Pilot/Controller Glossary 

9/5/24 

APDIA

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(See AUTOMATED PROBLEM DETECTION INHIBITED AREA.) 

APPROACH CLEARANCE

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 Authorization by ATC for a pilot to conduct an instrument approach. The type 

of instrument approach for which a clearance and other pertinent information is provided in the approach 

clearance when required. 

(See CLEARED APPROACH.) 
(See INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURE.) 
(Refer to AIM.) 
(Refer to 14 CFR Part 91.) 

APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY

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A terminal ATC facility that provides approach control service in a 

terminal area. 

(See APPROACH CONTROL SERVICE.) 
(See RADAR APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY.) 

APPROACH CONTROL SERVICE

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Air traffic control service provided by an approach control facility for 

arriving and departing VFR/IFR aircraft and, on occasion, en route aircraft. At some airports not served by an 

approach control facility, the ARTCC provides limited approach control service. 

(See ICAO term APPROACH CONTROL SERVICE.) 
(Refer to AIM.) 

APPROACH CONTROL SERVICE [ICAO]

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Air traffic control service for arriving or departing controlled 

flights. 
APPROACH GATE

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 An imaginary point used within ATC as a basis for vectoring aircraft to the final approach 

course. The gate will be established along the final approach course 1 mile from the final approach fix on the 

side away from the airport and will be no closer than 5 miles from the landing threshold. 
APPROACH/DEPARTURE HOLD AREA

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 The locations on taxiways in the approach or departure areas of 

a runway designated to protect landing or departing aircraft. These locations are identified by signs and 

markings. 
APPROACH LIGHT SYSTEM

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(See AIRPORT LIGHTING.) 

APPROACH SEQUENCE

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 The order in which aircraft are positioned while on approach or awaiting approach 

clearance. 

(See LANDING SEQUENCE.) 
(See ICAO term APPROACH SEQUENCE.) 

APPROACH SEQUENCE [ICAO]

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 The order in which two or more aircraft are cleared to approach to land at 

the aerodrome. 

APPROACH SPEED

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The recommended speed contained in aircraft manuals used by pilots when making an 

approach to landing. This speed will vary for different segments of an approach as well as for aircraft weight 

and configuration. 
APPROACH WITH VERTICAL GUIDANCE (APV)– A term used to describe RNAV approach procedures that 

provide lateral and vertical guidance but do not meet the requirements to be considered a precision approach. 
APPROPRIATE ATS AUTHORITY [ICAO]

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 The relevant authority designated by the State responsible for 

providing air traffic services in the airspace concerned. In the United States, the “appropriate ATS authority” is 

the Program Director for Air Traffic Planning and Procedures, ATP-1. 
APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY

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a. 

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

b. 

Regarding flight over other than the high seas: the relevant authority is the State having sovereignty over 

the territory being overflown. 

PCG A

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