JEPPESEN GENERAL AIRWAY MANUAL (Issue Date 1 JUL 21)

JEPPESEN AIRWAY MANUAL VERSUS EASA AIR OPS ANNEX III

PART-ORO

The following table helps to identify the sections of the Jeppesen Airway Manual which comply
with EASA Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM) to Part-ORO.
For further details, please refer to AMC3 ORO.MLR.100 Part C: Route/Role/Area and Aerodrome/
Operating Site Instructions and Information.

EASA Operations Manual Part C

Jeppesen Airway Manual

a) Minimum flight level/Minimum flight al-
titude

a. Enroute-, Area-, SID/STAR charts.
b. INTRODUCTION section, Enroute Chart Leg-

end.

b) Operating minima for departure-, desti-
nation- and alternate aerodromes

a. Approach-, Airport charts
b. 10-9S type pages (EASA AIR OPS Minimums)

c. ATC section "AERODROME OPERATING MINI-

MUMS - EASA AIR OPERATIONS"

c) Communication facilities and naviga-
tion aids

a. RADIO AIDS section
b. Approach-, Airport charts

c. Enroute-, Area-, SID/STAR charts

d) Runway/final approach and take-off
area (FATO) data and aerodrome/operat-
ing site facilities

a. AIRPORT DIRECTORY section
b. Airport charts

e) Approach, missed approach and de-
parture procedures including noise abate-
ment procedures

a. Airport Briefing Pages
b. Approach charts

c. SIDs & STARs

d. Noise pages
e. ATC section: State pages

f) COM-failure procedures

a. EMERGENCY section
b. Airport Briefing Pages

c. Approach charts

d. SIDs & STARs

g) Search and rescue facilities in the area
over which the aircraft is to be flown

a. EMERGENCY section, Search and Rescue
b. AIRPORT DIRECTORY

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

EASA AIR OPS

EASA Operations Manual Part C

Jeppesen Airway Manual

h) A description of the aeronautical charts
that should be carried on board in relation
to the type of flight and the route to be
flown, including the method to check their
validity.

a. INTRODUCTION section

1. Chart Legends
2. EASA AIR OPS/Revision Service

i) Availability of aeronautical information
and MET services

a. METEOROLOGY section
b. Enroute charts

c. AIRPORT DIRECTORY

j) Enroute COM/NAV procedures

a. ATC section, State pages
b. ENROUTE section

c. Enroute-, Area charts

k) Aerodrome/operating site categoriza-
tion for flight crew competence qualifica-
tion

This is not part of the Standard Airway Manual as it is
operator specific. However it can be part of a Tailored
Route Manual. Special Jeppesen service is the Air-
port Familiarization/Qualification program

l) Special aerodrome limitations (perform-
ance limitations and operating proce-
dures)

Cannot be part of the Standard Airway Manual, as it
is aircraft/performance specific. However, Jeppesen
is providing its OpsData Service for these purposes

Jeppesen CHART CHANGE NOTICES provide flight crews with temporary and permanent
changes between revision of charts. They are issued for each Airway Manual coverage with every
revision.
Jeppesen NAVDATA CHANGE NOTICES are issued for each Navigation Data Base geographic
area. They provide flight crews with temporary changes affecting their FMCS or Navigation Com-
puter Systems. They also provide permanent changes effective between the 28 day AIRAC cycle.
Both services do not replace AIS NOTAM Services in any manner.

REVISION SERVICE

Aeronautical Chart Services are available either as the Standard Airway Manual Service or the
customer defined Tailored Route Manual Service.
Depending on geographical coverage, customer defined requirements or other reasons both
types of Aeronautical Chart Services may be set up for weekly, bi-weekly or four-weekly revisions
to be kept current. Bi-weekly and four-weekly revisions may be supplemented by weekly revisions
if it is required to get important changes as soon as possible to our customers. Each revision is
accompanied by a revision letter which indicates the necessary actions to keep the Chart Service
current. The Record of Revisions page in front of the Manual needs to be signed after the comple-
tion of each revision. A consecutive revision numbering assures that the customer can see that all

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

EASA AIR OPS

published revisions for this particular Chart Service are received. The first revision letter in a cal-
endar year also indicates which was the last revision for this Chart Service of the past year.
Handwritten amendments and revisions are not permitted, except in situations requiring immedi-
ate amendment or revision in the interest of safety.
Annotations of changes in the text section are marked with a change bar for revised or added
lines and changes on charts and tables are indicated as Change Note.
Temporary information is printed on white stock with yellow stripes on both sides, there is an
information box in the center of the chart to indicate that this is a temporary procedure and fur-
thermore the chart title contains the abbreviation “TEMP” in brackets (e.g. CAT II/II ILS RWY 31R
(TEMP). It is used to alert pilots to Airport Construction and temporary SID/STAR and Approach
Procedures.
An ICAO developed AIRAC (Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control) system (Annex 15,
Chapter 6-1 and Doc 8126, Chapter 2-6) assures that all significant changes are made available
prior the effective date. Governing authorities are required to make defined significant changes
effective only on certain Thursdays in intervals of 28 days, the so-called AIRAC dates. Further-
more are the governing authorities required to publish any changes under the AIRAC system with
defined lead times allowing the commercial aeronautical chart providers to update and distribute
their products in advance of the effective date. Charts without effective date should be used as
soon as received.
Not all Aeronautical Chart Services must get regular updates as this also depends if there are
charts to be revised per the Jeppesen revision criteria which have been developed over decades
in cooperation with our customers.
Whenever charts cannot be revised, e.g. information not received early enough or clarifications to
the governing authorities must be resolved prior publication, respective information is distributed
by the means of Chart Change Notices which are also available on-line to all customers via our
website.
Chart Alerts are used to quickly disseminate flight critical information that affects Jeppesen's
Standard paper or electronic Airway Manual products. Occasionally changes cannot be issued to
customers through our normal paper or electronic production schedules prior to effectivity. Chart
Alerts allow Jeppesen to immediateley address these changes through either RSS or our website
as soon as they come to our attention.

CHECKLISTS

Checklists are issued at regular intervals to enable all Manual Service holders to check the up-to-
date status and the completeness on the material subscribed to. Anytime, an updated copy of the
checklist can be requested. Furthermore are on-line and off-line electronic Chart Services availa-
ble which can be used to check the paper based Chart Service currency against.
A comprehensive list of enroute, plotting and area charts worldwide with latest revision and effec-
tive dates is available via our website.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

EASA AIR OPS

This glossary provides definitions that are unique and abbreviations commonly used in
Jeppesen publications. No attempt has been made to list all the terms of basic aeronauti-
cal nomenclature.
Because of the international nature of flying, terms used by the FAA (USA) are included
when they differ from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) definitions. A vertical
bar, that is omitted on all new pages, tables of contents, tabular listings and graphics, indi-
cates changes.

DEFINITIONS

ACCELERATE STOP DISTANCE AVAILABLE (ASDA) — The length of the take-off run availa-
ble plus the length of the stopway, if provided.
ACROBATIC FLIGHT — Manoeuvres intentionally performed by an aircraft involving an abrupt
change in its attitude, an abnormal attitude, or an abnormal variation in speed.
ADEQUATE VIS REF (Adequate Visual Reference) — Runway markings or runway lighting that
provides the pilot with adequate visual reference to continuously identify the take-off surface and
maintain directional control throughout the take-off run.
ADS AGREEMENT — An ADS reporting plan which establishes the conditions of ADS data
reporting (i.e., data required by the air traffic services unit and frequency of ADS reports which
have to be agreed to prior to the provision of the ADS services).
NOTE: The terms of the agreement will be exchanged between the ground system and the air-
craft by means of a contract, or a series of contracts.
ADS-B — A surveillance system in which an aircraft or vehicle to be detected is fitted with coop-
erative equipment in the form of a data link transmitter. The aircraft or vehicle periodically broad-
casts its GPS-derived position and other information such as velocity over the data link, which is
received by a ground-based transmitter/receiver (transceiver) for processing and display at an air
traffic control facility.
ADS-C AGREEMENT — A reporting plan which establishes the conditions of ADS-C data report-
ing (i.e. data required by the air traffic services unit and frequency of ADS-C reports which have to
be agreed to prior to using ADS-C in the provision of air traffic services).
NOTE: The terms of the agreement will be exchanged between the ground system and the air-
craft by means of a contract, or a series of contracts.
ADS CONTRACT — A means by which the terms of an ADS agreement will be exchanged
between the ground system and the aircraft, specifying under what conditions ADS reports would
be initiated, and what data would be contained in the reports.
NOTE: The term “ADS contract” is a generic term meaning variously, ADS event contract, ADS
demand contract, ADS periodic contract or an emergency mode. Ground forwarding of ADS
reports may be implemented between ground systems.
ADVISORY AIRSPACE — An airspace of defined dimensions, or designated route, within which
air traffic advisory service is available.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

