A

ACRONYMS & GLOSSARY OF TERMS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acronyms................................................................................................... 1

A glossary of abbreviations used in relation to aviation,

in alphabetical order.

Glossary of Terms..................................................................................... 3.

Airport planning documents often require the use of

many technical terms. Some of the most important terms
used in the Airport Development Plan for San Francisco
International Airport are defined in this glossary.

AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PLAN – DRAFT FINAL Appendix – Acronyms & Glossary of Terms | A - i
A ACRONYMS

ACRONYMS Btu/h British thermal units per hour HM heavy maintenance

CAC Consolidated Administration Campus HOV high-occupancy vehicle
CAGR compound annual growth rate HSR high-speed rail
AAC Aircraft Approach Category CAT Category (referring to category of runway operations) HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
AAD average annual day CBIS Checked Baggage Inspection System IAP instrument approach procedure
AC Advisory Circular CBP Customs and Border Protection IATA International Air Transport Association
ACRP Airport Cooperative Research Program CBRA Checked Baggage Resolution Area ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
ADG Airplane Design Group CCSF City and County of San Francisco ICS Individual Carrier System
ADIZ Air Defense Identification Zone CCTV closed-circuit television IFR instrument flight rules
ADO Airports District Office CFR Code of Federal Regulations ILS instrument landing system
ADP Airport Development Plan CNG compressed natural gas IMC instrument meteorological conditions
AGL above ground level CSA Combined Statistical Area INT-DOM international to domestic
AIP Airport Improvement Program CUP Central Utility Plant ITB International Terminal Building
AIT Advanced Imaging Technology DDFS design day flight schedule ITT Information Technology and Telecommunications
ALP Airport Layout Plan DME distance measuring equipment IWTP Industrial Waste Treatment Plant
ALSF-2 High Intensity Approach Lighting System with Sequenced DOT Department of Transportation kV kilovolt
Flashing Lights DT domestic terminal kWh kilowatt hour
AMSL above mean sea level DTRP Domestic Terminal Redevelopment Program LDA landing distance available
AOA Air Operations Area EB eastbound LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
APC Automated Passport Control EBS early bag storage LF linear feet
APM Automated People Mover EDS explosives detection system LM light maintenance
ARC Airport Reference Code EIR Environmental Impact Report LNAV lateral navigation
ARFF aircraft rescue and firefighting EMAS Engineered Material Arresting System LOC localizer
ARTCC Air Route Traffic Control Center EQA equivalent aircraft LOS level of service
ASIG Aircraft Service International Group ERF Emergency Response Facility LPV localizer performance with vertical guidance
ASPD average seats per departure ETD Explosives Trace Detection LTPG Long Term Parking Garage
ASPM Aviation System Performance Metrics ETMSC Enhanced Traffic Management System Counts MALSF Medium Intensity Approach Lighting
EV electric vehicle System with Sequenced Flashers
ATADS Air Traffic Activity Data System
F&B food and beverage MALSR Medium Intensity Approach Lighting
ATC Air Traffic Control
FAA Federal Aviation Administration System with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights
ATCT Airport Traffic Control Tower
FAR Federal Aviation Regulations MAP million annual passengers
ATDS Airport Technical Design Standards
FIS Federal Inspection Service MARS multiple aircraft ramp system
ATO airline ticket office
FL flight level MERF Marine Emergency Response Facility
ATR automatic tag reader
GA general aviation MGD million gallons per day
B/A Boarding Area
GDP gross domestic product MLTP Mel Leong Treatment Plant
BART Bay Area Rapid Transit
gpm gallons per minute MOC Maintenance Operations Center
BHS baggage handling system
GPS global positioning system MoS Modifications of Standards
BICE Building Inspection and Code Enforcement
GRP gross regional product MPC Mobile Passport Control
BLDG building
GS glideslope MPOE minimum point of entry
BPEA Bureau of Planning and Environmental Affairs (SFO)
GSE ground service equipment MSL mean sea level
BPH bags per hour
GTMP Ground Transportation Master Plan MVA megavolt ampere
BPM bags per minute
GTU Ground Transportation Unit MW megawatt
BPP bags per passenger
HATh height above threshold NAS National Airspace System
Btu British thermal unit

A - 1 | Appendix – Acronyms & Glossary of Terms SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

 ACRONYMS
A

NB northbound ROFZ runway obstacle free zone USPS United States Postal Service
NBAA National Business Aviation Association RON remain overnight V volt
NDB nondirectional radio beacon RPZ runway protection zone VFR visual flight rules
NextGen Next Generation Air Transportation System RSA runway safety area VHF very high frequency
NFDC National Flight Data Center RVR runway visual range VMC visual meteorological conditions
NFPA National Fire Protection Association RW runway VNAV vertical navigation
nm nautical mile RWMP Recycled Water Master Plan VOR VHF omnidirectional range
NPIAS National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems SA Special Authorization VOR/DME VHF omnidirectional range/distance measuring equipment
O&D origin and destination SARS Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome VORTAC VHF omnidirectional range/Tactical Air Navigation System
OAG Official Airline Guide SB southbound VSR vehicle service road
OAK Oakland International Airport SDPS Storm Drain Pump Station WAAS wide area augmentation system
OEI one-engine inoperative SFC surface WB westbound
OFA object free area SFO San Francisco International Airport WFG West Field Garage
OFZ obstacle free zone SFPD San Francisco Police Department ZEV zero-emissions vehicle
OOG out of gauge SID standard instrument departure procedure ZIO Zero Impact Objectives
OS oversized (as in baggage) SJC Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
OSP Open Settlement Protocol sq ft square feet
OSR on-screen resolution SSCP security screening checkpoint
PAL planning activity level SSI Sensitive Security Information
PAPI precision approach path indicator STAR Standard Terminal Arrival Route
PAX passengers STARS Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System
PCA preconditioned air STD scheduled time of departure
PCI pavement condition index 3D three dimensional
PCPI per capita personal income T1 Terminal 1
PDS power distribution system T2 Terminal 2
PG&E Pacific Gas & Electric Company T3 Terminal 3
PGDS Planning Guidelines and Design Standards TA total attenuation
PMAD peak month average day TACAN Tactical Air Navigation System
PRM precision runway monitor TAF FAA Terminal Area Forecast
psi pounds per square inch TDC Travel Document Checker
psig pounds per square inch gauge TDG Taxiway Design Group
PVC polyvinyl chloride TERPS Terminal Instrument Procedures
QSP Quality Standards Program TL taxilane
QTA quick turnaround (for rental cars) TNC transportation network companies
R&S retail and services TOFA taxiway object free area
RAD remain all day TRACON Terminal Radar Approach Control
RCC Rental Car Center TRSA Terminal Radar Service Area
R.E.A.C.H. Revenue Enhancement and Customer Hospitality (SFO program) TSA Transportation Security Administration
RFID radio frequency identification TSA Preü Transportation Security Administration Pre-check
RGL runway guard light TW taxiway
RJ regional jet ULD unit load device
RNAV Area Navigation UPS uninterruptible power supply
RNP Required Navigational Performance U.S.C. United States Code

AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PLAN – DRAFT FINAL Appendix – Acronyms & Glossary of Terms | A - 2
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Airport planning documents often require the use of many technical terms.
Some of the most important terms used in the Airport Development Plan for San
Francisco International Airport are defined in this glossary.
Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL) – AMSL is the height (usually expressed in feet)
above mean sea level, defined as the elevation (on the ground) or altitude (in the
air) of an object relative to the average sea level datum. Height AMSL is used in
aviation, where some heights are recorded and reported with respect to mean
sea level (MSL) (contrast with flight level), in atmospheric sciences, and in land
surveying.
Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) – The ADIZ is an area of airspace over
land or water in which the ready identification, location, and control of all aircraft
(except for U.S. Department of Defense and law enforcement aircraft) are required
in the interest of national security.
Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC or Center) – A Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) facility established to provide air traffic control services
to aircraft operating on instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plans within controlled
airspace during the en route portion of flight.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) – A service operated by the FAA to promote the safe,
orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic.
Aircraft Approach Category (AAC) – An FAA-defined grouping of aircraft based
on a reference landing speed (VREF), if specified, or if VREF is not specified, 1.3
times stall speed (VSO) at the maximum certificated landing weight. VREF, VSO,
and the maximum certificated landing weight are those values established for
the aircraft by the certification authority of the country of aircraft registry. The
AAC is defined in FAA Advisory Circular 150/5300-13, Airport Design, Table 1-1,
“Aircraft Approach Category (AAC).”
Table 1-1. Aircraft Approach Category (AAC)
AAC VREF /Approach Speed
A Approach speed less than 91 knots
B Approach speed 91 knots or more but less than 121 knots
C Approach speed 121 knots or more but less than 141 knots
D Approach speed 141 knots or more but less than 166 knots
E Approach speed 161 knots or more
A - 3 | Appendix – Acronyms & Glossary of Terms
Airplane Design Group (ADG) – An FAA-defined grouping of aircraft types,
consisting of six groups based on wingspan and tail height. ADG is defined in
FAA Advisory Circular 150/5300-13, Airport Design, Table 1-2, “Airplane Design
Group (ADG).”
Table 1-2. Airplane Design Group (ADG)
Group
Tail Height (ft [m]) Wingspan (ft [m])
#
I <20’ (< 6 m) < 49’ (< 15 m)
II 20’ - < 30’ (6 m - < 9 m) 49’ - < 79’ (15 m - < 24 m)
III 30’ - < 45’ (9 m - < 13.5 m) 79’ - < 118’ (24 m - < 36 m)
IV 30’ - < 45’ (9 m - < 13.5 m) 118’ - < 171’ (36 m - < 52 m)
V 60’ - < 66’ (18.5 m - < 20 m) 171’ - < 214’ (52 m - < 65 m)
VI 66’ - < 80’ (20 m - < 24.5 m) 214’ - < 262’ (65 m - < 80 m)
Airport Elevation – The highest point on the usable runways, expressed in feet
above mean sea level.
Airport Improvement Program (AIP) – A federal funding program that provides
grants for the planning and development of public use airports included in
the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). The AIP is periodically
reauthorized by the U.S. Congress, with funding appropriated from the Airport
and Airway Trust Fund. Revenues in the Trust Fund are derived from excise taxes
on airline tickets, aviation fuel, etc.
Airport Layout Plan (ALP) – A scaled drawing of existing and proposed land and
facilities necessary for the operation and development of an airport. The ALP
shows boundaries and proposed additions to all areas owned or controlled by
the airport operator for airport purposes, the location and nature of existing and
proposed replacement airport facilities and structures, and the location on the
airport of existing and proposed non-aviation areas and improvements thereon.
Aircraft Operation – Any arrival or departure of an aircraft to or from an airport.
“Touch and go” practice landings are considered as two operations.
Airport Reference Code (ARC) – A coding system developed by the FAA to
relate airport design criteria to the operational and physical characteristics of the
design aircraft intended to operate at the airport (i.e., the most critical aircraft
type currently using, or projected to use, an airport, with a minimum of 500
operations per year).
The first component of the ARC is a capital letter, which refers to the aircraft
approach speed in its landing configuration (A, B, C, D, or E with "A" being the
lowest and "E" being the highest). The second component is depicted by a
Roman numeral and refers to aircraft wingspan (I, II, III, IV, V, or VI with "I" being
the smallest and "VI" being the largest). Together, these two components relate
aircraft operational and physical characteristics to the required design criteria of
various airport components, such as runway/taxiway widths, runway-to-taxiway
separation standards, and obstacle clearances. This methodology provides safety
margins in the physical design of airport facilities.
Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) – An air navigation instrument that allows
air traffic controllers to identify an arriving or departing aircraft's distance and
direction from an airport.
Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) – An air traffic control facility established
on an airport that uses air/ground communications, visual signaling, and other
devices to provide for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of traffic in the vicinity
of the airport or on the movement area.
Airporters – A privately-operated, scheduled bus and highway coach service
providing transportation between SFO and many Peninsula and South Bay cities.
Airspace Procedures
1. Area Navigation (RNAV) – A method of navigation, which permits aircraft
operation on any desired flightpath within the coverage of ground- or space-
based navigational aids, within the limits of the capability of self-contained
aids, or a combination of these. RNAV procedures offer the advantages of
routings that save time and fuel; reduce dependence on radar vectoring,
altitude, and speed assignments, allowing for reductions in required radio
transmissions with air traffic control; and provide for the more efficient use
of airspace. This method of instrument flight rules (IFR) navigation allows a
pilot to choose any course with a network of navigation beacons, rather than
navigating directly to and from the beacons.
2. Circling Approach – A maneuver initiated by a pilot to align the aircraft with a
runway for landing when a straight-in landing from an instrument approach
is not possible or is not desirable. At ATCT-controlled airports, this maneuver
is made only after ATC authorization has been obtained.
3. Final approach fix – The fix from which the final approach to an airport is
executed and that identifies the beginning of the final approach segment.
The final approach fix is designated on U.S. Government charts by the Maltese
cross symbol for non-precision approaches and the lightning bolt symbol
for precision approaches.
4. Final approach – Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) – The flightpath of an aircraft
that is inbound to an airport on a final instrument approach course, beginning
at the final approach fix or point and extending to the airport or the point
where a circling approach/circle-to-land maneuver or a missed approach
is executed.
5. High Altitude Airways – See Jet Routes and Airways
6. Instrument Approach – A series of predetermined maneuvers for the orderly
transfer of an aircraft under instrument flight rules(IFR) from the beginning
of the initial approach to either a landing or a point from which a landing
may be made visually.
SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

