Aeronautical Terms beginning with P
P Time
Proposed Departure Time.
P-ACP
Prearranged Coordination Procedures
Pan-Pan
The international radio-telephony urgency signal. When repeated three times, indicates uncertainty or alert followed by the nature of the urgency.
PAR
Precision Approach Radar
PAR [ICAO]
ICAO Term Precision Approach Radar
Parallel ILS Approaches
Approaches to parallel runways by IFR aircraft which, when established inbound toward the airport on the adjacent final approach courses, are radar-separated by at least 2 miles.
Parallel MLS Approaches
Approaches to parallel runways by IFR aircraft which, when established inbound toward the airport on the adjacent final approach courses, are radar-separated by at least 2 miles.
Parallel Offset Route
A parallel track to the left or right of the designated or established airway/route. Normally associated with Area Navigation (RNAV) operations.
Parallel Runways
Two or more runways at the same airport whose centerlines are parallel. In addition to runway number, parallel runways are designated as L (left) and R (right) or, if three parallel runways exist, L (left), C (center), and R (right).
PBCT
Proposed Boundary Crossing Time
PBN
Performance-Based Navigation
PDC
Pre-Departure Clearance
Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) [ICAO]
Area navigation based on performance requirements for aircraft operating along an ATS route, on an instrument approach procedure or in a designated airspace. Note: Performance requirements are expressed in navigation specifications (RNAV specification, RNP specification) in terms of accuracy, integrity, continuity, availability, and functionality needed for the proposed operation in the context of a particular airspace concept.
Permanent Echo
Radar signals reflected from fixed objects on the earth’s surface; e.g., buildings, towers, terrain. Permanent echoes are distinguished from “ground clutter” by being definable locations rather than large areas. Under certain conditions they may be used to check radar alignment.
Photo Reconnaissance
Military activity that requires locating individual photo targets and navigating to the targets at a preplanned angle and altitude. The activity normally requires a lateral route width of 16 NM and altitude range of 1,500 feet to 10,000 feet AGL.
Pilot Briefing
A service provided by the FSS to assist pilots in flight planning. Briefing items may include weather information, NOTAMs, military activities, flow control information, and other items as requested.
Pilot In Command
The pilot responsible for the operation and safety of an aircraft during flight time.
Pilot Weather Report
A report of meteorological phenomena encountered by aircraft in flight.
Pilot’s Discretion
When used in conjunction with altitude assignments, means that ATC has offered the pilot the option of starting climb or descent whenever he/she wishes and conducting the climb or descent at any rate he/she wishes. He/she may temporarily level off at any intermediate altitude. However, once he/she has vacated an altitude, he/she may not return to that altitude.
Pirep
Pilot Weather Report.
Pitch Point
A fix/waypoint that serves as a transition point from a departure procedure or the low altitude ground-based navigation structure into the high altitude waypoint system.
Plans Display
A display available in URET that provides detailed flight plan and predicted conflict information in textual format for requested Current Plans and all Trial Plans.
POFZ
Precision Obstacle Free Zone
Point Out
Radar Point Out.
Point-To-Point (PTP)
A level of NRR service for aircraft that is based on traditional waypoints in their FMSs or RNAV equipage.
Polar Track Structure
A system of organized routes between Iceland and Alaska which overlie Canadian MNPS Airspace.
Position Report
A report over a known location as transmitted by an aircraft to ATC.
Position Symbol
A computer-generated indication shown on a radar display to indicate the mode of tracking.
Positive Control
The separation of all air traffic within designated airspace by air traffic control.
Practice Instrument Approach
An instrument approach procedure conducted by a VFR or an IFR aircraft for the purpose of pilot training or proficiency demonstrations.
Pre-Departure Clearance
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-Flight Pilot Briefing
Pilot Briefing.
Prearranged Coordination
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 standard separation between aircraft.
Prearranged Coordination Procedures
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 standard separation without individual coordination for each aircraft.
Precipitation
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
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 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 (< 30 dBZ b. MODERATE (30 to 40 dBZ c. HEAVY (> 40 to 50 dBZ d. EXTREME (> 50 dBZ
Precision Approach
Precision Approach Procedure.
Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI)
An airport lighting facility, similar to VASI, providing vertical approach slope guidance to aircraft during approach to landing. PAPIs consist of a single row of either two or four lights, normally installed on the left side of the runway, and have an effective visual range of about 5 miles during the day and up to 20 miles at night. PAPIs radiate a directional pattern of high intensity red and white focused light beams which indicate that the pilot is “on path” if the pilot sees an equal number of white lights and red lights, with white to the left of the red; “above path” if the pilot sees more white than red lights; and “below path” if the pilot sees more red than white lights.