ADVISORY ROUTE (ADR) — A designated route along which air traffic advisory service is avail-
able.
NOTE: Air traffic control service provides a much more complete service than air traffic advisory
service; advisory areas and routes are therefore not established within controlled airspace, but air
traffic advisory service may be provided below and above control areas.
ADVISORY SERVICE — Advice and information provided by a facility to assist pilots in the safe
conduct of flight and aircraft movement.
AERODROME — A defined area on land or water (including any buildings, installations and
equipment) intended to be used either wholly or in part for the arrival, departure and surface
movement of aircraft.
NOTE: The term “aerodrome” where used in the provisions relating to flight plans and ATS mes-
sages is intended to cover also sites other than aerodromes which may be used by certain types
of aircraft; e.g., helicopters or balloons.
AERODROME CLIMATOLOGICAL SUMMARY — Concise summary of specified meteorological
elements at an aerodrome, based on statistical data.
AERODROME CLIMATOLOGICAL TABLE — Table providing statistical data on the observed
occurrence of one or more meteorological elements at an aerodrome.
AERODROME CONTROL SERVICE — Air traffic control service for aerodrome traffic.
AERODROME CONTROL TOWER — A unit established to provide air traffic control service to
aerodrome traffic.
AERODROME ELEVATION — The elevation of the highest point of the landing area.
AERODROME FLIGHT INFORMATION SERVICE (AFIS) — A directed traffic information and
operational information service provided within an aerodrome flight information zone, to all radio
equipped aircraft, to assist in the safe and efficient conduct of flight.
AERODROME METEOROLOGICAL OFFICE — An office, located at an aerodrome, designated
to provide meteorological service for international air navigation.
AERODROME REFERENCE CODE — A simple method for interrelating the numerous specifica-
tions concerning the characteristics of aerodromes so as to provide a series of aerodromes facili-
ties that are suitable for the aeroplanes that are intended to operate at the aerodrome. The aero-
drome reference code — code number and letter, which are selected for aerodrome planning pur-
poses, have the meanings assigned to them as indicated in the table below:

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

Code Element 1

Code Element 2

Code

Number

Aeroplane Refer-

ence Field

Length

Code

Letter

Wing Span

Outer Main Gear Wheel

Span

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Less than

800m

Up to but not including

15m

Up to but not including

4.5m

800m up to but
not including
1200m

15m up to but not including
24m

4.5m up to but not including
6m

1200m up to but
not including
1800m

24m up to but not including
36m

6m up to but not including
9m

1800m and over

36m up to but not including
52m

9m up to but not including
14m

52m up to but not including
65m

9m up to but not including
14m

65m up to but not including
80m

14m up to but not including
16m

Distance between the outside edges of the main gear wheels.

NOTE: Guidance on planning for aeroplanes with wing spans greater than 80m is given in the
ICAO Doc. 9157 “Aerodrome Design Manual,” Parts 1 and 2.
AERODROME TRAFFIC — All traffic on the manoeuvring area of an aerodrome and all aircraft
flying in the vicinity of an aerodrome.
NOTE: An aircraft is in the vicinity of an aerodrome when it is in, entering or leaving an aerodrome
traffic circuit.
AERODROME TRAFFIC CIRCUIT — The specified path to be flown by aircraft operating in the
vicinity of an aerodrome.
AERODROME TRAFFIC FREQUENCY (ATF) — A frequency designated at an uncontrolled air-
port. An ATF is used to ensure all radio equipped aircraft operating within the area, normally
within a 5NM radius of the airport, are listening on a common frequency. The ATF is normally the
ground station frequency. Where a ground station does not exist, a common frequency is desig-
nated. Radio call sign is that of the ground station, or where no ground station exists, a broadcast
is made with the call sign “Traffic Advisory.” Jeppesen charts list the frequency and the area of
use when other than the standard 5NM.
AERODROME TRAFFIC ZONE (ATZ) — An airspace of detailed dimensions established around
an aerodrome for the protection of aerodrome traffic.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

AERONAUTICAL FIXED SERVICE (AFS) — A telecommunication service between specified
fixed points provided primarily for the safety of air navigation and for the regular, efficient and eco-
nomical operation of air services.
AERONAUTICAL FIXED STATION — A station in the aeronautical fixed service.
AERONAUTICAL FIXED TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORK (AFTN) — A world-wide system
of aeronautical fixed circuits provided, as part of the aeronautical fixed service, for the exchange
of messages and/or digital data between aeronautical fixed stations having the same or compati-
ble communications characteristics.
AERONAUTICAL GROUND LIGHT — Any light specially provided as an aid to air navigation,
other than a light displayed on an aircraft.
AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION PUBLICATION (AIP) — A publication issued by or with the
authority of a State and containing aeronautical information of a lasting character essential to air
navigation.
AERONAUTICAL METEOROLOGICAL STATION — A station designated to make observations
and meteorological reports for use in international air navigation.
AERONAUTICAL MOBILE SERVICE — A mobile service between aeronautical stations and air-
craft stations, or between aircraft stations, in which survival craft stations may participate; emer-
gency position-indicating radio beacon stations may also participate in this service on designated
distress and emergency frequencies.
AERONAUTICAL RADIO, INCORPORATED (ARINC) — An international radio network provid-
ing air-to-ground communications available on a subscription (fee) basis.
AERONAUTICAL STATION — A land station in the aeronautical mobile service. In certain
instances, an aeronautical station may be located, for example, on board ship or on a platform at
sea.
AERONAUTICAL TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICE — A telecommunication service provided
for any aeronautical purpose.
AERONAUTICAL TELECOMMUNICATION STATION — A station in the aeronautical telecom-
munication service.
AIRBORNE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM (ACAS) — An aircraft system based on secon-
dary surveillance radar (SSR) transponder signals which operates independently of ground-based
equipment to provide advice to the pilot on potential conflicting aircraft that are equipped with
SSR transponders.
AIRCRAFT — Any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the
air other than the reactions of the air against the earth’s surface.
AIRCRAFT ADDRESS — A unique combination of 24 bits available for assignment to an aircraft
for the purpose of air-ground communications, navigation and surveillance.
AIRCRAFT APPROACH CATEGORY (USA TERPS) — A grouping of aircraft based on a speed
of Vref, if specified, or if Vref is not specified, 1.3 V

at the maximum certificated landing weight.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

Vref, V

, and the maximum certificated landing weight are those values as established for the

aircraft by the certification authority of the country of registry. An aircraft shall fit in only one cate-
gory. If it is necessary to maneuver at speeds in excess of the upper limit of a speed range for a
category, the minimums for the next higher category must be used. For example, an aircraft which
falls in Category A, but is circling to land at a speed in excess of 91 knots, should use the
approach Category B minimums when circling to land. The categories are as follows:

Category A

Speed less than 91KT.

Category B

Speed 91KT or more but less than 121KT.

Category C

Speed 121KT or more but less than 141KT.

Category D

Speed 141KT or more but less than 166KT.

Category E

Speed 166KT or more.

AIRCRAFT APPROACH CATEGORY (ICAO) — The ICAO table, depicted in the ATC section
“Flight Procedures (DOC 8168) Arrival and Approach Procedures”, indicates the specified range
of handling speeds (IAS in Knots) for each category of aircraft to perform the maneuvers speci-
fied. These speed ranges have been assumed for use in calculating airspace and obstacle clear-
ance for each procedure.
AIRCRAFT IDENTIFICATION — A group of letters, figures or combination thereof which is either
identical to, or the coded equivalent of, the aircraft call sign to be used in air-ground communica-
tions, and which is used to identify the aircraft in ground-ground air traffic services communica-
tions.
AIRCRAFT – LARGE AIRCRAFT (LACFT) — Term used when referring to ICAO aircraft cate-
gory DL standard dimensions:

– wing span – more than 65m/213ft (max 80m/262ft); and/or
– vertical distance between the flight paths of the wheels and the glide path antenna – more than

7m/23ft (max 8m/26ft).

For precision approach procedures, the dimensions of the aircraft are also a factor for the calcula-
tion of the OCH.
For category DL aircraft, additional OCA/H is provided, when necessary.
AIRCRAFT OBSERVATION — The evaluation of one or more meteorological elements made
from an aircraft in flight.
AIRCRAFT PROXIMITY — A situation in which, in the opinion of a pilot or air traffic services per-
sonnel, the distance between aircraft as well as their relative positions and speed have been such
that the safety of the aircraft involved may have been compromised. An aircraft proximity is classi-
fied as follows:

Risk of Collision — The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which serious risk of colli-
sion has existed.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

Safety not Assured — The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which the safety of the
aircraft may have been compromised.
No Risk of Collision — The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which no risk of colli-
sion has existed.
Risk not Determined — The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which insufficient
information was available to determine the risk involved, or inconclusive or conflicting evidence
precluded such determination.

