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Pilot/Controller Glossary

4/20/23

PCG C

11

CROSS (FIX) AT OR ABOVE (ALTITUDE)

 

Used by ATC when an altitude restriction at a specified fix is

required. It does not prohibit the aircraft from crossing the fix at a higher altitude than specified; however, the
higher altitude may not be one that will violate a succeeding altitude restriction or altitude assignment.

(See ALTITUDE  RESTRICTION.)
(Refer to AIM.)

CROSS (FIX) AT OR BELOW (ALTITUDE)

 

Used by ATC when a maximum crossing altitude at a specific

fix is required. It does not prohibit the aircraft from crossing the fix at a lower altitude; however, it must be at
or above the minimum IFR altitude.

(See ALTITUDE  RESTRICTION.)
(See MINIMUM IFR ALTITUDES.)
(Refer to 14 CFR Part 91.)

CROSSWIND

a.

When used concerning the traffic pattern, the word means “crosswind leg.”

(See TRAFFIC PATTERN.)

b.

When used concerning wind conditions, the word means a wind not parallel to the runway or the path of

an aircraft.

(See CROSSWIND COMPONENT.)

CROSSWIND COMPONENT

 The wind component measured in knots at 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis

of the runway.

CRUISE

 

Used in an ATC clearance to authorize a pilot to conduct flight at any altitude from the minimum IFR

altitude up to and including the altitude specified in the clearance. The pilot may level off at any intermediate
altitude within this block of airspace. Climb/descent within the block is to be made at the discretion of the pilot.
However, once the pilot starts descent and verbally reports leaving an altitude in the block, he/she may not return
to that altitude without additional ATC clearance. Further, it is approval for the pilot to proceed to and make an
approach at destination airport and can be used in conjunction with:

a.

An airport clearance limit at locations with a standard/special instrument approach procedure. The CFRs

require that if an instrument letdown to an airport is necessary, the pilot shall make the letdown in accordance
with a standard/special instrument approach procedure for that airport, or

b.

An airport clearance limit at locations that are within/below/outside controlled airspace and without a

standard/special instrument approach procedure. Such a clearance is NOT AUTHORIZATION for the pilot to
descend under IFR conditions below the applicable minimum IFR altitude nor does it imply that ATC is
exercising control over aircraft in Class G airspace; however, it provides a means for the aircraft to proceed to
destination airport, descend, and land in accordance with applicable CFRs governing VFR flight operations.
Also, this provides search and rescue protection until such time as the IFR flight plan is closed.

(See INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURE.)

CRUISE CLIMB

 A climb technique employed by aircraft, usually at a constant power setting, resulting in an

increase of altitude as the aircraft weight decreases.

CRUISING ALTITUDE

 An altitude or flight level maintained during en route level flight. This is a constant

altitude and should not be confused with a cruise clearance.

(See ALTITUDE.)
(See ICAO term CRUISING LEVEL.)

CRUISING LEVEL

(See CRUISING ALTITUDE.)

CRUISING LEVEL [ICAO]

 A level maintained during a significant portion of a flight.

CSP

(See CONSTRAINT SATISFACTION POINT)