Pilot/Controller Glossary 

9/5/24 

SURFACE METERING PROGRAM

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 A capability within Terminal Flight Data Manager that provides the user 

with the ability to tactically manage surface traffic flows through adjusting desired minimum and maximum 

departure queue lengths to balance surface demand with capacity. When a demand/capacity imbalance for a 

surface resource is predicted, a metering procedure is recommended. 
SURFACE VIEWER

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A capability within the Traffic Flow Management System that provides situational 

awareness for a user

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selected airport. The Surface Viewer displays a top

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down view of an airport depicting 

runways, taxiways, gate areas, ramps, and buildings. The display also includes icons representing aircraft and 

vehicles currently on the surface, with identifying information. In addition, the display includes current airport 

configuration information such as departure/arrival runways and airport departure/arrival rates. 
SURPIC

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 A description of surface vessels in the area of a Search and Rescue incident including their predicted 

positions and their characteristics. 

(Refer to FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 10

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6

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4, INFLIGHT CONTINGENCIES.) 

SURVEILLANCE APPROACH

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 An instrument approach wherein the air traffic controller issues instructions, 

for pilot compliance, based on aircraft position in relation to the final approach course (azimuth), and the distance 

(range) from the end of the runway as displayed on the controller’s radar scope. The controller will provide 

recommended altitudes on final approach if requested by the pilot. 

(Refer to AIM.) 

SURVEILLANCE ENHANCED SEARCH AND RESCUE (SE SAR)– An automated service used to enhance 

search and rescue operations that provides federal contract flight service specialists direct information from the 

aircraft’s registered tracking device. 
SUSPICIOUS UAS– Suspicious UAS operations may include operating without authorization, loitering in the 

vicinity of sensitive locations, (e.g., national security, law enforcement facilities, and critical infrastructure), or 

disrupting normal air traffic operations resulting in runway changes, ground stops, pilot evasive action, etc. The 

report of a UAS operation alone does not constitute suspicious activity. Development of a comprehensive list 

of suspicious activities is not possible due to the vast number of situations that could be considered suspicious. 

ATC must exercise sound judgment when identifying situations that could constitute or indicate a suspicious 

activity. 
SWAP

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(See SEVERE WEATHER AVOIDANCE PLAN.) 

SWSL

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(See SUPPLEMENTAL WEATHER SERVICE LOCATION.) 

SYSTEM STRATEGIC NAVIGATION

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 Military activity accomplished by navigating along a preplanned route 

using internal aircraft systems to maintain a desired track. This activity normally requires a lateral route width 

of 10 NM and altitude range of 1,000 feet to 6,000 feet AGL with some route segments that permit terrain 

following. 

PCG S

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