AIRCRAFT STATION — A mobile station in the aeronautical mobile service, other than a survival
craft station, located on board an aircraft.
AIR DEFENSE IDENTIFICATION ZONE (ADIZ) — The area of airspace over land or water,
extending upward from the surface, within which the ready identification, the location, and the
control of aircraft are required in the interest of national security.
AIR-GROUND COMMUNICATION — Two-way communication between aircraft and stations or
locations on the surface of the earth.
AIR-GROUND CONTROL RADIO STATION — An aeronautical telecommunication station
having primary responsibility for handling communications pertaining to the operation and control
of aircraft in a given area.
AIRMET INFORMATION — Information issued by a meteorological watch office concerning the
occurrence or expected occurrence of specified en route weather phenomena which may affect
the safety of low-level aircraft operations and which was not already included in the forecast
issued for low-level flights in the flight information region concerned or sub-area thereof.
AIRPORT — An area on land or water that is used or intended to be used for the landing and
take-off of aircraft and includes its buildings and facilities, if any.
AIRPORT ELEVATION/FIELD ELEVATION — The highest point of an airports usable runways
measured in feet from mean sea level. In a few countries, the airport elevation is determined at
the airport reference point.
AIRPORT REFERENCE POINT (ARP) — A point on the airport designated as the official airport
location.
AIRPORT SURFACE DETECTION EQUIPMENT - MODEL X (ASDE-X) — A surveillance system
using radar, aircraft transponders, satellites, and multilateration to track surface movements of air-
craft and vehicles.
AIRCRAFT SURFACE SURVEILLANCE CAPABILITY (ASSC) — A surveillance system using
multilateration and ADS-B aircraft information to track surface movements of aircraft and vehicles.
AIRPORT SURVEILLANCE RADAR (ASR) — Approach control radar used to detect and display
an aircraft’s position in the terminal area. ASR provides range and azimuth information but does
not provide elevation data. Coverage of the ASR can extend up to 60 miles.
AIRPROX — The code word used in an air traffic incident report to designate aircraft proximity.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

AIR-REPORT — A report from an aircraft in flight prepared in conformity with requirements for
position and operational and/or meteorological reporting.
NOTE: Details of the AIREP form are given in PANSATM (Doc 4444) and ATC section.
AIR-TAXIING — Movement of a helicopter/VTOL above the surface of an aerodrome, normally in
ground effect and at a ground speed normally less than 20KT (37kmh).
NOTE: The actual height may vary, and some helicopters may require air-taxiing above 25ft (8m)
AGL to reduce ground effect turbulence or provide clearance for cargo slingloads.
AIR-TO-GROUND COMMUNICATION — One-way communication from aircraft to stations or
locations on the surface of the earth.
AIR TRAFFIC — All aircraft in flight or operating on the manoeuvring area of an aerodrome.
AIR TRAFFIC ADVISORY SERVICE — A service provided within advisory airspace to ensure
separation, in so far as practical, between aircraft which are operating on IFR flight plans.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL ASSIGNED AIRSPACE (ATCAA) — Airspace of defined vertical/
lateral limits, assigned by ATC, for the purpose of providing air traffic segregation between the
specified activities being conducted within the assigned airspace and other IFR air traffic.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CLEARANCE — Authorization for an aircraft to proceed under condi-
tions specified by an air traffic control unit.
NOTE 1: For convenience, the term “air traffic control clearance” is frequently abbreviated to
“clearance” when used in appropriate contexts.
NOTE 2: The abbreviated term “clearance” may be prefixed by the words “taxi,” “take-off,” “depar-
ture,” “en route,” “approach” or “landing” to indicate the particular portion of flight to which the air
traffic control clearance relates.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL INSTRUCTION — Directives issued by air traffic control for the pur-
pose of requiring a pilot to take a specific action.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICE — A service provided for the purpose of:

a. preventing collisions:

1. between aircraft; and
2. on the manoeuvring area between aircraft and obstructions; and

b. expediting and maintaining an orderly flow of air traffic.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL UNIT — A generic term meaning variously, area control centre,
approach control office or aerodrome control tower.
AIR TRAFFIC SERVICE (ATS) — A generic term meaning variously, flight information service,
alerting service, air traffic advisory service, air traffic control service (area control service,
approach control service or aerodrome control service).

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES AIRSPACES — Airspaces of defined dimensions, alphabetically desig-
nated, within which specific types of flights may operate and for which air traffic services and rules
of operation are specified.
NOTE: ATS airspaces are classified as Class “A” to “G.”
AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES REPORTING OFFICE — A unit established for the purpose of receiv-
ing reports concerning air traffic services and flight plans submitted before departure.
NOTE: An air traffic services reporting office may be established as a separate unit or combined
with an existing unit, such as another air traffic services unit, or a unit of the aeronautical informa-
tion service.
AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES (ATS) ROUTE — A specified route designated for channeling the flow
of traffic as necessary for provision of air traffic services.
NOTE: The term “ATS Route” is used to mean variously, airway, advisory route, controlled or
uncontrolled route, arrival or departure route, etc.
AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES (ATS) ROUTE (USA) — A generic term that includes ‘VOR Federal
airways’, ‘colored Federal airways’, ‘jet routes’, ‘Military Training Routes’, ‘named routes’, and
‘RNAV routes.’
AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES UNIT — A generic term meaning variously, air traffic control unit, flight
information centre or air traffic services reporting office.
AIRWAY (ICAO) — A control area or portion thereof established in the form of a corridor equip-
ped with radio navigation aids.
AIRWAY (USA) — A Class “E” airspace area established in the form of a corridor, the centerline
of which is defined by radio navigational aids.
ALERFA — The code word used to designate an alert phase.
ALERT AREA (USA) — [see SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE (SUA)].
ALERTING SERVICE — A service provided to notify appropriate organizations regarding aircraft
in need of search and rescue aid, and assist such organizations as required.
ALERT PHASE — A situation wherein apprehension exists as to the safety of an aircraft and its
occupants.
ALLOCATION, ALLOCATE — Distribution of frequencies, SSR Codes, etc. to a State, unit or
service, Distribution of 24-bit aircraft addresses to a State or common mark registering authority.
ALONG TRACK DISTANCE — The distance measured from a point-in-space by systems using
area navigation reference capabilities that are not subject to slant range errors.
ALPHANUMERIC CHARACTERS (Alphanumerics) — A collective term for letters and figures
(digits).
ALTERNATE AERODROME (ICAO) — An aerodrome to which an aircraft may proceed when it
becomes either impossible or inadvisable to proceed to or to land at the aerodrome of intended
landing. Alternate aerodromes include the following:

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

Take-Off Alternate — An alternate aerodrome at which an aircraft can land should this
become necessary shortly after take-off and it is not possible to use the aerodrome of depar-
ture.
En Route Alternate — An aerodrome at which an aircraft would be able to land after experi-
encing an abnormal or emergency condition while en route.
Destination Alternate — An alternate aerodrome to which an aircraft may proceed should it
become impossible or inadvisable to land at the aerodrome of intended landing.
NOTE: The aerodrome from which a flight departs may also be an en route or a destination
alternate aerodrome for that flight.
ETOPS En Route Alternate — A suitable and appropriate alternate aerodrome at which an
aeroplane would be able to land after experiencing an engine shutdown or other abnormal or
emergency condition while en route in an ETOPS operation.

ALTERNATE AIRPORT (USA) — An airport at which an aircraft may land if a landing at the
intended airport becomes inadvisable.
ALTIMETER SETTING — The barometric pressure reading used to adjust a pressure altimeter
for variations in existing atmospheric pressure or to the standard altimeter setting (29.92 inches of
mercury, 1013.2 hectopascals or 1013.2 millibars).

QFE — The atmospheric pressure setting which, when set in the aircraft's altimeter, will cause
the altimeter to read zero when at the reference datum of the airfield.
QNE — The constant atmospheric pressure related to a reference datum of 29.92 inches of
mercury or 1013.25 hectopascals or 1013.25 millibars, used for expressing flight levels.
QNH — The atmospheric pressure setting which, when set in the aircraft's altimeter, will cause
the altimeter to read altitudes referenced to mean sea level.

ALTITUDE (ICAO) — The vertical distance of a level, a point, or an object considered as a point,
measured from Mean Sea Level (MSL).
ALTITUDE (USA) — The height of a level, point or object measured in feet Above Ground Level
(AGL) or from Mean Sea Level (MSL).

a. AGL Altitude — Altitude expressed in feet measured above ground level (QFE).
b. MSL Altitude — Altitude expressed in feet measured from mean sea level (QNH).

c. Indicated Altitude — The Altitude as shown by an altimeter. On a pressure barometric altime-

ter it is altitude as shown uncorrected for instrument error and uncompensated for variation
from standard atmospheric conditions.

APPROACH BAN — An approach procedure, for which continuation is prohibited beyond a spe-
cific point, and or specified height, if the reported visibility or RVR is below the minimum specified
for that approach.
APPROACH CONTROL OFFICE — A unit established to provide air traffic control service to con-
trolled flights arriving at, or departing from, one or more aerodromes.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

APPROACH CONTROL SERVICE — Air traffic control service for arriving or departing controlled
flights.
APPROACH CONTROL UNIT — A unit established to provide air traffic control service to control-
led flights arriving at, or departing from, one or more aerodromes.
APPROACH FUNNEL — A specified airspace around a nominal approach path within which an
aircraft approaching to land is considered to be making a normal approach.
APPROACH PROCEDURE WITH VERTICAL GUIDANCE (APV) — [see INSTRUMENT
APPROACH PROCEDURE (IAP)].
APPROACH SEQUENCE — The order in which two or more aircraft are cleared to approach to
land at the aerodrome.
APPROPRIATE ATS AUTHORITY — The relevant authority designated by the State responsible
for providing air traffic services in the airspace concerned.
APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY —

Regarding flight over the high seas: The relevant authority of the State of Registry.

Regarding flight other than over the high seas: The relevant authority of the State having
sovereignty over the territory being overflown.

