A-DEFINITIONS

Active Air Defense Mission. One or more aircraft, which in the interest of national security or flight safety, are employed to identify and determine the intentions of an airborne object and respond as necessary.

Air Defense Control Facility (ADCF). A military radar unit (ADS/AWACS) primarily used for air defense, including air sovereignty and counterdrug operations. ADCFs are the only MRUs authorized to direct interceptors. Specifically designated military units, when identified, may provide augmentation for NORAD and function as ADCFs.

Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). An area of airspace over land or water in which the ready identification, location, and control of all aircraft (except for Department of Defense and law enforcement aircraft) is required in the interest of national security. (14 CFR section 99.3)(Refer to the AIM for ADIZ procedures.)

Air Defense Sector (ADS). A geographical subdivision of an air defense region. (32 CFR section 245.5).

Air Refueling Control Point (ARCP). The geographical point over which the receiver arrives in the observation/refueling position with respect to the assigned tanker.

Air Refueling Initial Point (ARIP). The geographical point at which the receiver aircraft enters the refueling track/anchor, initiates radio contact with the tanker, and begins maneuver to rendezvous.

Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). A facility established to provide air traffic control service to aircraft operating on IFR flight plans within controlled airspace and principally during the en route phase of flight. When equipment capabilities and work load permit, certain advisory/assistance services may be provided to VFR aircraft.

Air Traffic Clearance (Clearance). An authorization by air traffic control, for the purpose of preventing collision between known aircraft, for an aircraft to proceed under specified traffic conditions within controlled airspace. (14 CFR section 1.1)

Air Traffic Control (ATC). A service operated by appropriate authority to promote the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic. (14 CFR section 1.1)

Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC). An Air Traffic Tactical Operations facility responsible for monitoring and managing the flow of air traffic throughout the NAS, producing a safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of traffic while minimizing delays. The following functions are located at the ATCSCC:

1. Central Altitude Reservation Function (CARF). Responsible for coordinating, planning, and approving special user requirements under the Altitude Reservation (ALTRV) concept. (See Altitude Reservation.)
2. Airport Reservation Office (ARO). Monitors the operation and allocation of reservations for unscheduled operations at airports designated by the Administrator as High Density Airports. These airports are generally known as slot controlled airports. The ARO allocates reservations on a first come, first served basis determined by the time the request is received at the ARO. (Refer to 14 CFR part 93.)
3. U.S. Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) Office. Responsible for collecting, maintaining, and distributing NOTAMs for the U.S. civilian and military, as well as international aviation communities. (See Notice to Air Missions.)
4. Weather Unit. Monitor all aspects of weather for the U.S. that might affect aviation including cloud cover, visibility, winds, precipitation, thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, and more. Provide forecasts based on observations and on discussions with meteorologists from various National Weather Service offices, FAA facilities, airlines, and private weather services.
5. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Space Operations and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS); the Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) for all space and upper class E tactical operations in the National Airspace System (NAS). (Pilot/Controller Glossary.)

Airborne Radar Unit (ARU). An airborne radar unit used as an extension of a military radar unit during planned exercises and daily training missions.

Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). An airborne military radar unit engaged in radar surveillance and/or control of aircraft for the purpose of training, exercise, air defense, and counterdrug operations.

Airspace Reservation. The term used in oceanic ATC for airspace utilization under prescribed conditions normally employed for the mass movement of aircraft or other special user requirements which cannot otherwise be accomplished. Airspace reservations must be classified as either “moving” or “stationary.”(See Moving Airspace Reservation.) (See Stationary Airspace Reservation.) (See Altitude Reservation.)

Alert Area. Special use airspace established to inform pilots of a specific area wherein a high volume of pilot training activities or an unusual type of aerial activity is conducted. (14 CFR section 1.1)

Alternate Entry Track. A track along which en route descent is made to an intermediate point on an MTR.

