Aeronautical Terms beginning with P
P Time
Proposed Departure Time.
P-Factor
A tendency for an aircraft to yaw to the left due to the for descending propeller blade on the right producing more thrust than the ascending blade on the left. This occurs when the aircraft’s longitudinal axis is in a climbing attitude in relation to the relative wind. The P-factor would be to the right if the aircraft had a counterclockwise rotating propeller.
P-factor
A tendency for an aircraft to yaw to the left due to the descending propeller blade on the right producing more thrust than the ascending blade on the left. This occurs when the aircraft’s longitudinal axis is in a climbing attitude in relation to the relative wind. The P-factor would be to the right if the aircraft had a counterclockwise rotating propeller.
P-static
Precipitation Static.
P-static
Precipitation Static.
P/CG
Pilot/Controller Glossary
PA
Precision Approach
Pan-Pan
The international radio-telephony urgency signal. When repeated three times, indicates uncertainty or alert followed by the nature of the urgency.
PAPI
Precision Approach Path Indicator.
PAPI
Precision Approach Path Indicator
PAR
Precision Approach Radar.
Parachute
A device used or intended to be used to retard the fall of a body or object through the air.
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).
Parallels
Lines of latitude.
Parasite Drag
That part of total drag created by the design or shape of airplane parts. Parasite drag increases with an increase in airspeed.
Parasite drag
Drag caused by the friction of air moving over the aircraft structure; its amount varies directly with the airspeed.
Parasite drag
Drag caused by the friction of air moving over the aircraft structure; its amount varies directly with the airspeed.
Parcel
A small volume of air, small enough to contain uniform distribution of its meteorological properties, and large enough to remain relatively self-contained and respond to all meteorological processes. No specific dimensions have been defined, however, the order of magnitude of 1 cubic foot has been suggested.
Partial obscuration
A designation of sky cover when part of the sky is hidden by surface based obscuring phenomena.
PAX
Passengers.
Payload
(GAMA) Weight of occupants, cargo, and baggage.
Payload (GAMA)
The weight of occupants, cargo, and baggage.
PCG
Positive Course Guidance
PDC
Pre-Departure Clearance
PDR
Preferential Departure Route
Perceptions
The basis of all learning, perceptions result when a person gives meaning to external stimuli or sensations. Meaning derived from perception is influenced by an individual’s experience and many other factors.
Performance-based objectives
A statement of purpose for a lesson or instructional period that includes three elements: a description of the skill or behavior desired of the student, a set of conditions under which the measurement will be taken, and a set of criteria describing the standard used to measure accomplishment of the objective.
Permanent Ballast (fixed ballast)
A weight permanently installed in an aircraft to bring its center of gravity into allowable limits. Permanent ballast is part of the aircraft empty weight.
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.
Person
An individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint-stock association, or governmental entity. It includes a trustee, receiver, assignee, or similar representative of any of them.
Personal computer-based aviation training device (PCATD)
A device which uses software which can be displayed on a personal computer to replicate the instrument panel of an airplane. A PCATD must replicate a type of airplane or family of airplanes and meet the virtual control requirements specified in AC 61-126.
Personality
The embodiment of personal traits and characteristics of an individual that are set at a very early age and are extremely resistant to change.
Personality
The embodiment of personal traits and characteristics of an individual that are set at a very early age and extremely resistant to change.
PF
Pilot Flying
PFAST
Passive Final Approach Spacing Tool
PFD
Primary Flight Display.
PFD
Primary Flight Display
PFD
Personal Flotation Device
Phugoid oscillations
Long-period oscillations of an aircraft around its lateral axis. It is a slow change in pitch accompanied by equally slow changes in airspeed. Angle of attack remains constant, and the pilot often corrects for phugoid oscillations without even being aware of them.
Physical organism
A perception factor that describes a person’s ability to sense the world around them.
PIC
Pilot-in-Command.
PIC
Pilot In Command.
Pilot balloon
A small free-lift balloon used to determine the speed and direction of winds in the upper air.
Pilot balloon observation (commonly called PIBAL)
A method of winds-aloft observation by visually tracking a pilot balloon.
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 Briefing
A service provided by a Flight Service Station (FSS) or other FAA-approved provider that can assist pilots with flight planning. Briefing items may include weather information, Notices to Airmen (NOTAM), military activities, flow control information, and other items, as requested.