APRON — A defined area, on a land aerodrome, intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes
of loading or unloading passengers, mail or cargo, fueling, parking or maintenance.
AREA CONTROL CENTRE — A unit established to provide air traffic control service to controlled
flights in control areas under its jurisdiction.
AREA CONTROL SERVICE — Air traffic control service for controlled flights in control areas.
AREA MINIMUM ALTITUDE (AMA) — The minimum altitude to be used under instrument mete-
orological conditions (IMC), that provides a minimum obstacle clearance within a specified area,
normally formed by parallels and meridians.
AREA NAVIGATION/RNAV — A method of navigation which permits aircraft operation on any
desired flight path within the coverage of the station-referenced navigation aids or within the limits
of the capability of self-contained aids, or a combination of these.
AREA NAVIGATION ROUTE — An ATS route established for the use of aircraft capable of
employing area navigation.
ARRIVAL ROUTES — Routes on an instrument approach procedure by which aircraft may pro-
ceed from the enroute phase of flight to the initial approach fix.
ASSIGNMENT, ASSIGN — Distribution of frequencies to stations. Distribution of SSR Codes or
24-bit addresses to aircraft.
ATIS — ASOS INTERFACE — A switch that allows ASOS weather observations to be appended
to the ATIS broadcast, making weather information available on the same (ATIS) frequency H24.
When the tower is open, ATIS information and the hourly weather will be broadcast. When the

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

tower is closed, one-minute weather information updates are broadcast, and the controller can
add overnight ATIS information to the ASOS automated voice weather message.
ATS ROUTE — A specified route designed for channeling the flow of traffic as necessary for the
provision of air traffic services.
NOTE 1: The term “ATS route” is used to mean variously, airway, advisory route, controlled or
uncontrolled route, arrival or departure route, etc.
NOTE 2: An ATS route is defined by route specifications which include an ATS route designator,
the track to or from significant points (way-points), distance between significant points, reporting
requirements and, as determined by the appropriate ATS authority, the lowest safe altitude.
ATS SURVEILLANCE SERVICE — A term used to indicate a service provided directly by means
of an ATS surveillance system.
ATS SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM — A generic term meaning variously, ADS-B, PSR, SSR or any
comparable ground-based system that enables the identification of aircraft.
NOTE: A comparable ground-based system is one that has been demonstrated, by comparative
assessment or other methodology, to have a level of safety and performance equal to or better
than monopulse SSR.
AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE (ADS) — A surveillance technique, in which air-
craft automatically provide, via a data link, data derived from on-board navigation and position
fixing systems, including aircraft identification, four-dimensional position and additional data as
appropriate.
AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE — BROADCAST (ADS-B) — A means by which
aircraft, aerodrome vehicles and other objects can automatically transmit and/or receive data
such as identification, position and additional data, as appropriate, in a broadcast mode via a data
link.
AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE — CONTRACT (ADS-C) — A means by which the
terms of an ADS-C agreement will be exchanged between the ground system and the aircraft, via
a data link, specifying under what conditions ADS-C reports would be initiated, and what data
would be contained in the reports.
NOTE: The abbreviated term “ADS” contract is commonly used to refer to ADS event contract,
ADS demand contract or an emergency mode.
AUTOMATIC TERMINAL INFORMATION SERVICE (ATIS) — The automatic provision of cur-
rent, routine information to arriving and departing aircraft throughout 24 hours or a specified por-
tion thereof:

– Data link-automatic terminal information service (D-ATIS). The provision of ATIS via data link.
– Voice-automatic terminal information service (Voice-ATIS). The provision of ATIS by means of

continuous and repetitive voice broadcasts.

AUTOMATED SURFACE OBSERVATION SYSTEM (ASOS) — The Automated Surface Obser-
vation System, in the United States, is a surface weather observing system implemented by the

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

National Weather Service, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense. It
is designed to support aviation operations and weather forecast activities. The ASOS provides
continuous minute-by-minute observations and performs the basic observing functions necessary
to generate an aviation routine weather report (METAR) and other aviation weather information.
ASOS information may be transmitted over a discrete VHF radio frequency or the voice portion of
a local navaid.
AUTOMATED WEATHER OBSERVING SYSTEM (AWOS) — An automated weather reporting
system which transmits local real-time weather data directly to the pilot.

AWOS-A

Only reports altimeter setting.

AWOS-A/V

Reports altimeter setting plus visibility.

AWOS-1

Usually reports altimeter setting, wind data, temperature, dewpoint and
density altitude.

AWOS-2

Reports same as AWOS-1 plus visibility.

AWOS-3

Reports the same as AWOS-2 plus cloud/ceiling data.

AUTOMATED WEATHER SENSOR SYSTEM (AWSS) — A surface weather observing system
similar to AWOS and ASOS, providing all the weather information furnished by ASOS systems.
The AWSS sensor suite automatically collects, measures, processes, and broadcasts surface
weather data including altimeter setting, temperature and dew point, cloud height and coverage,
visibility, present weather (rain, drizzle, snow), rain accumulation, freezing rain, thunderstorms,
fog, mist, haze, freezing fog, as well as wind speed, direction, and gusts.
BALKED LANDING — A landing manoeuvre that is unexpectedly discontinued below DA(H)/
MDA(H) or beyond MAP.
BASE TURN — A turn executed by the aircraft during the initial approach between the end of the
outbound track and the beginning of the intermediate or final approach track. The tracks are not
reciprocal.
NOTE: Base turns may be designated as being made either in level flight or while descending,
according to the circumstances of each individual procedure.
BLIND TRANSMISSION — A transmission from one station to another station in circumstances
where two-way communication cannot be established but where it is believed that the called sta-
tion is able to receive the transmission.
BRAKING ACTION (GOOD, FAIR, POOR, NIL) — A report of conditions on the airport move-
ment area providing a pilot with a degree/quality of braking that might be expected. Braking action
is reported in terms of good, fair, poor, or nil.
BRIEFING — Oral commentary on existing and/or expected conditions.
BROADCAST — A transmission of information relating to air navigation that is not addressed to a
specific station or stations.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

CARDINAL ALTITUDES OR FLIGHT LEVELS — “Odd” or “Even” thousand-foot altitudes or
flight levels; e.g., 5000, 6000, 7000, FL60, FL250, FL260, FL270.
CATCH POINT — A fix/waypoint that serves as a transition point from the high altitude waypoint
navigation structure to the low altitude structure or an arrival procedure (STAR).
CEILING (ICAO) — The height above the ground or water of the base of the lowest layer of cloud
below 6000m (20,000ft) covering more than half the sky.
CEILING (USA) — The height above the earth's surface of the lowest layer of clouds or obscuring
phenomena that is reported as “broken”, “overcast”, or “obscuration”, and not classified as “thin”,
or “partial”.
CHANGE-OVER POINT — The point at which an aircraft navigating on an ATS route segment
defined by reference to very high frequency omnidirectional radio ranges is expected to transfer
its primary navigational reference from the facility behind the aircraft to the next facility ahead of
the aircraft.
NOTE: Change-over points are established to provide the optimum balance in respect of signal
strength and quality between facilities at all levels to be used and to ensure a common source of
azimuth guidance for all aircraft operating along the same portion of a route segment.
CHART CHANGE NOTICES — Jeppesen Chart Change Notices include significant information
changes affecting Enroute, Area, and Terminal charts. Entries are published until the temporary
condition no longer exists, or until the permanent change appears on revised charts. Enroute
chart numbers/panel numbers/letters and area chart identifiers are included for each entry in the
enroute portion of the Chart Change Notices. To avoid duplication of information in combined
Enroute and Terminal Chart Change Notices, navaid conditions, except for ILS components, are
listed only in the Enroute portion of the Chart Change Notices. All times are local unless otherwise
indicated. Vertical bars indicate new or revised information. Chart Change Notices are only an
abbreviated service. Always ask for pertinent NOTAMs prior to flight.
CIRCLING APPROACH / CIRCLE-TO-LAND MANEUVER — An extension of an instrument
approach procedure which provides for visual circling of the aerodrome prior to landing.
CLEARANCE LIMIT — The point to which an aircraft is granted an air traffic control clearance.
CLEARWAY — An area beyond the take-off runway under the control of airport authorities within
which terrain or fixed obstacles may not extend above specified limits. These areas may be
required for certain turbine-powered operations and the size and upward slope of the clearway
will differ depending on when the aircraft was certified.
CLOUD OF OPERATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE — A cloud with the height of cloud base below
5000ft (1500m) or below the highest minimum sector altitude, whichever is greater, or a cumulo-
nimbus cloud or a towering cumulus cloud at any height.
CODE (SSR CODE) — The number assigned to a particular multiple pulse reply signal transmit-
ted by a transponder in Mode A or Mode C.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

COMMON TRAFFIC ADVISORY FREQUENCY (CTAF) (USA) — A frequency designed for the
purpose of carrying out airport advisory practices while operating to or from an uncontrolled air-
port. The CTAF may be a UNICOM, Multicom, FSS, or tower frequency.
COMMUNITY AERODROME RADIO STATION (CARS) — An aerodrome radio that provides
weather, field conditions, accepts flight plans and position reports.
COMPULSORY REPORTING POINTS — Reporting points which must be reported to ATC. They
are designated on aeronautical charts by solid triangles or filed in a flight plan as fixes selected to
define direct routes. These points are geographical locations which are defined by navigation
aids/fixes. Pilots should discontinue position reporting over compulsory reporting points when
informed by ATC that their aircraft is in “radar contact.”
COMPUTER — A device which performs sequences of arithmetical and logical steps upon data
without human intervention.
NOTE: When the word “computer” is used in this document it may denote a computer complex,
which includes one or more computers and peripheral equipment.
CONDITIONAL ROUTES (CDR) (Europe) —
Category 1,2,3.

Category 1:

Permanently plannable CDR during designated times.

Category 2:

Plannable only during times designated in the Conditional Route Avail-
ability Message (CRAM) published at 1500 for the 24 hour period start-
ing at 0600 the next day.

Category 3:

Not plannable. Usable only when directed by ATC.