Alternate Penetration Fix. The fix from which the MTR Alternate Entry Track begins. This fix must be described by reference to a ground based navigational aid.

Alternate Route (AR). A preplanned departure track designed to allow receivers to depart in one direction and tanker support to depart in another direction from the same airport with the intent to rendezvous for scheduled aerial refueling.

Altitude Reservation (ALTRV). Airspace utilization under prescribed conditions normally employed for the mass movement of aircraft or other special user requirements which cannot otherwise be accomplished. ALTRVs are approved by the appropriate air traffic facility. ALTRVs must be classified as either “moving” or “stationary.” (See Moving Altitude Reservation.) (See Stationary Altitude Reservation.) (See Air Traffic Control System Command Center)

Altitude Reservation East (ARE). A unit established by Transport Canada responsible for the processing of altitude reservation requests in Gander, Moncton, Montreal, and Toronto Area Control Centers (ACC).

Altitude Reservation West (ARW). A unit established by Transport Canada responsible for the processing of altitude reservation requests in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Winnipeg Area Control Centers (ACC).

Anchor Area. A defined area encompassing both a racetrack shape aerial refueling track and its protected airspace.

Anchor Point. A designed reference point upon which an anchor refueling track is oriented.

Associated Tracks. MTR Alternate Entry, Primary Entry, Climb-out, and Re-entry tracks.

ATC Assigned Airspace (ATCAA). Airspace of defined vertical/lateral limits, assigned by ATC, for the purpose of providing air traffic segregation between the specified activities being conducted within the assigned airspace and other IFR air traffic.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). A surveillance system in which an aircraft or vehicle to be detected is fitted with cooperative equipment in the form of a data link transmitter. The aircraft or vehicle periodically broadcasts its GNSS-derived position and other required information such as identity and velocity, which is then received by a ground-based or space-based receiver for processing and display at an air traffic control facility, as well as by suitably equipped aircraft. (Pilot/Controller Glossary)

AVANA. (ALTRV APVL void for aircraft not airborne by (time)) used by ATC to advise an aircraft that the ALTRV is automatically canceled at a specified time.

B-DEFINITIONS

Branch Route (BR). A track of an ALTRV that is defined from the breakaway point from a common route to the next fix or the final destination.

Broad Front. This activity is used to occupy a frontal width (as measured perpendicular to the direction of the flight) greater than what is normally allowed.

C-DEFINITIONS

Canadian Altitude Reservation Unit (CARU). A unit established by the Ministry of Transport of Canada responsible for the processing of altitude reservation requests in Canadian airspace.

Canadian NORAD Region (CANR). (See NORAD Region).

Cell Formation. A nonstandard formation of two or more aircraft with the same intended route of flight, maintaining station keeping operations by visual/electronic means.

Central Altitude Reservation Function (CARF). A function at the Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC), established to conduct the volume of coordination, planning, and approval of special user requirements under the ALTRV concept.

Chief, Aerial Reconnaissance Coordination, All Hurricanes (CARCAH) Unit. CARCAH is a remote operating unit of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. CARCAH's mission is to coordinate all tropical cyclone operational reconnaissance requirements at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center for the North Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and the North Pacific east of the International Date Line in accordance with the National Hurricane Operations Plan (NHOP). In addition, during the winter, CARCAH coordinates the Atlantic and Pacific winter storm requirements in support of the National Winter Season Operations Plan (NWSOP).

Climb-out Fix. The point in space where en route operation is resumed after climb-out from an MTR. This fix must be described by reference to a ground-based navigational aid.

Climb-out Track. An MTR Associated Track beginning at the route Exit Point and permitting a climbing departure from the Exit Point to the Climb-out Fix.

Command and Control (C2). The exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commander over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the mission. Command and control functions are performed through an arrangement of personnel, equipment, communications, facilities, and procedures employed by a commander in planning, directing, coordinating, and controlling forces and operations in the accomplishment of the mission. [JP1-A]

Common Route (CR). The receivers planned common route in an ALTRV from point of departure to destination excluding branch route or other join-up tracks.