Pilot Briefing Information
The current format for charted IAPs issued by NACO. The information is presented in a logical order facilitating pilot briefing of the procedures. Charts include formatted information required for quick pilot or flight crew reference located at the top of the chart.
Pilot error
Pilot action/inaction or decision/indecision causing or contributing to an accident or incident.
Pilot in command
The person who:
(1) Has final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight;
(2) Has been designated as pilot in command before or during the flight; and
(3) Holds the appropriate category, class, and type rating, if appropriate, for the conduct of the flight.
Pilot In Command
The pilot responsible for the operation and safety of an aircraft during flight time.
Pilot report (PIREP)
Report of meteorological phenomena encountered by aircraft.
Pilot report (PIREP)
Report of meteorological phenomena encountered by aircraft.
Pilot Weather Report (PIREP)
A report from a pilot of meteorological phenomena usually transmitted in a prescribed format. The letters “UA” identify the message as a routine PIREP while the letters “UUA” identify an urgent PIREP.
Pilotage
Navigation by visual reference to landmarks.
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.
Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)
An FAA-approved document published by the airframe manufacturer that lists the operating conditions for a particular model of aircraft and its engine(s).
Pilot’s Operating Handbook/Airplane Flight Manual (POH/AFM)
FAA-approved documents published by the airframe manufacturer that list the operating conditions for a particular model of aircraft.
Pilot’s Operating Handbook/Airplane Flight Manual (POH/AFM)
FAA-approved documents published by the airframe manufacturer that list the operating conditions for a particular model of aircraft.
PinS
Point-In-Space
PinS
Point-in-Space
PIREP
Pilot Report.
PIREP
Pilot Weather Report
PIREP
Pilot Report.
Pirep
Pilot Weather Report.
Piston Engine
A reciprocating engine.
Pitch
The rotation of an airplane about its lateral axis, or on a propeller, the blade angle as measured from plane of rotation.
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.
Pitch setting
The propeller blade setting as determined by the blade angle measured in a manner, and at a radius, specified by the instruction manual for the propeller.
Pitot pressure
Ram air pressure used to measure airspeed.
Pitot pressure
Ram air pressure used to measure airspeed.
Pitot-static head
A combination pickup used to sample pitot pressure and static air pressure.
Pitot-static head
A combination pickup used to sample pitot pressure and static air pressure.
Pivotal Altitude
A specific altitude at which, when an airplane turns at a given groundspeed, a projecting of the sighting reference line to a selected point on the ground will appear to pivot on that point.
Plan position indicator (PPI) scope
A radar indicator scope displaying range and azimuth of targets in polar coordinates.
Plan view
The overhead view of an approach procedure on an instrument approach chart. The plan view depicts the routes that guide the pilot from the en route segments to the IAF.
Planform
The shape or form of a wing as viewed from above. It may be long and tapered, short and rectangular, or various other shapes.
Plow wind
The spreading downdraft of a thunderstorm; a strong, straight-line wind in advance of the storm. Also called first gust.
PM
Pilot Monitoring
PMA
Parts Manufacturer Approval.
Pneumatic
Operation by the use of compressed air.
Pneumatic Systems
The power system in an aircraft used for operating such items as landing gear, brakes, and wing flaps with compressed air as the operating fluid.
POB
Persons on Board
POFZ
Precision Obstacle Free Zone
POH
Pilots Operating Handbook
POH/AFM
Pilots Operating Handbook/Airplane Flight Manual.
POH/AFM
Pilot’s Operating Handbook/Airplane Flight Manual.
Point-in-Space (PinS)Approach
An approach normally developed to heliports that do not meet the IFR heliport design standards but meet the standards for a VFR heliport. A helicopter PinS approach can be developed using conventional NAVAIDs or RNAV systems. These procedures have either a VFR or visual segment between the MAP and the landing area. The procedure will specify a course and distance from the MAP to the heliport(s) and include a note to proceed VFR or visually from the MAP to the heliport, or conduct the missed approach.
Point-To-Point (PTP)
A level of NRR service for aircraft that is based on traditional waypoints in their FMSs or RNAV equipage.
Polar air
An air mass with characteristics developed over high latitudes, especially within the subpolar highs. Continental polar air (cP) has cold surface temperatures, low moisture content, and, especially in its source regions, has great stability in the lower layers. It is shallow in comparison with Arctic air. Maritime polar (mP) initially possesses similar properties to those of continental polar air, but in passing over warmer water it becomes unstable with a higher moisture content. Compare tropical air.
