10/5/23 

Pilot/Controller Glossary 

FINAL MONITOR CONTROLLER

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Air Traffic Control Specialist assigned to radar monitor the flight path 

of aircraft during simultaneous parallel (approach courses spaced less than 9000 feet/9200 feet above 5000 feet) 

and simultaneous close parallel approach operations. Each runway is assigned a final monitor controller during 

simultaneous parallel and simultaneous close parallel ILS approaches. 
FIR

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(See FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION.) 

FIRST PERSON VIEW

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 UAS operation in which imagery is transmitted to the UAS pilot by an onboard UA 

camera. 
FIRST TIER CENTER

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 An ARTCC immediately adjacent to the impacted center. 

FIS

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B

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(See FLIGHT INFORMATION SERVICE

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BROADCAST.) 

FIX

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 A geographical position determined by visual reference to the surface, by reference to one or more radio 

NAVAIDs, by celestial plotting, or by another navigational device. 
FIX BALANCING

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A process whereby aircraft are evenly distributed over several available arrival fixes 

reducing delays and controller workload. 
FLAG

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 A warning device incorporated in certain airborne navigation and flight instruments indicating that: 

a. 

Instruments are inoperative or otherwise not operating satisfactorily, or 

b. 

Signal strength or quality of the received signal falls below acceptable values. 

FLAG ALARM

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(See FLAG.) 

FLAMEOUT

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An emergency condition caused by a loss of engine power. 

FLAMEOUT PATTERN

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 An approach normally conducted by a single-engine military aircraft experiencing 

loss or anticipating loss of engine power or control. The standard overhead approach starts at a relatively high 

altitude over a runway (“high key”) followed by a continuous 180 degree turn to a high, wide position (“low key”) 

followed by a continuous 180 degree turn final. The standard straight-in pattern starts at a point that results in 

a straight-in approach with a high rate of descent to the runway. Flameout approaches terminate in the type 

approach requested by the pilot (normally fullstop). 
FLIGHT CHECK

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 A call sign prefix used by FAA aircraft engaged in flight inspection/certification of 

navigational aids and flight procedures. The word “recorded” may be added as a suffix; e.g., “Flight Check 320 

recorded” to indicate that an automated flight inspection is in progress in terminal areas. 

(See FLIGHT INSPECTION.) 
(Refer to AIM.) 

FLIGHT DATA [FSS]– The primary task of the FSS flight data position is information management. Flight data 

services include the development, translation, processing, and coordination of aeronautical, meteorological, and 

aviation information. 
FLIGHT FOLLOWING

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(See TRAFFIC ADVISORIES.) 

FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION

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 An airspace of defined dimensions within which Flight Information 

Service and Alerting Service are provided. 

a. 

Flight Information Service. A service provided for the purpose of giving advice and information useful for 

the safe and efficient conduct of flights. 

b. 

Alerting Service. A service provided to notify appropriate organizations regarding aircraft in need of search 

and rescue aid and to assist such organizations as required. 
FLIGHT INFORMATION SERVICE

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 A service provided for the purpose of giving advice and information 

useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights. 

PCG F

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