CONTROL AREA (ICAO) — A controlled airspace extending upwards from a specified limit
above the earth.
CONTROLLED AERODROME — An aerodrome at which air traffic control service is provided to
aerodrome traffic.
NOTE: The term “controlled aerodrome” indicates that air traffic control service is provided to aer-
odrome traffic but does not necessarily imply that a control zone exists.
CONTROLLED AIRSPACE — An airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control
service is provided to IFR flights and to VFR flights in accordance with the airspace classification.
NOTE: Controlled airspace is a generic term which covers ATS airspace Classes “A”, “B”, “C”,
“D”, and “E”.
CONTROLLED FIRING AREA (USA) — [see SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE (SUA)].
CONTROLLED FLIGHT — Any flight which is subject to an air traffic control clearance.
CONTROLLER-PILOT DATA LINK COMMUNICATIONS (CPDLC) — A means of communica-
tion between controller and pilot, using data link for ATC communications.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

CONTROL ZONE (CTR) (ICAO) — A controlled airspace extending upwards from the surface of
the earth to a specified upper limit.
COURSE —

a. The intended direction of flight in the horizontal plane measured in degrees from north.
b. The ILS localizer signal pattern usually specified as front course or back course.

c. The intended track along a straight, curved, or segmented MLS path.

CRITICAL HEIGHT — Lowest height in relation to an aerodrome specified level below which an
approach procedure cannot be continued in a safe manner solely by the aid of instruments.
CRUISE CLIMB — An aeroplane cruising technique resulting in a net increase in altitude as the
aeroplane mass decreases.
CRUISING LEVEL — A level maintained during a significant portion of a flight.
CURRENT FLIGHT PLAN (CPL) — The flight plan, including changes, if any, brought about by
subsequent clearances.
DANGER AREA (ICAO) — [see SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE (SUA)].
DATA CONVENTION — An agreed set of rules governing the manner or sequence in which a set
of data may be combined into a meaningful communication.
DATA LINK COMMUNICATIONS — A form of communication intended for the exchange of mes-
sages via a data link.
DATA LINK INITIATION CAPABILITY (DLIC) — A data link application that provides the ability
to exchange addresses, names and version numbers necessary to initiate data link applications.
DEAD RECKONING (DR) NAVIGATION — The estimating or determining of position by advanc-
ing an earlier known position by the application of direction, time and speed data.
DECISION ALTITUDE (DA) or DECISION HEIGHT (DH) (ICAO) — A specified altitude or height
in the precision approach or approach with vertical guidance at which a missed approach must be
initiated if the required visual reference to continue the approach has not been established.
NOTE:

a. Decision altitude (DA) is referenced to mean sea level (MSL) and decision height (DH) is ref-

erenced to the threshold elevation.

b. The required visual reference means that section of the visual aids or of the approach area

which should have been in view for sufficient time for the pilot to have made an assessment
of the aircraft position and rate of change of position, in relation to the desired flight path. In
Category III operations with a decision height the required visual reference is that specified
for the particular procedure and operation.

c. For convenience where both expressions are used they may be written in the form “decision

altitude/height” and abbreviated “DA/H.”

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

DECISION ALTITUDE/HEIGHT (DA/H) (FAA) — Is a specified altitude/height in an instrument
approach procedure at which the pilot must decide whether to initiate an immediate missed
approach if the pilot does not see the required visual reference, or to continue the approach. Deci-
sion altitude/height is expressed in feet above mean sea level/ground level.
NOTE: Jeppesen approach charts use the abbreviation DA(H). The decision altitude “DA” is refer-
enced to mean sea level (MSL) and the parenthetical decision height (DH) is referenced to the
TDZE or threshold elevation. A DA(H) of 1440ft (200ft is a Decision Altitude of 1440ft and a Deci-
sion Height of 200ft.
DEPARTURE CLEARANCE VIA DATA LINK (DCL) — Provides assistance for requesting and
delivering information and clearance, with the objective of reducing aircrew and controller work-
load. The DCL service shall be initiated by the aircrew at a suitable time between Ti and Tt where:

Ti –

the earliest time at which a DCL service can be initiated;

Tt –

the latest time after which an aircrew, having not completed the DCL service, is still
able to receive by voice procedures and in due time, the vocal departure clearance.

The third time parameter of the DCL acknowledge procedure is T1 where:

T1 –

timer implemented in the ATS ground system between the sending by ATS ground
system of the DCL clearance message and the reception by it of the read-back of
DCL clearance message.

DEPENDENT PARALLEL APPROACHES — Simultaneous approaches to parallel or near-paral-
lel instrument runways where radar separation minima between aircraft on adjacent extended
runway centre lines are prescribed.
DETRESFA — The code word used to designate a distress phase.

DIRECT ROUTE - — A requested route published on a Jeppesen Enroute or Area chart to
assist pilots who have previous knowledge of acceptance of these routes by ATC. Use of a Direct
route may require prior ATC approval and may not provide ATC or Advisory services, or be
acceptable in flight plans.
DISCRETE CODE — A four-digit SSR Code with the last two digits not being “00.”
DISPLACED THRESHOLD — A threshold that is located at a point on the runway other than the
designated beginning of the runway.
DISTRESS — A condition of being threatened by serious and/or imminent danger and of requiring
immediate assistance.
DISTRESS PHASE — A situation wherein there is a reasonable certainty that an aircraft and its
occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger or require immediate assistance.
DME DISTANCE — The line of sight distance (slant range) from the source of a DME signal to
the receiving antenna.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

EFFECTIVE DATE/TIME —

FAA and Canada: Aeronautical information in the U.S. and its territories is generally effective
on the designated effective date at 09:01 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The effective time
applies to airspace, airways and flight procedures. It allows for implementation between 01:00
and 06:00 local standard time in the U.S. Local authorities may change the date or time of
implementation due to local operational considerations. Check NOTAMs and contact local ATC
for information.
International: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidance specifies that aer-
onautical information should be effective on the designated effective date at 00:00 Coordinated
Universal Time (UTC). However national and local authorities often change the effective time to
allow for implementation during the local night or at other times due to local operational consid-
erations. When an effective time other than 00:00 UTC is used, ICAO requires that it be pub-
lished in the official Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) of the country. Check NOTAMs
and contact local ATC for information.

ELEVATION — The vertical distance of a point or a level, on or affixed to the surface of the earth,
measured from mean sea level.
EMERGENCY PHASE — A generic term meaning, as the case may be, uncertainty phase, alert
phase or distress phase.
ENGINEERED MATERIALS ARRESTING SYSTEM (EMAS) — High-energy-absorbing material
located in the runway overrun that is designed to crush under the weight of an aircraft as the
material exerts deceleration forces on the aircraft landing gear.
ENROUTE FLIGHT ADVISORY SERVICE (FLIGHT WATCH) — A service specifically designed
to provide, upon pilot request, timely weather information pertinent to the type of flight, intended
route of flight, and altitude. The FSSs providing this service are indicated on Jeppesen Enroute
and Area charts.
ESTIMATED ELAPSED TIME — The estimated time required to proceed from one significant
point to another.
ESTIMATED OFF-BLOCK TIME — The estimated time at which the aircraft will commence
movement associated with departure.
ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL — For IFR flights, the time at which it is estimated that the air-
craft will arrive over that designated point, defined by reference to navigation aids, from which it is
intended that an instrument approach procedure will be commenced, or if no navigation aid is
associated with the aerodrome, the time at which the aircraft will arrive over the aerodrome. For
VFR flights, the time at which it is estimated that the aircraft will arrive over the aerodrome.
EXPECTED APPROACH TIME — The time at which ATC expects that an arriving aircraft, follow-
ing a delay, will leave the holding point to complete its approach for a landing.
NOTE: The actual time of leaving the holding point will depend upon the approach clearance.
EXTENDED OPERATION (ETOPS) — Any flight by an aeroplane with two turbine power-units
where the flight time at the one power-unit inoperative cruise speed (in ISA and still air condi-

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

tions), from a point on the route to an adequate alternate aerodrome, is greater than the threshold
time approved by the State of the Operator.
FAA AIR CARRIER OPERATIONS SPECIFICATIONS — Document issued to users operating
under Federal Aviation Administration Regulations (FAR) Parts 121, 125, 127, 129, and 135.
Operations Specifications are established and formalized by FARs. The primary purpose of FAA
Air Carrier Operations Specifications is to provide a legally enforceable means of prescribing an
authorization, limitation and/or procedures for a specific operator. Operations Specifications are
subject to expeditious changes. These changes are usually too time critical to adopt through the
regulatory process.
FEEDER FIX — The fix depicted on instrument approach procedure charts which establishes the
starting point of the feeder route.
FEEDER ROUTE — Routes depicted on instrument approach procedure charts to designate
routes for aircraft to proceed from the enroute structure to the initial approach fix (IAF).
FILED FLIGHT PLAN (FPL) — The flight plan as filed with an ATS unit by the pilot or a designa-
ted representative, without any subsequent changes.
FINAL APPROACH COURSE — A bearing/radial/track of an instrument approach leading to a
runway or an extended runway centerline all without regard to distance.
FINAL APPROACH (ICAO) — That part of an instrument approach procedure which commences
at the specified final approach fix or point, or where such a fix or point is not specified,

a. at the end of the last procedure turn, base turn or inbound turn of a racetrack procedure, if

specified; or

b. at the point of interception of the last track specified in the approach procedure; and ends at

a point in the vicinity of an aerodrome from which:

1. a landing can be made; or
2. a missed approach procedure is initiated.

