Navigation

Automatic Direction Finder. A radio navigation system that determines the direction to a ground-based radio transmitter.

Air Traffic Control. A service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft to ensure safe separation and efficient flow of traffic.

The speed of an aircraft relative to the air.

A designated route for aircraft to follow between navigational aids.

An airport designated in a flight plan to be used if landing at the planned destination is not possible.

The phase of flight during which an aircraft descends and positions itself for landing.

Control Traffic Region. A controlled airspace extending upwards from the surface of the earth to a specified upper limit, established around an aerodrome.

A maneuver used to land on a runway when the final approach course is not aligned with the runway.

Generally, the airspace from Flight Level 1 9 5 to Flight Level 6 6 0. All aircraft operation in Class A airspace is conducted under I F R and with an air traffic control clearance.

Controlled airspace surrounding airports with an operational control tower, providing radar approach control service. Aircraft must be equipped with a transponder with altitude reporting capability.

Controlled airspace surrounding airports with an operational control tower. Communication with the tower is mandatory for all aircraft.

Controlled airspace where air traffic services are provided to I F R flights. V F R flights are allowed with fewer restrictions compared to Class C or D airspace.

An airspace classification used in some European countries where air traffic services are provided to I F R flights only. V F R flights are allowed without specific clearance but must remain clear of clouds.

Uncontrolled airspace with no air traffic services provided. V F R flights are allowed without clearance.

A controlled airspace extending upwards from the surface of the earth.

The intended path of an aircraft over the ground.

The intended altitude at which an aircraft will fly during the cruise phase of flight.

Distance Measuring Equipment. A radio navigation system that measures the distance between an aircraft and a ground station.

An airspace of defined dimensions within which activities dangerous to the flight of aircraft may exist at specified times.

A change in the planned destination of a flight due to unforeseen circumstances.

The angle between the heading and the track, caused by the wind.

Estimated Time of Arrival. The estimated time at which an aircraft is expected to arrive at its destination.

A flight level is a standard pressure altitude, expressed as three numbers.

A document filed with A T C that provides information about a planned flight.

Global Navigation Satellite System. A satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information.

Global Positioning System. A specific GNSS developed and operated by the United States.

A component of the I L S that provides vertical guidance to the runway.

The speed of an aircraft relative to the ground.

The direction in which the aircraft is pointed.

A predetermined racetrack-shaped flight path that aircraft fly while awaiting clearance to proceed.

Instrument Flight Rules. A set of regulations under which pilots operate aircraft in weather conditions that require them to rely on instruments for navigation.

Instrument Landing System. A precision approach system that provides guidance to aircraft during approach and landing.

A component of the I L S that provides lateral guidance to the runway.

Military Operations Area. An airspace of defined dimensions established for the purpose of separating certain military training activities from I F R traffic.

The direction towards the North Magnetic Pole, which is a point on the Earth's surface where the Earth's magnetic field points vertically downwards.

The angle between True North and Magnetic North.

A procedure followed when an aircraft is unable to land for any reason.

Non-Directional Beacon. A ground-based radio transmitter used with A D F.

Notice to Airmen. A notice containing information concerning the establishment, condition, or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedure, or hazard.

A maneuver used to reverse direction and establish the aircraft on the final approach course.

An airspace of defined dimensions within which the flight of aircraft is prohibited.

The atmospheric pressure at aerodrome level.

The altimeter setting for flight level reading 1013.2 hecto pascal.

The atmospheric pressure at mean sea level.

Radio Magnetic Indicator. An instrument that displays the direction to an N D B relative to the aircraft's heading.

An airspace of defined dimensions within which the flight of aircraft is restricted in accordance with certain specified conditions.

Terminal Control Area. A controlled airspace surrounding a major airport.

Terminal Control Area. A controlled airspace surrounding one or more major airports, designed to provide efficient and safe management of arriving and departing traffic.

Transponder Mandatory Zone. An airspace where all aircraft are required to operate with an active transponder, regardless of weather conditions.

Temporary Restricted Area. A restricted area established for a limited period of time.

The actual path of an aircraft over the ground.

The direction towards the geographic North Pole.

Visual Flight Rules. A set of regulations under which pilots operate aircraft in weather conditions clear enough to allow them to see where they are going.

Very High Frequency.

V H F Omnidirectional Range. A type of short-range radio navigation system for aircraft.

A predetermined geographical position used for navigation.