Polar front
The semipermanent, semicontinuous front separating air masses of tropical and polar origins.
Poor judgment chain
A series of mistakes that may lead to an accident or incident. Two basic principles generally associated with the creation of a poor judgment chain are: (1) one bad decision often leads to another; and (2) as a string of bad decisions grows, it reduces the number of subsequent alternatives for continued safe flight. Aeronautical decision- making is intended to break the poor judgment chain before it can cause an accident or incident.
Porpoising
Oscillating around the lateral axis of the aircraft during landing.
Position error
Error in the indication of the altimeter, ASI, and VSI caused by the air at the static system entrance not being absolutely still.
Position error
Error in the indication of the altimeter, ASI, and VSI caused by the air at the static system entrance not being absolutely still.
Position Lights
Lights on an aircraft consisting of a red light on the left wing, a green light on the right wing, and a white light on the tail. CFRs require that these lights be displayed in flight from sunset to sunrise.
Position report
A report over a known location as transmitted by an aircraft to ATC.
Position report
A report over a known location as transmitted by an aircraft to ATC.
Positive Control
The separation of all air traffic within designated airspace by air traffic control.
Positive Course Guidance (PCG)
A continuous display of navigational data that enables an aircraft to be flown along a specific course line, e.g., radar vector, RNAV, ground-based NAVAID.
Positive Static Stability
The initial tendency to return to a state of equilibrium when disturbed from that state.
Positive static stability
The initial tendency to return to a state of equilibrium when disturbed from that state.
Positive vorticity
Vorticity caused by cyclonic turning; it is associated with upward motion of the air.
Potable Water
Water carried in an aircraft for the purpose of drinking.
Power
Implies work rate or units of work per unit of time, and as such, it is a function of the speed at which the force is developed. The term “power required” is generally associated with reciprocating engines.
Power density
In radar meteorology the amount of radiated energy per unit cross sectional area in the radar beam.
Power Distribution Bus
A Bus Bar. An electrical power distribution point to which several circuits may be connected. It is often a solid metal strip having a number of terminals installed on it.
Power Lever
The cockpit lever connected to the fuel control unit scheduling fuel flow to the combustion chambers of a turbine engine.
Powered parachute
A powered aircraft comprised of a flexible or semi-rigid wing connected to a fuselage so that the wing is not in position for flight until the aircraft is in motion. The fuselage of a powered parachute contains the aircraft engine, a seat for each occupant and is attached to the aircraft’s landing gear.
Powered-lift
A heavier-than-air aircraft capable of vertical takeoff, vertical landing, and low speed flight that depends principally on engine-driven lift devices or engine thrust for lift during these flight regimes and on nonrotating airfoil(s) for lift during horizontal flight.
Powerplant
A complete engine and propeller combination with accessories.
PPS
Precise Positioning Service
Practical Slip Limit
The maximum slip an aircraft is capable of performing due to rudder travel limits.
Practical Test Standards (PTS)
An FAA published list of standards which must be met for the issuance of a particular pilot certificate or rating. FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners use these standards when conducting pilot practical tests and flight instructors should use the PTS while preparing applicants for practical tests. (Obsolete term, replaced by Airman Certification Standards)
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.
Precession
The tilting or turning of a gyro in response to deflective forces causing slow drifting and erroneous indications in gyroscopic instruments.
Precession
The characteristic of a gyroscope that causes an applied force to be felt, not at the point of application, but 90° from that point in the direction of rotation.
Precession
The characteristic of a gyroscope that causes an applied force to be felt, not at the point of application, but 90° from that point in the direction of rotation.
Precipitation
Any or all forms of water particles, whether liquid or solid, that fall from the atmosphere and reach the surface. It is a major class of hydrometeor, distinguished from cloud and virga in that it must reach the surface.
Precipitation attenuation
Reduction of power density because of absorption or reflection of energy by precipitation.
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
Precipitation static (P-static)
A form of radio interference caused by rain, snow, or dust particles hitting the antenna and inducing a small radio-frequency voltage into it.
Precipitation static (P-static)
A form of radio interference caused by rain, snow, or dust particles hitting the antenna and inducing a small radio-frequency voltage into it.
Precision approach
A standard instrument approach procedure in which both vertical and horizontal guidance is provided.
Precision Approach
Precision Approach Procedure.
Precision approach path indicator (PAPI)
A system of lights similar to the VASI, but consisting of one row of lights in two- or four-light systems. A pilot on the correct glide slope will see two white lights and two red lights. See VASI.