7. Instrument Landing System (ILS) –A precision system that provides pilots
with vertical descent and lateral alignment guidance to the extended runway
centerline when approaching an arrival runway. The ILS consists of a glideslope
that provides vertical guidance and a localizer that provides lateral guidance.
Using a combination of radio signals and high intensity runway lighting, the
ILS helps to guide pilots to runways for landing during periods of limited
visibility or adverse weather (i.e., instrument meteorological conditions or
“IMC”). The ILS has three primary approach categories: CAT I Approach, CAT
II Approach, and CAT III Approach.
a. CAT I Approach – One of the three primary instrument landing system
(ILS) approach categories. It is an instrument approach (or approach
and landing) with a height above threshold (HATh) or minimum descent
altitude not lower than 200 feet (60 meters) and with either a visibility
not less than 0.5 statute mile (800 meters), or a runway visual range not
less than 1,800 feet (550 meters).
b. CAT II Approach – One of the three primary instrument landing system
(ILS) approach categories. It is an instrument approach (or approach and
landing) with a HATh lower than 200 feet (60 meters), but not lower than
100 feet (30 meters) and a runway visual range not less than 1,200 feet
(350 meters).
c. CAT III Approach – One of the three primary instrument landing system
(ILS) approach categories. It is an instrument approach (or approach and
landing) with a HATh lower than 100 feet (30 meters) or no HATh, or a
runway visual range less than 1,200 feet (350 meters).
8. Jet Routes – One of three strata that make up the en route airspace structure
of the National Airspace System (NAS), between Victor Airways and special
operations above flight level (FL) 450 (approximately 45,000 feet above mean
sea level [AMSL]). Jet Routes, or high altitude airways, in the United States
all have names that start with the letter “J” and operate from 18,000 feet to
45,000 feet AMSL.
9. Lateral Navigation (LNAV) – A non-precision approach that provides linear
guidance and angular guidance for a Global Positioning System (GPS) non-
precision approach. The approach minimums are higher when using LNAV
alone. The descent is incremental compared with using a glideslope and
there is a lower decision height (DH) when dealing with obstacles.
10. Lateral Navigation/Vertical Navigation (LNAV/VNAV) – An LNAV/VNAV
approach provides both horizontal and approved vertical approach guidance
using an internally generated glideslope based on a Wide Area Augmentation
System (WAAS). LNAV/VNAV have lower approach minimums than LNAV
alone with a vertical alert limit of 50-100 feet.
11. Localizer Only (LOC) – A type of non-precision instrument approach that
provides the pilots of arriving aircraft with lateral tracking guidance to enable
the pilot to align the aircraft with the extended runway centerline when
commencing an approach to an airport. The LOC only approach does not
provide vertical guidance (glideslope) like an ILS approach.
AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PLAN – DRAFT FINAL
12. Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) – LPV approaches are
the highest precision GPS (WAAS enabled) instrument approaches currently
available. LPV approaches have a decision height of 200 feet and visibility
of 0.5 mile, similar to a CAT I precision instrument approach.
13. Low Altitude Airways – see Victor Airways.
14. Minimum Altitude (also referred to as Minimum IFR Altitudes) – Minimum
altitudes for IFR operations as prescribed in Federal Aviation Regulations
(FAR) Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules. These altitudes are published
on aeronautical charts and prescribed in FAR Part 95 IFR Altitudes for airways
and in FAR Part 97 Armature Radio Service for standard instrument approach
procedures.
15. Missed Approach – A prescribed procedure to be followed by pilots of aircraft
that cannot complete an attempted landing at an airport.
16. Non-precision Approach – A standard instrument approach procedure
providing runway alignment but no glideslope or descent information.
17. Outer Fix – An air traffic control term for a point in the airspace from which
pilots are normally cleared to the final approach fix or final approach course.
18. Performance Based Navigation (PBN) – PBN consists of Area Navigation
(RNAV) and Required Navigational Performance (RNP) and describes the
capability of an aircraft to navigate using performance standards. RNAV
enables aircraft to fly on any desired flight path within the coverage of
ground or space-based navigation aids, within the limits of the capability of
the self-contained systems, or a combination of both capabilities.
19. Positive Control – The separation by air traffic control of all air traffic within
designated airspace.
20. Precision Approach Procedure – A standard instrument approach procedure
in which an electronic glideslope/glidepath is provided (e.g., instrument
landing system and Precision Approach Radar).
21. Required Navigational Performance (RNP) – RNP is RNAV with the addition
of onboard performance monitoring and alerting capability. This type of
performance based navigation (PBN) allows a pilot to fly a specific path
between two points in three-dimensional space. Arrival approaches with RNP
also refers to the level of performance required for a specific procedure or a
specific block of airspace. For example, an RNP of 0.3 means that a navigation
system must be able to calculate the position of the aircraft within a circle
with a radius of 0.3 nautical mile. A characteristic of RNP operations is the
ability of the aircraft navigation system to monitor its achieved navigation
performance and to inform the flight crew if the requirement is not met
during an operation.
22. Special Use Airspace – Airspace wherein activities must be confined because
of their nature and/or wherein limitations may be imposed upon aircraft
operations that are not part of those activities.
23. Standard Instrument Departure Procedure (SID) – A planned instrument
flight rules air traffic control departure procedure published for pilot use in
graphic and textual form. SIDs provide a transition from the terminal to the
en route air traffic control structure.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
A
24. Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) – A planned instrument flight rules
air traffic control arrivals procedure published for pilot use in graphic and
textual form. STARs provide a transition from the en route air traffic control
structure to an outer fix or an instrument approach fix in the terminal area.
25. Victor Airways – One of three strata that make up the en route airspace
structure of the National Airspace System (NAS). Victor airways are defined
as straight-line segments between two VHF omnidirectional range (VOR)
navigational aid stations and are available under instrument flight rules
(IFR) and visual flight rules (VFR).
26. Visual Approach – An approach conducted on a visual flight rules flight
plan, which authorizes the pilot to proceed visually and clear of clouds to the
airport.
AirTrain – An automated people mover (APM) system at SFO that provides service
24 hours a day year-round for passengers and employees, with departures
from its nine stations as frequently as every four minutes. The AirTrain operates
two service lines:
1. The Blue Line – One of the two SFO AirTrain lines. The Blue Line connects
the Rental Car Center with all terminals, terminal garages, and the SFO BART
Station in a counter-clockwise direction.
2. The Red Line – One of the two SFO AirTrain lines. The Red Line connects all
terminals, terminal garages, and the SFO BART Station in a clockwise direction.
Airway – A corridor of controlled airspace with a centerline established by radio
navigational aids. Low altitude airways (between 3,000 feet and 18,000 feet above
mean sea level) are known as Victor airways and high altitude airways (higher
than 18,000 feet above mean sea level) are known as Jet routes.
Approach Light System (ALS) – A series of lights that assists pilots aligning
aircraft on final approach with the extended runway centerline.
Approach Surface – See FAR Part 77.
BART Station – The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station located in the SFO
International Terminal Building, adjacent to Boarding Area G. BART provides heavy
rail access to SFO from four Bay Area counties (San Mateo, San Francisco, Alameda,
and Contra Costa). This station is directly connected to the International Terminal
Building, and to all three domestic terminals (T1, T2, and T3) via the AirTrain.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) – A California statute that requires
State and local agencies to identify the significant environmental impacts of their
actions and to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible.