FINAL APPROACH AND TAKE-OFF AREA (FATO) — A defined area over which the final
phase of the approach manoeuvre to hover or landing is completed and from which the take-off
manoeuvre is commenced. Where the FATO is to be used by performance Class 1 helicopters,
the defined area includes the rejected take-off area available.
FINAL APPROACH FIX (FAF) — The fix from which the final approach (IFR) to an airport is exe-
cuted and which identifies the beginning of the final approach segment. It is designated in the pro-
file view of Jeppesen Terminal charts by the Maltese Cross symbol for non-precision approaches
and by the glide slope/path intercept point on precision approaches. The glide slope/path symbol
starts at the FAF. When ATC directs a lower-than-published Glide Slope/Path Intercept Altitude, it
is the resultant actual point of the glide slope/path intercept.
FINAL APPROACH FIX (FAF) (AUSTRALIA) — A specified point on a non-precision approach
which identifies the commencement of the final segment. The FAF is designated in the profile
view of Jeppesen Terminal charts by the Maltese Cross symbol.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

FINAL APPROACH FIX (FAF) OR POINT (FAP) (ICAO) — That fix or point of an instrument
approach procedure where the final approach segment commences.
FINAL APPROACH — IFR (USA) — The flight path of an aircraft which is inbound to an airport
on a final instrument approach course, beginning at the final approach fix or point and extending
to the airport or the point where a circling approach/circle-to-land maneuver or a missed approach
is executed.
FINAL APPROACH POINT (FAP) (USA) — The point, applicable only to a non-precision
approach with no depicted FAF (such as an on-airport VOR), where the aircraft is established
inbound on the final approach course from the procedure turn and where the final approach
descent may be commenced. The FAP serves as the FAF and identifies the beginning of the final
approach segment.
FINAL APPROACH POINT (FAP) (AUSTRALIA) — A specified point on the glide path of a preci-
sion instrument approach which identifies the commencement of the final segment.
NOTE: The FAP is co-incident with the FAF of a localizer-based non-precision approach.
FINAL APPROACH SEGMENT (FAS) — That segment of an instrument approach procedure in
which alignment and descent for landing are accomplished.
FLIGHT CREW MEMBER — A licensed crew member charged with duties essential to the opera-
tion of an aircraft during flight time.
FLIGHT DOCUMENTATION — Written or printed documents, including charts or forms, contain-
ing meteorological information for a flight.
FLIGHT INFORMATION CENTRE — A unit established to provide flight information service and
alerting service.
FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (FIR, UIR) — An airspace of defined dimensions within which
Flight Information Service and Alerting Service are provided.
FLIGHT INFORMATION SERVICE (FIS) — A service provided for the purpose of giving advice
and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights.
FLIGHT LEVEL (FL) — A surface of constant atmospheric pressure which is related to a specific
pressure datum, 1013.2 hectopascals (hPa), and is separated from other such surfaces by spe-
cific pressure intervals.
NOTE 1: A pressure type altimeter calibrated in accordance with the Standard Atmosphere:

a. when set to a QNH altimeter setting, will indicate altitude;
b. when set to a QFE altimeter setting, will indicate height above the QFE reference datum;

c. when set to a pressure of 1013.2 hectopascals (hPa), may be used to indicate flight levels.

NOTE 2: The terms “height” and “altitude,” used in NOTE 1 above, indicate altimetric rather than
geometric heights and altitudes.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

FLIGHT PATH MONITORING — The use of ATS surveillance systems for the purpose of provid-
ing aircraft with information and advice relative to significant deviations from nominal flight path,
including deviations from the terms of their air traffic control clearances.
NOTE: Some applications may require a specific technology, e.g. radar, to support the function of
flight path monitoring.
FLIGHT PLAN — Specified information provided to air traffic services units, relative to an inten-
ded flight or portion of a flight of an aircraft.
NOTE: Specifications for flight plans are contained in ICAO Rules of the Air, Annex 2. A Model
Flight Form is contained in ICAO Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Services, PANS-RAC (Doc
4444), Appendix 2 and ATC section.
FLIGHT VISIBILITY — The visibility forward from the cockpit of an aircraft in flight.
FLIGHT WATCH (USA) — A shortened term for use in air-ground contacts to identify the flight
service station providing Enroute Flight Advisory Service; e.g., “Oakland Flight Watch.”
FLOW CONTROL — Measures designed to adjust the flow of traffic into a given airspace, along
a given route, or bound for a given aerodrome, so as to ensure the most effective utilization of the
airspace.
FORECAST — A statement of expected meteorological conditions for a specified time or period,
and for a specified area or portion of airspace.
GAMET AREA FORECAST — An area forecast in abbreviated plain language for low-level flights
for a flight information region or sub-area thereof, prepared by the meteorological office designa-
ted by the meteorological authority concerned and exchanged with meteorological offices in adja-
cent flight information regions, as agreed between the meteorological authorities concerned.
GBAS-LANDING SYSTEM (GLS) — A system for Approach and Landing operations utilizing
GNSS, augmented by a Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS), as the primary naviga-
tional reference.
GLIDE PATH (GP) (ICAO) — A descent profile determined for vertical guidance during a final
approach.
GLIDE SLOPE (GS) (USA) — Provides vertical guidance for aircraft during approach and land-
ing. The glide slope/glidepath is based on the following:

a. Electronic components emitting signals which provide vertical guidance by reference to air-

borne instruments during instrument approaches such as ILS/MLS; or

b. Visual ground aids, such as VASI, which provide vertical guidance for a VFR approach or for

the visual portion of an instrument approach and landing.

c. PAR, used by ATC to inform an aircraft making a PAR approach of its vertical position (ele-

vation) relative to the descent profile.

GLIDE SLOPE/GLIDE PATH INTERCEPT ALTITUDE — The minimum altitude to intercept the
glide slope/path on a precision approach. The intersection of the published intercept altitude with
the glide slope/path, designated on Jeppesen Terminal charts by the start of the glide slope/path

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

symbol, is the precision FAF; however, when ATC directs a lower altitude, the resultant lower
intercept position is then the FAF.
GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEMS (GNSS) — An “umbrella” term adopted by the
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to encompass any independent satellite naviga-
tion system used by a pilot to perform onboard position determinations from the satellite data.
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) — A space-based radio positioning, navigation, and
time-transfer system. The system provides highly accurate position and velocity information, and
precise time, on a continuous global basis, to an unlimited number of properly equipped users.
The system is unaffected by weather, and provides a worldwide common grid reference system.
The GPS concept is predicated upon accurate and continuous knowledge of the spatial position
of each satellite in the system with respect to time and distance from a transmitting satellite to the
user. The GPS receiver automatically selects appropriate signals from the satellites in view and
translates these into a three-dimensional position, velocity, and time. System accuracy for civil
users is normally 100 meters horizontally.
GRID MINIMUM OFF-ROUTE ALTITUDE (Grid MORA) — An altitude derived by Jeppesen or
provided by State Authorities. The Grid MORA altitude provides terrain and man-made structure
clearance within the section outlined by latitude and longitude lines. MORA does not provide for
navaid signal coverage or communication coverage.

a. Grid MORA values derived by Jeppesen clear all terrain and man-made structures by 1000ft

in areas where the highest elevations are 5000ft MSL or lower. MORA values clear all terrain
and man-made structures by 2000ft in areas where the highest elevations are 5001ft MSL or
higher. When a Grid MORA is shown as “Unsurveyed” it is due to incomplete or insufficient
information. Grid MORA values followed by a +/- denote doubtful accuracy, but are believed
to provide sufficient reference point clearance.

b. Grid MORA (State) altitude supplied by the State Authority provides 2000ft clearance in

mountainous areas and 1000ft in non-mountainous areas.

GRID POINT DATA IN DIGITAL FORM — Computer processed meteorological data for a set of
regularly spaced points on a chart, for transmission from a meteorological computer to another
computer in a code form suitable for automated use.
NOTE: In most cases such data are transmitted on medium or high speed telecommunications
channels.
GRIP-FLEX MICRO-SURFACING — A thermoplastic compound that uses highly refined, envi-
ronmentally safe coal tar derivative for anti-oxidation and fuel-resistance qualities to create a
stable wearing surface for pavements.
GROUND COMMUNICATIONS OUTLET (GCO) (USA) — An unstaffed, remotely controlled
ground / ground communications facility. Pilots at uncontrolled airports may contact ATC and FSS
via VHF to a telephone connection to obtain an instrument clearance or close a VFR or IFR flight
plan. They may also get an updated weather briefing prior to take-off. Pilots will use four “key
clicks” on the VHF radio to contact the appropriate ATC facility, or six “key clicks” to contact FSS.
The GCO system is intended to be used only on the ground.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