Continental United States (CONUS). All United States territory of the 48 contiguous states (does not include Alaska and Hawaii), including the adjacent territorial waters within 12 miles of the coast of the 48 contiguous states. (32 CFR section 245.5)

Continental United States NORAD Region (CONR). (See NORAD Region).

Controlled Airspace. An airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control service is provided to IFR flights and to VFR flights in accordance with the airspace classification.

Controlled Firing Area (CFA). Special use airspace established to contain activities, which if not conducted in a controlled environment, would be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. (14 CFR section 1.1)

Controlling Agency. The controlling agency is the FAA ATC facility that exercises control of the airspace when a SUA area is not activated. A military ATC facility may be assigned as the controlling agency, subject to the concurrence of the Service Center OSG and the concerned ARTCC. A controlling agency must be designated for each joint-use SUA area. (Refer to FAA Order JO 7400.2, Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters.)

D-DEFINITIONS

DD-175/DD-1801. A domestic/international military flight plan.

Defense Area. Any airspace of the contiguous United States that is not an ADIZ in which the control of aircraft is required for reasons of national security.

Defense Emergency. An emergency condition that exists when:

1. A major attack is made upon U.S. forces overseas or on allied forces in any theater and is confirmed by either the commander of a command established by the Secretary of Defense or higher authority; or
2. An overt attack of any type is made upon the United States and is confirmed either by the commander of a command established by the Secretary of Defense or higher authority.

Defense Visual Flight Rules (DVFR). A flight within an ADIZ conducted by any aircraft (except for Department of Defense and law enforcement aircraft) in accordance with visual flight rules in part 91 of this title. (14 CFR section 99.3) (See Air Defense Identification Zone.) (Refer to the AIM for ADIZ procedures.)

Domestic Event Network (DEN). FAA-sponsored 24/7 interagency telephonic conference dedicated to real-time coordination of air traffic management (ATM) security-related incidents in the NAS. The purpose of the DEN is to provide timely notification to the appropriate authority that there is an ATM security-related problem, suspicious situation, or incident.

E-DEFINITIONS

Egress Point. The geographical point at which the refueling track terminates.

Entry Point. A point which denotes the beginning of a particular route of flight; i.e., MTR.

European Central Altitude Reservation Facility (EUCARF). A USAF facility established for the purpose of processing altitude reservations within its area of responsibility.

Exit Point. A point which denotes the end of a particular route of flight; i.e., MTR, air refueling track, etc.

F-DEFINITIONS

Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility (FACSFAC). A U.S. Navy fixed ground facility which manages offshore and inland operating areas including warning areas, restricted areas, and other assigned airspace.

Flight Level (FL). A level of constant atmospheric pressure related to a reference datum of 29.92 inches of mercury. Each is stated in three digits that represent hundreds of feet. For example, flight level 250 represents a barometric altimeter indication of 25,000 feet; flight level 255, an indication of 25,500 feet. (14 CFR section 1.1)

Flight Plan. Specified information, relating to the intended flight of an aircraft, that is filed electronically, orally or in writing with an FSS, third-party vendor, or an ATC facility. (Pilot/controller Glossary) (Refer to the AIM.)

Flush. A term that launches military aircraft in a minimum time.

Formation Flight. More than one aircraft which, by prior arrangement between the pilots, operate as a single aircraft with regard to navigation and position reporting. Separation between aircraft within the formation is the responsibility of the flight leader and the pilots of the other aircraft in the flight. This includes transition periods when aircraft within the formation are maneuvering to attain separation from each other to effect individual control and during join up and breakaway.