Caltrain – A regional commuter rail service serving the San Francisco Peninsula
and the South Bay.
Appendix – Acronyms & Glossary of Terms | A - 4
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Commuter Aircraft – Aircraft ranging in size from small turboprop aircraft with
19 or fewer seats to regional jets with up to 70 seats. Commuter aircraft are
designed to connect smaller markets with large hubs. They are usually operated
by a commuter airline on behalf of a major airline (e.g., SkyWest Airlines doing
business as United Express). Although regional jets that seat up to 90 passengers
are sometimes referred to as "commuter jets" because they tend to serve the
same types of markets as their smaller counterparts, they cannot be operated
by commuter airlines under Federal Aviation Regulations Part 135 Operating
Requirements: Commuter and On Demand Operations and Rules Governing Persons
On Board Such Aircraft.
Clean Vehicle Policy – A policy adopted by SFO management in February 2000
that strongly encourages the replacement of gasoline and diesel vehicles with
clean air vehicles powered by alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas
(CNG) and electricity. In sectors where manufacturers have offered competitive
alternative fuel vehicles and products, management’s goal was met by 2012
with 100 percent clean air vehicles in Airport and Airport-permitted fleets. BART,
AirTrain, and on-Airport shuttle buses meet the 100 percent goal, as do hotel
courtesy shuttles, off-Airport parking shuttles, City taxicabs, and shared-ride vans.
Conical Surface – See FAR Part 77.
Contact Gate – A passenger aircraft parking position equipped with a passenger
boarding bridge that provides direct access to a terminal building.
Controlled Airspace – Airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic
control services are provided in accordance with the airspace classification.
Controlled airspace is designated as Class A, B, C, D, or E. Aircraft operators are
subject to certain pilot qualifications, operating rules, and equipment requirements,
as specified in Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91, General Operating and Flight
Rules depending on the class of airspace in which they are operating.
Cost per Enplanement (referred to as CPE) – A commonly used metric to
communicate the financial burden on airlines operating at a given airport. CPE is
defined as the average cost to an airline of enplaning a single passenger at a given
airport and is calculated by dividing the total payments made by airlines at that
airport (typically landing fees, apron fees, and terminal rentals that include fees
for the Federal Inspection Services facility and per-use charges, fueling system
fees, and remote parking fees) by total enplaned passengers. CPE communicates
the expense an airport needs to recover. When compared to similar airports, the
ability of the airport to generate non-airline revenues can be inferred.
Decision Height (DH) – A specified altitude or height along the precision approach
path above the runway threshold elevation at which a missed approach must
be initiated if the required visual reference to continue the approach has not
been established.
Delamination – The separation of individual lifts of pavement that make up the
overall pavement section.
A - 5 | Appendix – Acronyms & Glossary of Terms
Design Aircraft – The most critical aircraft type currently using, or projected to
use, an airport, with a minimum of 500 operations per year. It can be one aircraft
type or a group of aircraft types.
Displaced Threshold – A threshold located at a point on the runway other than
the designated beginning of the runway. The portion of pavement behind a
displaced threshold may be available for takeoffs in both directions and landings
from the opposite direction. Most often, the offset threshold is in place to give
arriving aircraft clearance over an obstruction while still allowing departing aircraft
the maximum amount of runway available.
En Route Phase of Flight – The segment of flight from the termination point
of a departure procedure to the origination point of an arrival procedure. The
procedures used in the en route phase of flight are governed by a set of specific
flight standards established in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14
CFR) [Figure 2-1]; FAA Order 8260.3, United States Standard for Terminal Instrument
Procedures (TERPS); and related publications. These standards establish courses to
be flown, obstacle clearance criteria, minimum altitudes, navigational performance,
and communications requirements.
Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) – EMAS is a technology to
safely stop an aircraft from overrunning a runway. An EMAS arrestor bed made
of lightweight crushable material is placed at the end of a runway. The tires of
the aircraft sink into the bed and the aircraft decelerates as it rolls through the
material. The EMAS technology improves safety benefits in cases where land
is not available or it is not possible to provide the standard 1,000-foot overrun.
Enplanements – Numbers of passengers boarding an aircraft at an airport.
Enplanements – The number of passengers boarding an aircraft at an airport.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – The FAA is the federal agency responsible
for regulating civil aviation in the United States and its territories to promote safety,
encourage and develop civil aeronautics including new aviation technology,
develop and operate a system of air traffic control and navigation for both civil
and military aircraft, research and develop the National Airspace System and
civil aeronautics, develop and implement programs to control aircraft noise and
other environmental effects of civil aviation, and regulate U.S. commercial space
transportation.
Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) – The body of federal regulations relating
to aviation, published as Title 14 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
Finger – At SFO, the “finger” refers to the primary pier of Terminal 3, Boarding
Area F, where Gates 80 to 90 are located. Boarding Area F accommodates much
of the domestic hub operations of United Airlines.
Fixed Base Operator (FBO) – A business located on an airport that provides
services to airport users such as hangar space, parking, fuel, flight training, repair,
and maintenance.
Fleet Mix – The various aircraft types that operate in a particular environment.
Flight Level (FL) – The nominal altitude of an aircraft referenced to a standard
pressure datum (29.92 inches of mercury), as opposed to the true altitude above
mean sea level. All aircraft operating on flight levels are calibrated to the same
standard, thus reducing the risk of collision. Each flight level is stated in three
digits, representing hundreds of feet. For example, FL 250 represents an altimeter
indication of 25,000 feet.
Flight Management System (FMS) – A computer system that uses a large
database to allow routes to be pre-programmed and fed into the aircraft flight
control system by means of a data loader. The aircraft system is constantly updated
with respect to position accuracy by reference to conventional navigation aids.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – An information system designed for
storing, integrating, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying data referenced by
spatial or geographic coordinates.
Global Positioning System (GPS) – A satellite-based navigation system consisting
of a network of at least 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department
of Defense. These satellites use differential time delay between radio signals
to enable navigators equipped with GPS receivers to determine their latitude,
longitude, and altitude.
Glideslope – see Navigational Aids - Glideslope
High Altitude Airways – see Airspace Procedures –Airways and Jet Routes.
Horizontal Surface – See FAR Part 77.
Hub Airport – An airport in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems
(NPIAS) that accounts for at least 0.05 percent of the total U.S. annual passenger
enplanements.
Not to be confused with the hubbing method of airline scheduling. Airlines which
use a hubbing method may also refer to a given airport as a “hub” or “hub airport.”
1. Large Hub Airport – An airport that accounts for at least 1.0 percent of total
U.S. annual passenger enplanements.
2. Medium Hub Airport – An airport that accounts for between 0.25 percent
and up to but not including 1.0 percent of total U.S. annual passenger
enplanements.
3. Small Hub Airport – An airport that accounts for between 0.05 percent
and up to, but not including, 0.25 percent of the total U.S. annual passenger
enplanements.
4. Non-Hub Airport – Airports that account for less than 0.05 percent of all
U.S. annual commercial passenger enplanements but not more than 10,000
annual passenger enplanements.
SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

