of the following:
(1) An activity directly undertaken by any public agency, including but
not limited to public works construction and related activities,
clearing or grading of land, improvements to existing public structures,
enactment and amendment of zoning ordinances, and the adoption and
amendment of local General Plans or elements thereof pursuant to
Government Code Sections 65100-65700.
(2) An activity undertaken by a person, which is supported in whole or
in part through public agency contracts, grants, subsidies, loans, or
other forms of assistance from one or more public agencies.
(3) An activity involving the issuance to a person of a lease, permit,
license, certificate, or other entitlement for use by one or more public
agencies.
= Q =
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= R =
Radar Approach Control (RAPCON): Ajoint use air traffic control
facility, located at a U.S. Air Force Base, utilizing surveillance and
precision approach radar equipment in conjunction with air/ground
communication equipment.
Reliever Airport: An airport to serve general aviation aircraft that
might otherwise use a congested airport served by air carriers.
Restricted Area: Airspace which (when "Active" or "Hot") usually
excludes civilian aircraft. Examples,: airspace for rocket flights,
practice air-to-air combat or ground-based artillery practice. Temporary
restricted areas are established for events such as forest fires,
natural disasters or major new stories. Flight through a restricted area
may be authorized by the "controlling agency" or by FAA.
RNAV Way Point (w/p): A predetermined geographical position used for
route or instrument approach definition or progress reporting procedures
that is relative to a VORTAC station position (FAR Part 1).
Runway Alignment Indicator Light (RAlL): An airport lighting facility
consisting of five or more sequenced flashing lights installed on the
extended centerline of the runway.
Runway End Identification Light (REIL.): An airport lighting facility
consisting of a single flashing high intensity white light installed at
each approach end comer of a runway and directed toward the approach
zone, enabling the pilot to identify the threshold of a usable runway.
Runway Gradient (effective): The average difference in elevation of the
two ends of the runway divided by the runway length if no intervening
point lies more than five feet above or below a straight line joining
the two ends of the runway. If the criteria are not met the runway
profile will be segmented and aircraft data will be applied for each
segment separately.
Runway Orientation: The magnetic bearing of the centerline of the
runway.
Runway Protection Zone (RPZ): An area (formerly referred to as the clear
zone) used to enhance the safety of aircraft operations.
Runway Safety Area (RSA): A defined surface surrounding the runway
prepared or suitable for reducing risk of damage to airplanes in the
event of an undershoot, overshoot, or excursion from the runway.
Runway Strength: The ability of a runway to support aircraft of a
designated gross weight for single wheel, dual wheel, and dual tandem
wheel gear types.
Runway Visual Range (RVR): The horizontal distance a pilot can see down
the runway from the approach end; based on the sighting of either high
intensity runway lights or the visual contrast of other targets,
whichever yields the greater visual range.
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= S =
Segmented Circle: A basic marking device used to aid pilots in locating
airports.
Separation: The spacing of aircraft to achieve safe and orderly movement
in flight and while landing and taking off.
Separation Minima: The minimum longitudinal, lateral, or vertical
distances by which aircraft are spaced through the application of air
traffic control procedures.
Severe Noise Exposure: Exposure to aircraft noise that is likely to
interfere with human activity in noise-sensitive areas; repeated
vigorous complaints can be expected and group action is probable. This
exposure may be specified by a cumulative noise descriptor as a level of
noise exposure, such as DNL 75. (See also Significant Noise Exposure.)
Significant Effect On The Environment: A substantial, or potentially
substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within the
area affected by the project, including land, air, water, minerals,
flora, fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historic or aesthetic
significance. An economic or social change by itself is not considered a
significant effect on the environment. A social or economic change
related to a physical change may be considered in determining whether
the physical change is significant.
Significant Noise Exposure: Exposure to aircraft noise that is likely to
interfere with human activity in noise-sensitive areas; individual
complaints may be expected and group action is possible. This exposure
may be specified by a cumulative noise description as a level of noise
exposure, such as DNL 65. (See also Severe Noise Exposure.)
Sound Level (Noise Level): The weighted sound pressure level obtained by
the use of a sound level meter having a standard frequency filter for
attenuating part of the sound spectrum.
Small Airplane: An airplane of 12,500 pounds or less maximum
certificated takeoff weight.
Special VFR Operations: Aircraft operating in accordance with clearances
within certain control zones in weather conditions less than the basic VFR weather minimums.
Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR): A preplanned coded air traffic
control IFR arrival routing.