GROUND EFFECT — A condition of improved performance (lift) due to the interference of the
surface with the airflow pattern of the rotor system when a helicopter or other VTOL aircraft is
operating near the ground.
NOTE: Rotor efficiency is increased by ground effect to a height of about one rotor diameter for
most helicopters.
GROUND VISIBILITY — The visibility at an aerodrome, as reported by an accredited observer.
HEADING — The direction in which the longitudinal axis of an aircraft is pointed, usually
expressed in degrees from North (true, magnetic, compass or grid).
HEIGHT — The vertical distance of a level, a point or an object considered as a point, measured
from a specified datum.
HEIGHT ABOVE AIRPORT (HAA) — The height of the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) above
the published airport elevation. This is published in conjunction with circling minimums.
HEIGHT ABOVE TOUCHDOWN (HAT) — The height of the Decision Height or Minimum
Descent Altitude above the highest runway elevation in the touchdown zone of the runway. HAT
is published on instrument approach charts in conjunction with all straight-in minimums.
HIGH FREQUENCY COMMUNICATIONS — High radio frequencies (HF) between 3 and 30MHz
used for air-to-ground voice communication in overseas operations.
HIGH SPEED TAXIWAY / TURNOFF (HST) — A long radius taxiway designed and provided with
lighting or marking to define the path of an aircraft, traveling at high speed (up to 60KT), from the
runway center to a point on the center of a taxiway. Also referred to as long radius exit or turnoff
taxiway. The high speed taxiway is designed to expedite aircraft turning off the runway after land-
ing, thus reducing runway occupancy time.
HOLDING FIX, HOLDING POINT — A specified location, identified by visual or other means, in
the vicinity of which the position of an aircraft in flight is maintained in accordance with air traffic
control clearances.
HOLD / HOLDING PROCEDURE — A predetermined maneuver which keeps aircraft within a
specified airspace while awaiting further clearance from air traffic control. Also used during
ground operations to keep aircraft within a specified area or at a specified point while awaiting fur-
ther clearance from air traffic control.
HOT SPOT — A location on an aerodrome movement area with a history or potential risk of colli-
sion or runway incursion, and where heightened attention by pilots/drivers is necessary.
HUMAN FACTORS PRINCIPLES — Principles which apply to aeronautical design, certification,
training, operations and maintenance and which seek safe interface between the human and
other system components by proper consideration to human performance.
HUMAN PERFORMANCE — Human capabilities and limitations which have an impact on the
safety and efficiency of aeronautical operations.
IFR FLIGHT — A flight conducted in accordance with the instrument flight rules.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

ILS CATEGORIES (ICAO) —

a. ILS Category I — An ILS approach procedure which provides for an approach to a decision

height not lower than 60m (200ft) and a visibility not less than 800m (2400ft) or a runway
visual range not less than 550m (1800ft).

b. ILS Category II (Special authorization required) — An ILS approach procedure which pro-

vides for an approach to a decision height lower than 60m (200ft) but not lower than 30m
(100ft) and a runway visual range not less than 300m (1000ft) for aircraft categories A, B, C
(D with auto landing), and not less than 350m (1200ft) for aircraft category D without auto
landing.

c. ILS Category III (Special authorization required) —

1. IIIA — An ILS approach procedure which provides for approach with either a decision

height lower than 30m (100ft) or with no decision height and with a runway visual range
of not less than 175m (574ft).

2. IIIB — An ILS approach procedure which provides for approach with either a decision

height lower than 15m (50ft) or with no decision height and with a runway visual range
of less than 175m (574ft) but not less than 50m (150ft).

3. IIIC — An ILS approach procedure which provides for approach with no decision height

and no runway visual range limitations.

d. Some areas require special authorization for ILS Category I approaches. In these areas, an

additional category of approach called ILS is available without special authorization. These
ILS approaches have minimums higher than a decision height of 200ft and a runway visual
range value of 2600ft. Jeppesen approach charts, at these locations, will have a notation in
the chart heading or in the minimum box titles.

ILS CATEGORIES (USA) —

a. ILS Category I — An ILS approach procedure which provides for approach to a height above

touchdown of not less than 200ft and with runway visual range of not less than 1800ft.

b. ILS Category II — An ILS approach procedure which provides for approach to a height

above touchdown of not less than 100ft and with runway visual range of not less than 1200ft.

c. ILS Category III —

1. IIIA — An ILS approach procedure which provides for approach without a decision

height minimum and with runway visual range of not less than 700ft.

2. IIIB — An ILS approach procedure which provides for approach without a decision

height minimum and with runway visual range of not less than 150ft.

3. IIIC — An ILS approach procedure which provides for approach without a decision

height minimum and without runway visual range minimum.

INCERFA — The code word used to designate an uncertainty phase.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

INDEPENDENT PARALLEL APPROACHES — Simultaneous approaches to parallel or near-
parallel instrument runways where radar separation minima between aircraft on adjacent exten-
ded runway centre lines are not prescribed.
INDEPENDENT PARALLEL DEPARTURES — Simultaneous departures from parallel or near-
parallel instrument runways.
INITIAL APPROACH FIX (IAF) — A fix that marks the beginning of the initial segment and the
end of the arrival segment, if applicable. In RNAV applications this fix is normally defined by a fly-
by waypoint.
INITIAL APPROACH SEGMENT — That segment of an instrument approach procedure between
the initial approach fix and the intermediate approach fix or, where applicable, the final approach
fix or point.
INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURE (IAP) — A series of predetermined manoeuvres by
reference to flight instruments with specified protection from obstacles from the initial approach
fix, or where applicable, from the beginning of a defined arrival route to a point from which a land-
ing can be completed and thereafter, if a landing is not completed, to a position at which holding
or en-route obstacle clearance criteria apply. Instrument approach procedures are classified as
follows:

– Non-precision approach (NPA) procedure. An instrument approach procedure which utilizes lat-

eral guidance but does not utilize vertical guidance.

– Approach procedure with vertical guidance (APV). An instrument approach based on a naviga-

tion system that is not required to meet the precision approach standards of ICAO Annex 10
but provides course and glide path deviation information (sometimes referred to as “semi-preci-
sion”). Baro-VNAV, LDA with glide path, LNAV/VNAV and LPV are examples of APV
approaches.

– Precision approach (PA) procedure. An instrument approach procedure using precision lateral

and vertical guidance with minima as determined by the category of operation.
NOTE: Lateral and vertical guidance refers to the guidance provided either by:

a. a ground-based navigation aid; or
b. computer-generated navigation data.

INSTRUMENT DEPARTURE PROCEDURE (DP) (USA) — A preplanned instrument flight rule
(IFR) air traffic control departure procedure printed for pilot use in graphic and/or textual form.
DPs provide transition from the terminal to the appropriate enroute structure.
INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC) — Meteorological conditions
expressed in terms of visibility, distance from cloud, and ceiling, less than the minima specified for
visual meteorological conditions.
NOTE 1: The specified minima for visual meteorological conditions are contained in ICAO Rules
of the Air, Annex 2, Chapter 4.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

NOTE 2: In a control zone, a VFR flight may proceed under instrument meteorological conditions
if and as authorized by air traffic control.
INTERMEDIATE APPROACH SEGMENT — That segment of an instrument approach procedure
between either the intermediate approach fix and the final approach fix or point, or between the
end of a reversal, racetrack or dead reckoning track procedure and the final approach fix or point,
as appropriate.
INTERMEDIATE FIX (IF) — A fix that marks the end of an initial segment and the beginning of
the intermediate segment. In RNAV applications this fix is normally defined by a fly-by waypoint.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (ICAO) — Any airport designated by the Contracting State in whose
territory it is situated as an airport of entry and departure for international air traffic, where the for-
malities incident to customs, immigration, public health, animal and plant quarantine and similar
procedures are carried out.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (USA) — Relating to international flight, it means:

a. An airport of entry which has been designated by the Secretary of Treasury or Commissioner

of Customs as an international airport for customs service.

b. A landing rights airport at which specific permission to land must be obtained from customs

authorities in advance of contemplated use.

c. Airports designated under the Convention on International Civil Aviation as an airport for use

by international air transport and/or international general aviation.

INTERNATIONAL AIRWAYS VOLCANO WATCH (IAVW) — International arrangements for
monitoring and providing warnings to aircraft of volcanic ash in the atmosphere.
NOTE: The IAVW is based on the co-operation of aviation and non-aviation operational units
using information derived from observing sources and networks that are provided by States. The
watch is coordinated by ICAO with the co-operation of other concerned international organiza-
tions.
INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION (ICAO) — A specialized agency of the
United Nations whose objective is to develop the principles and techniques of international air
navigation and to foster planning and development of international civil air transport.
LAND AND HOLD SHORT OPERATIONS (LAHSO) — Operations which include simultaneous
take-offs and landings and/or simultaneous landings when a landing aircraft is able and is instruc-
ted by the controller to hold short of the intersecting runway / taxiway or designated hold short
point. Pilots are expected to promptly inform the controller if the hold short clearance cannot be
accepted.
LANDING AREA — That part of a movement area intended for the landing or take-off of aircraft.
LANDING DISTANCE AVAILABLE (LDA) (ICAO) — The length of runway which is declared
available and suitable for the ground run of an airplane landing.
LATERAL NAVIGATION (LNAV) — Provides the same level of service as the present GPS
stand-alone approaches. LNAV minimums support the following navigation systems: WAAS,