5. Non-primary Commercial Service Airports – Airports that account for
between 2,500 and 10,000 passenger enplanements annually.
6. Reliever Airport – High-capacity general aviation airports in urban areas,
intended to provide an attractive alternative to using a congested hub
airport and to provide general aviation access to the overall community. To
be classified as a reliever, the airport must house a minimum of 100 based
aircraft and accommodate a minimum of 25,000 annual itinerant operations.
Hubbing – A method of airline flight scheduling that strategically times the
arrivals and departures of aircraft in a short period of time to facilitate the timely
transfer of passengers between flights. Several airlines may conduct hubbing
operations at the same airport.
Instrument Approach – see Airspace Procedures – Instrument Approach
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) – The portion of the Federal Aviation Regulations
Part 91 specifying the procedures to be used by pilots during flight in instrument
meteorological conditions (IMC). These procedures may also be used under
visual conditions and provide for positive control by Air Traffic Control. (See
also Visual Flight Rules.)
Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) – Weather conditions expressed
in terms of visibility, distance from clouds, and cloud ceilings, during which all
pilots are required to operate using instrument flight rules (IFR).
Integrated Noise Model (INM) – A computer model developed, updated, and
maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration to predict the noise exposure
generated by aircraft operations.
Itinerant Operation – An aircraft flight that ends at a different airport from
where it began.
Kiosk – A self-service device that allows passengers to check in for their flights
without the aid of airline staff. Kiosks decentralize the passenger processing
capability, which can alleviate congestion in the terminal while improving
passenger flows.
Knot – Air speed measured as the distance in nautical miles (one nautical mile =
6,076.1 feet) covered in one hour. (Approximately equal to 1.15 miles per hour.)
Land Use Compatibility – The ability of land uses surrounding the airport to
coexist with airport-related activities with minimum conflict, or the planning
process designed to achieve this coexistence.
Landing and Takeoff (LTO) Cycle – The time that an aircraft is in operation at
or near an airport. An LTO cycle begins when an aircraft starts its final approach
(arrival) and ends after the aircraft has made its climb-out (departure).
AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PLAN – DRAFT FINAL
Local Operation – An aircraft flight that begins and ends at the same airport.
Localizer Only – see Airspace Procedures – Localizer only
Low Altitude Airways – see Airspace Procedures – Airways and Victor airways
Mean Sea Level (MSL) – The average height of the surface of the sea for all stages
of the tide, used as a reference for elevation (also referred to as “sea level datum”).
Military Operations Area (MOA) – Airspace established to separate or segregate
certain non-hazardous military activities from instrument flight rules traffic and
to identify for visual flight rules traffic where these activities are conducted.
Minimum Altitude – see Airspace Procedures – Minimum Altitude
Missed Approach – see Airspace Procedures – Missed Approach
Modification of Standards (MoS) – An FAA-approved deviation from standards
applicable to an airport design, construction, or equipment procurement project
that results in lower costs, greater efficiency, or is necessary to accommodate
an unusual local condition on a specific project. Modifications of Standards are
adopted on a case-by-case basis.
National Airspace System (NAS) – The common network of U.S. airspace, air
navigation facilities, equipment, services, airports, or landing areas; aeronautical
charts, information, and services; rules, regulations, and procedures; and technical
information, staffing, and materials, all of which are used in aerial navigation.
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) – The legislation establishing
the environmental review process for proposed federal actions.
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA) – The legislation which
requires projects occurring on federal lands, are federally funded, or require a
federal permit to be evaluated to disclose potential impacts to historic properties.
Nautical Mile – A measure of distance equal to one minute of arc on the Earth's
surface (6,076.1 feet).
Navigational Aids – Any instrumentation used by an aircraft for navigation.
1. Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) – A flight instrument that measures
the line-of-sight distance of an aircraft from a navigational radio station
in nautical miles. As a transponder-based radio navigation system, DME
measures the slant-range distance by timing the propagation delay of VHF
radio signals. Pilots use DME to determine the distance of their aircraft from
a land-based transponder, which is typically collocated with a VOR.
2. Glideslope – A navigational aid that provides vertical guidance for aircraft
during approach and landing. A glideslope consists of electronic components
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
A
emitting signals that provide vertical guidance by reference to airborne
instruments during instrument approaches, such as instrument landing
system; or visual ground aids such as a visual approach slope indicator,
which provide vertical guidance for visual flight rules approach; or for the
visual portion of an instrument approach and landing.
3. Localizer – The component of an instrument landing system that provides
lateral course guidance to the runway.
4. Localizer- type Directional Aid (LDA) – A localizer with an angular offset that
exceeds 3 degrees of the runway alignment used for non-precision instrument
approaches with utility and accuracy comparable to a localizer but which are
not part of a complete ILS.
5. Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Runway Alignment
Indicator Lights (MALSR) – A lighting system installed in airport runway
approach zones along the extended centerline of the runway. The MALSR,
consisting of a combination of threshold lamps and steady burning light
bars and flashers, provides visual information to pilots on runway alignment,
height perception, roll guidance, and horizontal references for CAT I precision
approaches.
6. Navigational Fix – A geographical position determined by reference to one
or more radio navigational aids.
7. Non-directional Radio Beacon (NDB) – A ground-based, low frequency radio
transmitter used as an instrument approach for airports. The NDB transmits
an omnidirectional signal that is received by an Automatic Direction Finder
(ADF), a standard aircraft instrument. The pilot uses the ADF to determine the
direction to the NDB relative to the aircraft. To navigate, the pilot enters the
frequency of the NDB and the compass card (or arrow) on the ADF will indicate
the heading to the beacon. The signal is transmitted on an uninterrupted
basis, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. An audible Morse code call sign
of one or more letters or numbers is used to identify the NDB signal being
received. For aviation in North America, the frequency range is typically from
190 to 625 kilohertz (kHz). The main components of an NDB ground station
are the beacon transmitter, antenna tuning unit, and antenna.
8. Outer Marker (OM) – An instrument landing system navigation aid in the
terminal area navigation system located 4 to 7 miles from the runway edge
on the extended centerline, indicating to the pilot that he/she is passing over
the facility and can begin final approach.
9. Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) – A lighting system which provides
visual approach slope guidance to aircraft during an approach. It is similar to
a visual approach slope indicator but provides a sharper transition between
the colored indicator lights.
10. Precision Approach Radar (PAR) – Navigational equipment located on the
ground, adjacent to the runway, consisting of one antenna that scans the