Statute Mile: A statute mile equals 5,280 feet.
Straight-In Approach: An instrument approach wherein the final approach
is commenced without first having executed a procedure turn (not
necessarily completed with a straight-in landing.
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= T =
Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN): A radio transponder facility utilized
by airborne equipment to compute bearing and distance relative to the
facility.
Taxilane: The portion of the aircraft parking area used for access
between taxiways and aircraft parking positions.
Taxiway: A defined path established for the taxiing of aircraft from one
part of the airport to another.
Terminal Building: A building or buildings designed to accommodate the enplanning and deplanning activities of air carrier passengers.
Terminal Facilities: The airport facilities providing services for air
carrier operations that serve as a center for the transfer of passengers
and baggage between surface and air transportation.
Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON): A terminal air traffic control
facility co-located with an Airport Traffic Control Tower.
Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA): A specified area around a terminal
in which participating VFR pilots are provided separation from other
participating VFR aircraft and IFR aircraft.
Terminal VOR (TVOR): Very high frequency terminal omnirange station
(located on or near an airport and used as an approach aid).
Threshold: The designated beginning of the runway that is available and
suitable for the landing of aircraft. When the threshold is located at a
point other than at the beginning of the pavement, it is referred to as
either a displaced threshold or a relocated threshold depending on how
the pavement behind is marked.
Traffic Pattern: A standard rectangular flight pattern around the
landing runway at an airport. Includes 45 degree or crosswind entry to
the rectangle, with downwind, base and final legs as sides of the
rectangle. Standard are 90-degree left turns around the rectangle
(non-standard right-hand traffic patter is noted in Airport Facility
Directories) with downwind flown at a specified altitude, usually 1,000
or 1,500 feet above the airport elevation. At airports with a control
tower; the pattern may be modified or short-cut according to ATC
instructions.
Transport Airport: An airport designed, constructed, and maintained to
serve airplanes in Aircraft Approach Category C and D.
Turboprop: An airplane using a turboprop engine, a jet rather than
piston engine connected to a propeller. Such aircraft can be single- or
multi-engine. Turboprop engines are increasingly used when more
horsepower is needed for speed or payload than the 300-400 horsepower
available from current light-aircraft piston engines.
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= U =
Unicom: A common, multi-purpose radio frequency used at most nontowered
airports as the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency. AOPA coined the term
(derived from the words "universal communications") in the 1950s. UNICOM
is also used by a Fixed Base Operator for general administrative uses,
including fuel orders, parking instructions, etc. Originally 122.8 MHz
universally, now includes 122.7, 123.0 and other frequencies.
Utility Airport: An airport designed, constructed, and maintained to
serve airplanes in Aircraft Approach Category A and B.
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= V =
VFR Airport: An airport without an authorized or planned instrument
approach procedure.
Victor Airway: Phonetic designation of VOR airways.
Visual Approach: An approach wherein an aircraft having an air traffic
control authorization may deviate from the prescribed instrument
approach procedure and proceed to the airport of destination, served by
an operational control tower, by visual reference to the ground.
Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASl): An airport lighting facility
that provides vertical visual guidance to aircraft during approach and
landing, by radiating a directional pattern of high intensity red and
white focused light beams.
Visual Flight Rules (VFR): Rules that govern the procedures for
conducting flight under visual conditions (FAR Part 91).
Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC): Weather conditions that permit
aircraft to be operated in accordance with visual flight rules.
VOR/DME: A VOR to which a specific kind of distance measuring device has
been added. (See VORTAC.)
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= W =
WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System): An enhancement to the GPS system
providing greater navigation accuracy and system integrity and
permitting GPS to be used for precision instrument approaches to most
airports.
Wake Turbulence: Turbulent air condition caused by small, tornado-like
horizontal whirlwinds training an aircraft's wingtips (wingtip
vortices). Wake turbulence associated with larger aircraft flying at
slow speeds (as on take-off or landing approach) is the most severe and
can cause loss of control for smaller aircraft following close behind.
Controllers use defined separation standards to avoid the problem for
take-off, landing, approach and departure operations.
Waypoint (w/p): A predetermined geo-graphical position used for route
definition and/or progress reporting purposes that is defined relative
to a VORT AC station position.
Wind Cone: A free rotating fabric cone that indicates wind direction and
wind force.
Wind Rose: A diagram for a given location showing relative frequency and
velocity of wind from all compass directions.
Wind Tee: A tee-shaped free rotating device that indicates wind
direction.
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= X =
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= Y =
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= Z =
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