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 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 a 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.
Preignition
Ignition occurring in the cylinder before the time of normal ignition. Preignition is often caused by a local hot spot in the combustion chamber igniting the fuel/air mixture.
Preparation
The first step of the teaching process, which consists of determining the scope of the lesson, the objectives, and the goals to be attained. This portion also includes making certain all necessary supplies are on hand. When using the telling-and-doing technique of flight instruction, this step is accomplished prior to the flight lesson.
Presentation
The second step of the teaching process, which consists of delivering information or demonstrating the skills that make up the lesson. The delivery could be by either the lecture method or demonstration-performance method. In the telling-and-doing technique of flight instruction, this is the segment in which the instructor both talks about and performs the procedure.
Pressure altimeter
An aneroid barometer with a scale graduated in altitude instead of pressure using standard atmospheric pressure-height relationships; shows indicated altitude (not necessarily true altitude); may be set to measure altitude (indicated) from any arbitrarily chosen level.
Pressure Altitude
The altitude indicated when the altimeter setting window (barometric scale) is adjusted to 29.92. This is the altitude above the standard datum plane, which is a theoretical plane where air pressure (corrected to 15ºC) equals 29.92 in. Hg. Pressure altitude is used to compute density altitude, true altitude, true airspeed, and other performance data.
Pressure altitude
The altitude in the standard atmosphere at which the pressure is the same as at the point in question. Since an altimeter operates solely on pressure, this is the uncorrected altitude indicated by an altimeter set at standard sea level pressure of 29.92 inches or 1013 millibars.
Pressure demand oxygen system
A demand oxygen system that supplies 100 percent oxygen at sufficient pressure above the altitude where normal breathing is adequate. Also referred to as a pressure breathing system.
Pressure gradient
The rate of decrease of pressure per unit distance at a fixed time.
Pressure jump
A sudden, significant increase in station pressure.
Pressure tendency
Barometric tendency. The change of barometric pressure within a specified period of time. In aviation weather observation, routinely determined periodically, usually for a 3-hour period.
Pretest
A test used to determine whether a student has the necessary qualifications to begin a course of study. Also used to determine the level of knowledge a student has in relation to the material that will be presented in the course.
Prevailing easterlies
The broad current or pattern of persistent easterly winds in the Tropics and in polar regions.
Prevailing visibility
The greatest horizontal visibility equaled or exceeded throughout at least half the horizon circle (which is not necessarily continuous).
Prevailing visibility
In the U.S., the greatest horizontal visibility which is equaled or exceeded throughout half of the horizon circle; it need not be a continuous half.
Prevailing Visibility
The greatest horizontal visibility equaled or exceeded throughout at least half the horizon circle which need not necessarily be continuous.
Prevailing westerlies
The dominant west-to-east motion of the atmosphere, centered over middle latitudes of both hemispheres.
Prevailing wind
Direction from which the wind blows most frequently.
Preventive maintenance
Simple or minor preservative operations and the replacement of small standard parts not involving complex assembly operation as listed in 14 CFR part 43, appendix A. Certificated pilots may perform preventive maintenance on any aircraft that is owned or operated by them provided that the aircraft is not used in air carrier service.
Primacy
A principle of learning in which the first experience of something often creates a strong, almost unshakable impression. The importance to an instructor is that the first time something is demonstrated, it must be shown correctly since that experience is the one most likely to be remembered by the student.
Primary and supporting
A method of attitude instrument flying using the instrument that provides the most direct indication of attitude and performance.
Primary flight display (PFD)
A display that provides increased situational awareness to the pilot by replacing the traditional six instruments used for instrument flight with an easy-to-scan display that provides the horizon, airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, trend, trim, rate of turn among other key relevant indications.
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.
Principal Operations Inspector (POI)
Scheduled air carriers and operators for compensation or hire are assigned a principal operations inspector (POI) who works directly with the company and coordinates FAA operating approval.
PRM
ILS PRM Approach and Precision Runway Monitor.
Problem-based learning
Lessons in such a way as to confront students with problems that are encountered in real life which force them to reach real-world solutions.
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.
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.
Profile Drag
The total of the skin friction drag and form drag for a two-dimensional airfoil section.
Profile view
Side view of an IAP chart illustrating the vertical approach path altitudes, headings, distances, and fixes.
Prognostic chart (contracted PROG)
A chart of expected or forecast conditions.
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.
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.