vertical plane and a second antenna that scans the horizontal plane. The PAR
provides the controller with a picture of the descending aircraft in azimuth,
distance, and elevation, permitting an accurate determination of the aircraft's
alignment relative to the runway centerline and the glideslope.
Appendix – Acronyms & Glossary of Terms | A - 6
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
11. Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL) – Two synchronized flashing lights, one
on each side of the runway threshold, that identify the approach end of the
runway.
12. Runway Visual Range (RVR) – An instrumentally derived value, based on
standard calibrations, that represents the horizontal distance a pilot will
see down the runway from the approach end. It is based on the sighting
of either high intensity runway lights or the visual contrast of other targets,
whichever yields the greater visual range. It is based on the measurement
of a transmissometer near the touchdown point of the instrument runway
and is reported in hundreds of feet.
13. Stop Bar Lights – Unidirectional in-pavement yellow lights that are aligned
perpendicularly across the width of a taxiway to caution pilots of runway
entrance locations while traversing taxiways.
14. Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) – A navigational system used by the military.
TACAN provides continuous azimuth and distance information to a receiver
on board an aircraft.
15. Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Station – A ground-based
radio navigational aid transmitting signals in all directions. A VOR provides
azimuth guidance to pilots by reception of electronic signals.
16. Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range Station with Tactical Air
Navigation (VORTAC) – A navigational aid providing VOR azimuth and
Tactical Air Navigation distance measuring equipment at one site.
17. Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) – A visual aid for final approach to
the runway threshold, consisting of two wing bars of lights on either side of
the runway. Each bar produces a split beam of light – the upper segment is
white, and the lower segment is red.
18. Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) – An air navigation aid developed
by the FAA (prime contractor Raytheon Company) to augment the Global
Positioning System (GPS), with the goal of improving its accuracy, integrity,
and availability. WAAS provides service for all classes of aircraft in all phases
of flight – including en route navigation, airport departures, and airport
arrivals. This includes vertically guided landing approaches in instrument
meteorological conditions at all qualified locations throughout the National
Airspace System.
NextGen – The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is an umbrella
term for the ongoing, wide-ranging transformation of the United States’ National
Airspace System (NAS). NextGen represents an evolution from a ground-based
system of air traffic control to a satellite-based system of air traffic management.
The program is intended to enhance NAS safety and efficiency to benefit NAS
capacity.
Non-precision Approach – see Airspace Procedures – Non-precision Approach
Object Free Area (OFA) – An area on the ground centered on the runway, taxiway,
or taxilane centerline provided to enhance the safety of aircraft operations by
A - 7 | Appendix – Acronyms & Glossary of Terms
having the area free of objects, except for objects that need to be located in the 5. Transitional surface. Surfaces which extend outward and upward at right
OFA for air navigation or aircraft ground maneuvering purposes. angles to the runway centerline and the runway centerline extended at a
slope of 7 to 1 from the sides of the primary surface and from the sides of
Obstacle Free Zone (OFZ) – The airspace below 150 feet above the established the approach surfaces. Transitional surfaces for those portions of the precision
airport elevation and along the runway and extended runway centerline that is approach surface, which project through and beyond the limits of the conical
required to be clear of all obstacles to provide clearance protection for aircraft surface, extend a distance of 5,000 feet measured horizontally from the edge
landing or departing from the runway and for missed approaches. Only frangible of the approach surface and at right angles to the runway centerline.
visual navigational aids are permitted if they need to be located in the OFZ
because of their function.
FAR Part 77 – Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 77 – Safe,
Efficient Use, and Preservation of the Navigable Airspace, establishes standards and
notification requirements for objects affecting navigable airspace.
Part 77 defines a set of three dimensional imaginary surfaces. These are established
in relation to the airport and to each runway. The slope and dimensions of each
imaginary surface are based on the type of approach available or planned for
that runway.
1. Horizontal surface. A horizontal plane 150 feet above the established airport
elevation, the perimeter of which is constructed by swinging arcs of a specified
radius from the center of each end of the primary surface of each runway
and connecting the adjacent arcs by lines tangent to those arcs. For SFO, the
radius of each arc is 10,000 feet.
2. Conical surface. A surface extending outward and upward from the periphery
of the horizontal surface at a slope of 20 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 4,000
feet.
3. Primary surface. A surface longitudinally centered on a runway. When the
runway has a specially prepared hard surface, the primary surface extends Pavement Condition Index (PCI) – The standard method used to rate airfield
200 feet beyond each end of that runway, but when the runway has no pavement conditions. The PCI is a numerical indicator that reflects the structural
specially prepared hard surface, the primary surface ends at each end of integrity and surface operational condition of a pavement. It is based on an
that runway. The elevation of any point on the primary surface is the same objective measurement of the type, severity, and quantity of pavement distress.
as the elevation of the nearest point on the runway centerline. The width of The PCI values range from 0 to 100, where 0 indicates failed pavement and 100
the primary surface for the SFO runways is 1,000 feet. indicates new pavement. The PCI is used in Pavement Management Program
(PMP) software, which assists airport operators in developing optimum strategies
4. Approach surface. A trapezoidal surface longitudinally centered on the
for maintaining pavements in a safe, serviceable condition over a given period
extended runway centerline and extending outward and upward from each
for the least cost.
end of the primary surface. An approach surface is applied to each end of
each runway based on the most precise type of approach available or planned
Positive Control – see Airspace Procedures – Positive Control
for that runway end.
The inner edge of the approach surface is the same width as the primary Precision Obstacle Free Zone (POFZ) –A volume of airspace above an area
surface and it expands uniformly to a width of 16,000 feet for SFO’s runways, beginning at the runway threshold, at the threshold elevation, centered on
consistent with the requirements for precision instrument runways. the extended runway centerline, and measuring 200 feet long by 800 feet wide.
For runways with a precision approach procedure, the approach surface Maintaining the POFZ clear during low ceiling/low visibility conditions protects
extends for a horizontal distance of 10,000 feet at a slope of 50 to 1 with an both the landing aircraft and holding aircraft or vehicle. The POFZ is in effect
additional 40,000 feet at a slope of 40 to 1. For runways with only non-precision for vertically guided approaches when the cloud ceiling is below 250 feet and/
approach procedures, the approach surface extends for a horizontal distance or visibility is less than 0.75 statute mile or the RVR is below 4,000 feet and an
of 10,000 feet at a slope of 34 to 1. aircraft is on final approach within 2 miles of the runway threshold.
SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Precision Runway Monitor (PRM) – A high-speed radar system used to monitor
simultaneous closely spaced parallel runway instrument approaches. PRM is used
for operations on parallel runways that are spaced less than 4,300 feet apart. The
PRM radar has a refresh rate of one revolution per second, allowing for enhanced
aircraft tracking by air traffic control.
Primary Surface – See FAR Part 77.
Preclearance – A U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows
passenger flights to undergo international arrival screening at their point of
origin. Precleared flights arrive in the United States as domestic arrivals and their
passengers and baggage are not subjected to additional screening.
Profile – The position of the aircraft during an approach or departure in terms
of altitude above the runway and distance from the runway end.
Public Use Airport – An airport open to public use without prior permission and
without restrictions within the physical capabilities of the facility. It may or may
not be publicly owned.
Race Track – An aircraft holding area at SFO where arriving passenger aircraft
can temporarily hold until a gate becomes available. The Race Track provides
adequate space for an aircraft to maneuver under its own power into and out of
the hold pad without the use of a tug. During the night or when it is not needed
for temporary holding, the Race Track can accommodate remain overnight (RON)
aircraft.
Revenue Enhancement And Customer Hospitality (R.E.A.C.H.) – A series of
principles developed by SFO to enhance the guest experience, drive revenue
generation, and bring a cohesive character to the entire Airport campus. The
Principles of R.E.A.C.H. is an aspirational document for architects, designers, tenants,
and SFO employees who work in the Airport and with Airport staff. The document
is designed to provide an overview of SFO and the way the terminals function
as a whole and to explore the different types of passengers who frequent the
Airport to better understand their needs.
RNAV – See Area Navigation.
Run-up – A routine procedure for testing aircraft systems by running one or
more engines at a high power setting. Engine run-ups are typically conducted
by airline maintenance personnel checking an engine or other onboard systems
following maintenance.
Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) – A trapezoidal area centered about the extended
runway centerline, designated to enhance the safety of people and property on
the ground. It begins 200 feet beyond the end of the area usable for takeoff or
landing. RPZ dimensional standards are based on the aircraft, type of operation,
and visibility minimums.
AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PLAN – DRAFT FINAL
Runway Safety Area (RSA) – A defined surface surrounding the runway prepared
or suitable for reducing the risk or damage to aircraft in the event of an undershoot,
overshoot, or excursion from the runway.
Runway Threshold – The beginning of the portion of the runway usable for
landing.
SamTrans – The public bus transit service provided by the San Mateo County
Transit District.
San Mateo County Transit District – The administrative body for the principal
public transit and transportation programs in San Mateo County, which includes
SamTrans bus service and Redi-Wheels paratransit service.
Slant-range Distance – The line-of-sight distance along a straight line between
a flying aircraft and a point on the ground.
Statute Mile – A measure of distance equal to 5,280 feet.
Sterile – Passengers entering the United States who have yet to be processed by
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or the areas of the Airport where only these
passengers and authorized processing personnel may access.
Stripping – A pavement condition that occurs when water is present and washes
the asphaltic material away from the aggregate, weakening the pavement.
Swing Gate – An aircraft contact gate providing the operational flexibility to serve
both domestic and international operations. Swing gates require a separate sterile
corridor to each gate, with doorways that prevent the mixing of international
arriving passengers and domestic passengers. For that reason, the use of swing
gates adds complexity to the design and construction of terminal facilities.
The ability to “swing” the use of aircraft gates between international arrivals and
domestic departures/arrivals provides additional flexibility and higher use of the
gates and avoids the need to tow aircraft to a domestic terminal gate if its next
destination is domestic.
Taxiway or Taxilane Object Free Area (TOFA) – An area intended to protect
taxiing aircraft from obstructions that could interfere with safe movement,
particularly at night or during reduced visibility conditions. No parked aircraft
or structures should be located within a TOFA.
Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) – The official FAA forecast of aviation activity at FAA
facilities. These forecasts are prepared to meet the budget and planning needs
of the FAA and to provide information for use by state and local authorities, the
aviation industry, and the public. Facilities monitored include airports with FAA
ATCTs, airports with federally contracted ATCTs, airports with non-federal ATCTs,
and airports without ATCTs.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
A
U.S. Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) – TERPS prescribes
the criteria for the formulation, review, approval, and publishing of procedures for
IFR operations to and from civil and military airports. TERPS criteria have been
established for the following instrument procedures: precision approach (PAR,
ILS, MLS [microwave landing system]), non-precision approach (VOR, TACAN,
LNAV, NDB, ASR), approach with vertical guidance (LDA, LPV, VNAV), Required
Navigation Performance (RNP), and standard instrument departure procedures.
The key considerations for developing approach and departure TERPS include,
but are not limited to, existing obstructions, ground/satellite based equipment,
lighting, and aircraft category. TERPS criteria specify the minimum obstacle
clearance considered by the FAA to supply a satisfactory level of vertical protection
from obstructions predicated on normal aircraft operations.
Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) – An FAA air traffic control facility
that uses radar and two-way communication to provide separation of air traffic
within a specified geographic area in the vicinity of one or more airports.
Terminal Radar Service Area – The airspace surrounding certain airports where air
traffic control provides radar vectoring, sequencing, and separation on a full-time
basis for all instrument flight rules and participating visual flight rules aircraft.
Thumb – At SFO, the “thumb” refers to the secondary pier of Terminal 3, Boarding
Area F, where Gates 76A to 79A are located. Boarding Area F accommodates much
of the domestic hub operations of United Airlines.
Traffic Pattern – The traffic flow for aircraft landing at and departing from an
airport. Typical components of the traffic pattern include base leg, crosswind
leg, downwind leg, upwind leg, and final approach.
1. Base leg – A flight path at a right angle to the approach of a runway end. The
base leg usually extends from the downwind leg to the intersection of the
extended runway centerline.
2. Crosswind leg – After departure, a flight path at a right angle to the departure
runway end.
3. Downwind leg – A course flown parallel to the landing runway but in a direction
opposite to the intended landing direction.
4. Upwind leg – A flight path immediately after departure.
5. Final Approach – A course along the extended runway centerline flown to
landing on a runway.
Transitional Surface – See FAR Part 77.
TSA Preü (Pre Check) – An expedited security screening program (fee required)
for travelers in the United States. Passengers who are considered “low-risk” may
qualify for the program and can receive expedited screening either as a member
of the program or as a member of another specific trusted traveler group.
Appendix – Acronyms & Glossary of Terms | A - 8