1. A standard formation is one in which a proximity of no more than 1 mile laterally or longitudinally and within 100 feet vertically from the flight leader is maintained by each aircraft.
2. Nonstandard formations are those operating under any of the following conditions:

1. When the flight leader has requested and ATC has approved other than standard formation dimensions.
2. When operating within an authorized ALTRV or under the provisions of a letter of agreement.
3. When the operations are conducted in airspace specifically designated for a special activity.

H-DEFINITIONS

HAWK. A no-notice exercise in which an aircraft on a NOPAR flight plan or ALTRV tests the detection, identification, and reporting functions of the air defense forces (ADCFs and interceptor/flight units).

I-DEFINITIONS

IFR Military Training Routes (IR). Routes used by the Department of Defense and associated Reserve and Air Guard units for the purpose of conducting low-altitude navigation and tactical training in both IFR and VFR weather conditions at airspeeds in excess of 250 KIAS below 10,000 feet MSL.

Intercept. The encounter with or tracking of an airborne object, normally as a result of a flight path preplanned to effect such encounter in the shortest practicable time.

Interceptor. An airplane engaged for the sole purpose of performing an intercept.

Interceptor Training Flight. The flight of one or more aircraft for the development and maintenance of proficiency for both air and ground components related to the intercept mission.

J-DEFINITIONS

JATOC Crisis Action Team (JCAT). A surged element of the JATOC responsible for serving as ATO's primary national level communications and coordination hub for significant incidents, such as hurricanes and other natural disasters. (Refer to FAA Order JO 7200.25, Joint Air Traffic Operations Command (JATOC).)

Joint Air Traffic Operations Command (JATOC). The JATOC integrates Service Units at all levels enabling a unified FAA Air Traffic Organization (ATO) response effort to significant incidents and other major events or natural disasters that adversely impact the NAS or national security. The JATOC will address constraints, risks, and threats to the NAS and communicate this information to ATO leadership and appropriate stakeholders. (Refer to FAA Order JO 7200.25, Joint Air Traffic Operations Command (JATOC).)

M-DEFINITIONS

Maneuver Area. A designated area within an MTR where aircraft may deviate within the corridor to perform operational requirements.

Military Authority Assumes Responsibility for Separation of Aircraft (MARSA). A condition whereby the military services involved assume responsibility for separation between participating military aircraft in the ATC system. It is used only for required IFR operations which are specified in letters of agreement or other appropriate FAA or military documents.

Military Operations Area (MOA). Special use airspace of defined vertical and lateral dimensions established outside Class A airspace to separate or segregate certain nonhazardous military activities from IFR traffic and to identify for VFR traffic where these activities are conducted. (14 CFR section 1.1)

Military Radar Unit (MRU). Any fixed or mobile ground based unit under the operational jurisdiction of the military services excluding commissioned ATC facilities. This includes AWACS aircraft that meet the requirements of this order. MRUs will provide services in accordance with letters of agreement with the appropriate ATC facilities; however, MRUs must not provide ATC services.

Military Representative (MILREP). DoD Military Representatives (MILREPs) are FAA's principal points of contact for DoD aviation, airspace, and air traffic control matters; and are instrumental in providing effective liaison and agency interoperability. MILREP positions are embedded with various FAA lines of business at both FAA Headquarters and FAA Service Center offices.

Military Training Route (MTR). Routes developed for use by the military for the purpose of conducting low-altitude, high-speed training.

Mode. The letter or number assigned to a specific pulse spacing of radio signals transmitted or received by ground interrogator or airborne transponder components of the Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS). Mode A (military Mode 3) and Mode C (altitude reporting) are used in air traffic control. (Refer to the AIM.)

Mode S code. The unique ICAO aircraft address code used in ADS-B systems associated with the registration of an aircraft.

Moving Airspace Reservation. The term used in oceanic ATC for airspace that encompasses oceanic activities and advances with the mission progress; i.e., the reservation moves with the aircraft or flight. (See Moving Altitude Reservation.)

Moving Altitude Reservation. An altitude reservation which encompasses en route activities and advances with the mission progress; i.e., the reservation moves with the aircraft or flight.