Propeller
A device for propelling an aircraft that, when rotated, produces by its action on the air, a thrust approximately perpendicular to its plane of rotation. It includes the control components normally supplied by its manufacturer.
Propeller
A device for propelling an aircraft that has blades on an engine-driven shaft and that, when rotated, produces by its action on the air, a thrust approximately perpendicular to its plane of rotation. It includes control components normally supplied by its manufacturer, but does not include main and auxiliary rotors or rotating airfoils of engines.
Propeller Blade Angle
The angle between the propeller chord and the propeller plane of rotation.
Propeller Lever
The control on a free power turbine turboprop that controls propeller speed and the selection for propeller feathering.
Propeller Slipstream
The volume of air accelerated behind a propeller producing thrust.
Propeller Synchronization
A condition in which all of the propellers have their pitch automatically adjusted to maintain a constant r.p.m. among all of the engines of a multiengine aircraft.
Propeller/rotor modulation error
Certain propeller RPM settings or helicopter rotor speeds can cause the VOR course deviation indicator (CDI) to fluctuate as much as ±6°. Slight changes to the RPM setting will normally smooth out this roughness.
Proposed Departure Time
The time that the aircraft expects to become airborne.
Pseudo-adiabatic lapse rate
Saturated-adiabatic lapse rate. The rate of decrease of temperature with height as saturated air is lifted with no gain or loss of heat from outside sources; varies with temperature, being greatest at low temperatures.
Psychomotor domain
A grouping of levels of learning associated with physical skill levels which range from perception through set, guided response, mechanism, complex overt response, and adaptation to origination.
Psychrometer
An instrument consisting of a wet-bulb and a dry-bulb thermometer for measuring wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperature; used to determine water vapor content of the air.
PT
Procedure Turn
PT
Procedure Turn
PTP
Point-To-Point
PTRS
Performance Tracking and Reporting System.
PTS
Practical Test Standards. (Obsolete term, replaced by Airman Certification Standards–ACS)
Public aircraft
Any of the following aircraft when not being used for a commercial purpose or to carry an individual other than a crewmember or qualified non-crewmember:
(1) An aircraft used only for the United States Government; an aircraft owned by the Government and operated by any person for purposes related to crew training, equipment development, or demonstration; an aircraft owned and operated by the government of a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States or a political subdivision of one of these governments; or an aircraft exclusively leased for at least 90 continuous days by the government of a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States or a political subdivision of one of these governments.
(i) For the sole purpose of determining public aircraft status, commercial purposes means the transportation of persons or property for compensation or hire, but does not include the operation of an aircraft by the armed forces for reimbursement when that reimbursement is required by any Federal statute, regulation, or directive, in effect on November 1, 1999, or by one government on behalf of another government under a cost reimbursement agreement if the government on whose behalf the operation is conducted certifies to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration that the operation is necessary to respond to a significant and imminent threat to life or property (including natural resources) and that no service by a private operator is reasonably available to meet the threat.
(ii) For the sole purpose of determining public aircraft status, governmental function means an activity undertaken by a government, such as national defense, intelligence missions, firefighting, search and rescue, law enforcement (including transport of prisoners, detainees, and illegal aliens), aeronautical research, or biological or geological resource management.
(iii) For the sole purpose of determining public aircraft status, qualified non-crewmember means an individual, other than a member of the crew, aboard an aircraft operated by the armed forces or an intelligence agency of the United States Government, or whose presence is required to perform, or is associated with the performance of, a governmental function.
(2) An aircraft owned or operated by the armed forces or chartered to provide transportation to the armed forces if—
(i) The aircraft is operated in accordance with title 10 of the United States Code;
(ii) The aircraft is operated in the performance of a governmental function under title 14, 31, 32, or 50 of the United States Code and the aircraft is not used for commercial purposes; or
(iii) The aircraft is chartered to provide transportation to the armed forces and the Secretary of Defense (or the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating) designates the operation of the aircraft as being required in the national interest.
(3) An aircraft owned or operated by the National Guard of a State, the District of Columbia, or any territory or possession of the United States, and that meets the criteria of paragraph (2) of this definition, qualifies as a public aircraft only to the extent that it is operated under the direct control of the Department of Defense.
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.
Pulse
Pertaining to radar, a brief burst of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radar; of very short time duration.
Pulse length
Pertaining to radar, the dimension of a radar pulse; may be expressed as the time duration or the length in linear units. Linear dimension is equal to time duration multiplied by the speed of propagation (approximately the speed of light).
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