Turbojet – An aircraft powered by a jet turbine engine. The term is customarily
used in air traffic control for all aircraft without propellers that are powered by
variants of jet engines, including turbofans.
Turboprop – An aircraft powered by a jet turbine engine that drives a propeller.
Aircraft of this type are typically used by airlines on shorter routes between two
relatively close locations.
UNICOM – A non-government communication facility that may provide airport
condition information or pilot status information at certain airports. Aeronautical
charts and publications show the locations and frequencies of UNICOMs.
Vector – Compass heading instructions issued by air traffic control while providing
navigational guidance by radar.
Vertical Navigation (VNAV) – An autopilot function directing vertical movement.
The basic component of VNAV is a vertical course deviation indicator that provides
AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PLAN – DRAFT FINAL
vertical guidance to a specified waypoint and allows the pilot to plan and check
a route and monitor aircraft function when autopilot or a Flight Management
System is operational.
Visual Flight Rules (VFR) – Rules and procedures specified in Federal Aviation
Regulations Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules for aircraft operations
under visual conditions. Aircraft operations under VFR are not generally under
positive control by Air Traffic Control. The term VFR is also used in the United
States to indicate weather conditions that are equal to or greater than minimum
VFR requirements. In addition, VFR is used by pilots and controllers to indicate
a type of flight plan.
Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) – Weather conditions expressed in
terms of visibility, distance from clouds, and cloud ceiling equal to or greater
than those specified in Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91.155 for aircraft
operations under visual flight rules.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
A
Wake Turbulence Recategorization (Wake RECAT) – The safe decrease in
separation standards between certain aircraft. The turbulence generated by
the wake of an aircraft can be hazardous for other aircraft passing through it.
Expert research in wake turbulence, safety, and risk analysis has determined that
the required separation between certain aircraft can be decreased safely. Safely
reducing separation standards between aircraft increases capacity and efficiency,
which results in fewer delays, thereby saving time and fuel while reducing the
size of aviation’s carbon footprint. Wake Recat is a NextGen initiative.
Wide Area Augmentation System – see Navigational Aids – Wide Area
Augmentation System
Appendix – Acronyms & Glossary of Terms | A - 9