Precision Approach Procedure
A standard instrument approach procedure in which an electronic glideslope/glidepath is provided; e.g., ILS, MLS, and PAR.
Precision Approach Radar
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 to monitor certain nonradar approaches, but is primarily used to conduct a precision instrument approach (PAR) wherein the controller issues guidance instructions to the pilot based on the aircraft’s position in relation to the final approach course (azimuth), the glidepath (elevation), and the distance (range) from the touchdown point on the runway as displayed on the radar scope. Note: The abbreviation “PAR” is also used to denote preferential arrival routes in ARTCC computers.
Precision Approach Radar [ICAO]
Primary radar equipment used to determine the position of an aircraft during final approach, in terms of lateral and vertical deviations relative to a nominal approach path, and in range relative to touchdown. Note: Precision approach radars are designed to enable pilots of aircraft to be given guidance by radio communication during the final stages of the approach to land.
Precision Approach Runway, Category I
An instrument runway served by ILS and visual aids intended for operations down to 60 m (200 feet) decision height and down to an RVR of the order of 800 m.
Precision Approach Runway, Category II
An instrument runway served by ILS and visual aids intended for operations down to 30 m (100 feet) decision height and down to an RVR of the order of 400 m.
Precision Approach Runway, Category III
An instrument runway served by ILS to and along the surface of the runway and: 1. Intended for operations down to an RVR of the order of 200 m (no decision height being applicable) using visual aids during the final phase of landing; 2. Intended for operations down to an RVR of the order of 50 m (no decision height being applicable) using visual aids for taxiing; 3. Intended for operations without reliance on visual reference for landing or taxiing. Note: Visual aids need not necessarily be matched to the scale of nonvisual aids provided. The criterion for the selection of visual aids is the conditions in which operations are intended to be conducted.
Precision Obstacle Free Zone (POFZ)
An 800 foot wide by 200 foot long area centered on the runway centerline adjacent to the threshold designed to protect aircraft flying precision approaches from ground vehicles and other aircraft when ceiling is less than 250 feet or visibility is less than 3/4 statute mile (or runway visual range below 4,000 feet.
Precision Runway Monitor (PRM)
Provides air traffic controllers with high precision secondary surveillance data for aircraft on final approach to parallel runways that have extended centerlines separated by less than 4,300 feet. High resolution color monitoring displays (FMA) are required to present surveillance track data to controllers along with detailed maps depicting approaches and no transgression zone.
Predictive Wind Shear Alert System (PWS)
A self-contained system used onboard some aircraft to alert the flight crew to the presence of a potential wind shear. PWS systems typically monitor 3 miles ahead and 25 degrees left and right of the aircraft’s heading at or below 1200’ AGL. Departing flights may receive a wind shear alert after they start the takeoff roll and may elect to abort the takeoff. Aircraft on approach receiving an alert may elect to go around or perform a wind shear escape maneuver.
Preferential Arrival Route PAR
A specific arrival route from an appropriate en route point to an airport or terminal area. It may be included in a Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR) or a Preferred IFR Route. The abbreviation “PAR” is used primarily within the ARTCC and should not be confused with the abbreviation for Precision Approach Radar.
Preferential Departure And Arrival Route (PDAR)
A route between two terminals which are within or immediately adjacent to one ARTCC’s area. PDARs are not synonymous with Preferred IFR Routes but may be listed as such as they do accomplish essentially the same purpose.
Preferential Departure Route (PDR)
A specific departure route from an airport or terminal area to an en route point where there is no further need for flow control. It may be included in an Instrument Departure Procedure (DP) or a Preferred IFR Route.
Preferential Routes
Preferential routes (PDRs, PARs, and PDARs) are adapted in ARTCC computers to accomplish inter/intrafacility controller coordination and to assure that flight data is posted at the proper control positions. Locations having a need for these specific inbound and outbound routes normally publish such routes in local facility bulletins, and their use by pilots minimizes flight plan route amendments. When the workload or traffic situation permits, controllers normally provide radar vectors or assign requested routes to minimize circuitous routing. Preferential routes are usually confined to one ARTCC’s area and are referred to by the following names or acronyms: Preferential Departure Route (PDR), Preferential Arrival Route (PAR), and Preferential Departure and Arrival Route (PDAR).
Preferred IFR Routes
Routes established between busier airports to increase system efficiency and capacity. They normally extend through one or more ARTCC areas and are designed to achieve balanced traffic flows among high density terminals. IFR clearances are issued on the basis of these routes except when severe weather avoidance procedures or other factors dictate otherwise. Preferred IFR Routes are listed in the Airport/Facility Directory. If a flight is planned to or from an area having such routes but the departure or arrival point is not listed in the Airport/Facility Directory, pilots may use that part of a Preferred IFR Route which is appropriate for the departure or arrival point that is listed. Preferred IFR Routes are correlated with DPs and STARs and may be defined by airways, jet routes, direct routes between NAVAIDs, Waypoints, NAVAID radials/DME, or any combinations thereof.