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

when the navigation solution will not support vertical navigation; and, GPS navigation systems
which are presently authorized to conduct GPS/GNSS approaches.
LATERAL NAVIGATION / VERTICAL NAVIGATION (LNAV/VNAV) — Identifies APV minimums
developed to accommodate an RNAV IAP with vertical guidance, usually provided by approach
certified Baro-VNAV, but with lateral and vertical integrity limits larger than a precision approach
or LPV. LNAV stands for Lateral Navigation; VNAV stands for Vertical Navigation. These mini-
mums can be flown by aircraft with a statement in the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) that the instal-
led equipment supports GPS approaches and has an approach-approved barometric VNAV, or if
the aircraft has been demonstrated to support LNAV/VNAV approaches. This includes Class 2, 3
and 4 TSO-C146 WAAS equipment. Aircraft using LNAV/VNAV minimums will descend to landing
via an internally generated descent path based on satellite or other approach approved VNAV
systems. WAAS equipment may revert to this mode of operation when the signal does not sup-
port “precision” or LPV integrity.
LEVEL — A generic term relating to the vertical position of an aircraft in flight and meaning vari-
ously, height, altitude or flight level.
LOCAL AIRPORT ADVISORY (LAA) — A service provided by flight service stations or the mili-
tary at airports not serviced by an operating control tower. This service consists of providing infor-
mation to arriving and departing aircraft concerning wind direction and speed, favored runway,
altimeter setting, pertinent known traffic, pertinent known field conditions, airport taxi routes and
traffic patterns, and authorized instrument approach procedures. This information is advisory in
nature and does not constitute an ATC clearance.
LOCALIZER PERFORMANCE WITH VERTICAL GUIDANCE (LPV) — Identifies the APV mini-
mums that incorporate electronic lateral and vertical guidance. The lateral guidance is equivalent
to localizer, and the protected area is considerably smaller than the protected area for the present
LNAV and LNAV/VNAV lateral protection. Aircraft can fly these minimums with a statement in the
Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) that the installed equipment supports LPV approaches. This includes
Class 3 and 4 TSO-C146 WAAS equipment, and future LAAS equipment. The label LPV denotes
minima lines associated with APV-I or APV-II performance on approach charts.
LOCATION INDICATOR — A four-letter code group formulated in accordance with rules prescri-
bed by ICAO and assigned to the location of an aeronautical fixed station.
LOW ALTITUDE AIRWAY STRUCTURE / FEDERAL AIRWAYS (USA) — The network of air-
ways serving aircraft operations up to but not including 18,000ft MSL.
LOW FREQUENCY (LF) — The frequency band between 30 and 300kHz.
MAGNETIC VARIATION (VAR) — The orientation of a horizontal magnetic compass with respect
to true north. Because there is a continuous small change of direction of lines of magnetic force
over the surface of the earth, magnetic variation at most locations is not constant over long peri-
ods of time.
MANDATORY ALTITUDE — An altitude depicted on an instrument approach procedure chart
requiring the aircraft to maintain altitude at the depicted value.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

MANDATORY FREQUENCY (MF) — A frequency designated at selected airports that are uncon-
trolled during certain hours only. Aircraft operating within the designated MF Area, normally 5NM
radius of the airport, must be equipped with a functioning radio capable of maintaining two-way
communications. Jeppesen charts list the MF frequency and the area when other than the stand-
ard 5NM.
MANOEUVRING AREA — That part of an aerodrome to be used for the take-off, landing and
taxiing of aircraft, excluding aprons.
MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED ALTITUDE (MAA) — A published altitude representing the maximum
usable altitude or flight level for an airspace structure or route segment.
MEDIUM FREQUENCY (MF) — The frequencies between 300kHz and 3MHz.
METEOROLOGICAL AUTHORITY — The authority providing or arranging for the provision of
meteorological service for international air navigation on behalf of a Contracting State.
METEOROLOGICAL BULLETIN — A text comprising meteorological information preceded by an
appropriate heading.
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION — Meteorological report, analysis, forecast, and any other
statement relating to existing or expected meteorological conditions.
METEOROLOGICAL OFFICE — An office designated to provide meteorological service for inter-
national air navigation.
METEOROLOGICAL REPORT — A statement of observed meteorological conditions related to a
specified time and location.
METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITE — An artificial earth satellite making meteorological observa-
tions and transmitting these observations to earth.
MILITARY OPERATIONS AREA (MOA) (USA) — [see SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE (SUA)].
MINIMUM CROSSING ALTITUDE (MCA) — The lowest altitude at certain fixes at which an air-
craft must cross when proceeding in the direction of a higher minimum enroute IFR altitude
(MEA).
MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE (MDA) (FAA) — Is the lowest altitude specified in an instrument
approach procedure, expressed in feet above mean sea level, to which descent is authorized on
final approach or during circle-to-land maneuvering until the pilot sees the required visual referen-
ces for the heliport or runway of intended landing.
MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE (MDA) OR MINIMUM DESCENT HEIGHT (MDH) (ICAO) — A
specified altitude or height in a non-precision approach or circling approach below which descent
must not be made without the required visual reference.
NOTE 1: Minimum descent altitude (MDA) is referenced to mean sea level and minimum descent
height (MDH) is referenced to the aerodrome elevation or to the threshold elevation if that is more
than 2m (7ft) below the aerodrome elevation. A minimum descent height for a circling approach is
referenced to the aerodrome elevation.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

NOTE 2: The required visual reference means that section of the visual aids or of the approach
area which should have been in view for sufficient time for the pilot to have made an assessment
of the aircraft position and rate of change of position, in relation to the desired flight path. In the
case of a circling approach the required visual reference is the runway environment.
NOTE 3: For convenience when both expressions are used they may be written in the form “mini-
mum descent altitude/height” abbreviated “MDA/H.”
MINIMUM ENROUTE IFR ALTITUDE (MEA) — The lowest published altitude between radio fixes
that meets obstacle clearance requirements between those fixes and in many countries assures
acceptable navigational signal coverage. The MEA applies to the entire width of the airway, seg-
ment, or route between the radio fixes defining the airway, segment, or route.
MINIMUM FUEL — The term used to describe a situation in which an aircraft’s fuel supply has
reached a state where little or no delay can be accepted.
NOTE: This is not an emergency situation but merely indicates that an emergency situation is
possible, should any undue delay occur.
MINIMUM IFR ALTITUDES (USA) — Minimum altitudes for IFR operations are published on aer-
onautical charts for airways, routes, and for standard instrument approach procedures. Within the
USA, if no applicable minimum altitude is prescribed the following minimum IFR altitudes apply.

a. In designated mountainous areas, 2000ft above the highest obstacle within a horizontal dis-

tance of 4NM from the course to be flown; or

b. Other than mountainous areas, 1000ft above the highest obstacle within a horizontal dis-

tance of 4NM from the course to be flown; or

c. As otherwise authorized by the Administrator or assigned by ATC.

MINIMUM OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCE ALTITUDE (MOCA) — The lowest published altitude
in effect between radio fixes on VOR airways, off airway routes, or route segments which meets
obstacle clearance requirements for the entire route segment and in the USA assures acceptable
navigational signal coverage only within 22NM of a VOR.
MINIMUM OFF-ROUTE ALTITUDE (MORA) — This is an altitude derived by Jeppesen. The
MORA provides known obstruction clearance 10NM either side of the route centerline including a
10NM radius beyond the radio fix reporting or mileage break defining the route segment. For ter-
rain and man-made structure clearance refer to Grid MORA.
MINIMUM RECEPTION ALTITUDE (MRA) — The lowest altitude at which an intersection can be
determined.
MINIMUM SAFE/SECTOR ALTITUDE (MSA) (FAA) — Altitude depicted on an instrument chart
and identified as the minimum safe altitude which provides 1000ft of obstacle clearance within a
25NM radius from the navigational facility upon which the MSA is predicated. If the radius limit is
other than 25NM, it is stated. This altitude is for EMERGENCY USE ONLY and does not neces-
sarily guarantee navaid reception. When the MSA is divided into sectors, with each sector a differ-
ent altitude, the altitudes in these sectors are referred to as “minimum sector altitudes”.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

MINIMUM SECTOR ALTITUDE (MSA) (ICAO) — The lowest altitude which may be used which
will provide a minimum clearance of 300m (1000ft) above all objects located in an area contained
within a sector of a circle of 46km (25NM) radius centered on a radio aid to navigation.
MINIMUM STABILIZATION DISTANCE (MSD) — The minimum distance to complete a turn
manoeuvre and after which a new manoeuvre can be initiated. The minimum stabilization dis-
tance is used to compute the minimum distance between waypoints.
MINIMUM VECTORING ALTITUDE (MVA) — The lowest MSL altitude at which an IFR aircraft
will be vectored by a radar controller, except as otherwise authorized for radar approaches,
departures and missed approaches. The altitude meets IFR obstacle clearance criteria. It may be
lower than the published MEA along an airway of J-route segment. It may be utilized for radar
vectoring only upon the controller’s determination that an adequate radar return is being received
from the aircraft being controlled.
MISSED APPROACH —

a. A maneuver conducted by a pilot when an instrument approach cannot be completed to a

landing. The route of flight and altitude are shown on instrument approach procedure charts.
A pilot executing a missed approach prior to the Missed Approach Point (MAP) must con-
tinue along the final approach to the MAP. The pilot may climb immediately to the altitude
specified in the missed approach procedure.

b. A term used by the pilot to inform ATC that he/she is executing the missed approach.

c. At locations where ATC radar service is provided the pilot should conform to radar vectors,

when provided by ATC, in lieu of the published missed approach procedure.

MISSED APPROACH HOLDING FIX (MAHF) — A fix used in RNAV applications that marks the
end of the missed approach segment and the centre point for the missed approach holding.
MISSED APPROACH POINT (MAP) (ICAO) — That point in an instrument approach procedure
at or before which the prescribed missed approach procedure must be initiated in order to ensure
that the minimum obstacle clearance is not infringed.
MISSED APPROACH POINT (MAP) (USA) — A point prescribed in each instrument approach
procedure at which a missed approach procedure shall be executed if the required visual refer-
ence does not exist.
MISSED APPROACH PROCEDURE — The procedure to be followed if the approach cannot be
continued.
MODE (SSR) — The conventional identifier related to specific functions of the interrogation sig-
nals transmitted by an SSR interrogator. There are four modes specified in ICAO Annex 10 (not
published herein): A, C, S and intermode.
MOUNTAINOUS AREA (ICAO) — An area of changing terrain profile where the changes of ter-
rain elevation exceed 900m (3000ft) within a distance of 10NM.
MOVEMENT AREA — That part of an aerodrome to be used for the take-off, landing and taxiing
of aircraft, consisting of the manoeuvring area and the apron(s).

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

JEPPESEN GENERAL AIRWAY MANUAL (Issue Date 1 JUL 21) - page 3