Prevailing Visibility
The greatest horizontal visibility equaled or exceeded throughout at least half the horizon circle which need not necessarily be continuous.
Primary Radar
A radar system in which a minute portion of a radio pulse transmitted from a site is reflected by an object and then received back at that site for processing and display at an air traffic control facility.
Primary Radar Target
An analog or digital target, exclusive of a secondary radar target, presented on a radar display.
PRM
ILS PRM Approach and Precision Runway Monitor.
Procedure Turn
The maneuver prescribed when it is necessary to reverse direction to establish an aircraft on the intermediate approach segment or final approach course. The outbound course, direction of turn, distance within which the turn must be completed, and minimum altitude are specified in the procedure. However, unless otherwise restricted, the point at which the turn may be commenced and the type and rate of turn are left to the discretion of the pilot.
Procedure Turn Inbound
That point of a procedure turn maneuver where course reversal has been completed and an aircraft is established inbound on the intermediate approach segment or final approach course. A report of “procedure turn inbound” is normally used by ATC as a position report for separation purposes.
Procedure Turn [ICAO]
A maneuver in which a turn is made away from a designated track followed by a turn in the opposite direction to permit the aircraft to intercept and proceed along the reciprocal of the designated track. Note 1: Procedure turns are designated “left” or “right” according to the direction of the initial turn. Note 2: Procedure turns may be designated as being made either in level flight or while descending, according to the circumstances of each individual approach procedure.
Profile Descent
An uninterrupted descent (except where level flight is required for speed adjustment; e.g., 250 knots at 10,000 feet MSL) from cruising altitude/level to interception of a glideslope or to a minimum altitude specified for the initial or intermediate approach segment of a nonprecision instrument approach. The profile descent normally terminates at the approach gate or where the glideslope or other appropriate minimum altitude is intercepted.
Programmable Indicator Data Processor (PIDP)
A type or Automated Radar Terminal System (ARTS). The PIDP is a modification to the AN/TPX-42 interrogator system currently installed in fixed RAPCONs. The PIDP detects, tracks, and predicts secondary radar aircraft targets. These are displayed by means of computer-generated symbols and alphanumeric characters depicting flight identification, aircraft altitude, ground speed, and flight plan data. Although primary radar targets are not tracked, they are displayed coincident with the secondary radar targets as well as with the other symbols and alphanumerics. The system has the capability of interfacing with ARTCCs.
Progress Report
Position Report.
Progressive Taxi
Precise taxi instructions given to a pilot unfamiliar with the airport or issued in stages as the aircraft proceeds along the taxi route.
Prohibited Area
Airspace designated under 14 CFR Part 73 within which no person may operate an aircraft without the permission of the using agency.
Prohibited Area [ICAO]
An airspace of defined dimensions, above the land areas or territorial waters of a State, within which the flight of aircraft is prohibited.
Prominent Obstacle
An obstacle that meets one or more of the following conditions: a. An obstacle which stands out beyond the adjacent surface of surrounding terrain and immediately projects a noticeable hazard to aircraft in flight. b. An obstacle, not characterized as low and close in, whose height is no less than 300 feet above the departure end of takeoff runway (DER) elevation, is within 10NM from the DER, and that penetrates that airport/heliport’s diverse departure obstacle clearance surface (OCS). c. An obstacle beyond 10NM from an airport/heliport that requires an obstacle departure procedure (ODP) to ensure obstacle avoidance.
Proposed Boundary Crossing Time
Each center has a PBCT parameter for each internal airport. Proposed internal flight plans are transmitted to the adjacent center if the flight time along the proposed route from the departure airport to the center boundary is less than or equal to the value of PBCT or if airport adaptation specifies transmission regardless of PBCT.
Proposed Departure Time
The time that the aircraft expects to become airborne.
Protected Airspace
The airspace on either side of an oceanic route/track that is equal to one-half the lateral separation minimum except where reduction of protected airspace has been authorized.
PT
Procedure Turn
PTP
Point-To-Point
PTS
Polar Track Structure
Published Instrument Approach Procedure Visual Segment
A segment on an IAP chart annotated as “Fly Visual to Airport” or ”Fly Visual.” A dashed arrow will indicate the visual flight path on the profile and plan view with an associated note on the approximate heading and distance. The visual segment should be flown as a dead reckoning course while maintaining visual conditions.
Published Route
A route for which an IFR altitude has been established and published; e.g., Federal Airways, Jet Routes, Area Navigation Routes, Specified Direct Routes.
PWS
Predictive Wind Shear Alert System
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