N-DEFINITIONS

National Airspace System (NAS). The common network of U.S. airspace; air navigation facilities, equipment and services, airports or landing areas; aeronautical charts, information and services; rules, regulations and procedures, technical information, and manpower and material. Included are system components shared jointly with the military. (Pilot/Controller Glossary)

National Flight Data Digest (NFDD). A daily (except weekends and Federal holidays) publication of flight information appropriate to aeronautical charts, aeronautical publications, Notices to Air Missions, or other media serving the purpose of providing operational flight data essential to safe and efficient aircraft operations.

National Hurricane Operations Plan (NHOP). The Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (OFCM) works with Federal agency stakeholders to plan hurricane observing and reconnaissance in preparation for each hurricane season. The NHOP focuses heavily on the planning, execution, and use of aerial reconnaissance conducted by the Air Force Reserve Command's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (WRS) and NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center (AOC); addresses meteorological satellite, weather radar, and ocean observing; and a number of other, related topics.

National Winter Season Operations Plan (NWSOP). The purpose of the NWSOP is to coordinate the efforts of the Federal meteorological community to provide enhanced weather observations of severe winter storms that impact the coastal regions of the United States. This plan focuses on the coordination of requirements for winter storm reconnaissance observations provided by the Air Force Reserve Command's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron and NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center.

NORAD Region. A geographical subdivision of the area for which NORAD is responsible.

NORAD Sector. A geographical subdivision of a NORAD region.

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).  A United States and Canada bi-national organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning for North America. Aerospace warning includes the detection, validation, and warning of attack against North America whether by aircraft, missiles, or space vehicles, through mutual support arrangements with other commands.

Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). A notice containing information (not known sufficiently in advance to publicize by other means) concerning the establishment, condition, or change in any component (facility, service, or procedure, or hazard in the National Airspace System) the timely knowledge of which is essential to personnel concerned with flight operations.

1. NOTAM (D). The classification of NOTAMs containing information concerning the establishment, condition, or change in any aeronautical facility, en route navigational aids, services, procedures, hazards and civil public-use airports listed in the Chart Supplement.
2. Flight Data Center (FDC) NOTAM. The classification of NOTAMs containing flight information that is normally regulatory in nature including, but not limited to, changes to IFR charts, procedures, and airspace usage. For example, FDC NOTAMs with the keyword SECURITY are used for Department of State advisories, Special Federal Aviation Regulations (SFARs), advisories of national emergency, national security actions, special security instructions, and Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) procedures.
3. CARF NOTAM. A NOTAM issued by CARF associated with a CARF approved ALTRV for a Stationary ALTRV or for a moving ALTRV in which AIRFL occurs below FL 180 or when the activity covers a broad frontal width. Also a NOTAM issued by ARTCCs for weather reconnaissance/research flights in Weather Reconnaissance Areas (WRA).
4. International NOTAM. The classification of NOTAMs received from other countries and stored in the U.S. NOTAM System.
5. Military NOTAM. The classification of NOTAMs issued by the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard against navigational aids and airports. Military units issue NOTAMs pertaining to their bases and airspace based on the guidelines set forth in Air Force Instruction Interservice Publication 11-208/AR 95-10/OPNAVINST 3721.20, DoD Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) System.

O-DEFINITIONS

Oceanic Airspace. Airspace over the oceans of the world, considered international airspace, where oceanic separation and procedures per the International Civil Aviation Organization are applied. Responsibility for the provisions of air traffic control service in this airspace is delegated to various countries, based generally upon geographic proximity and the availability of the required resources. (Pilot/Controller Glossary)

Offshore/Control Airspace Area. Designated international airspace between the U.S. territorial 12 mile limit and the oceanic CTA/FIR boundary, within signal coverage of domestic radio navigational aid or ATC radar coverage, in which domestic (U.S.) ATC procedures are applied. Offshore/Control Airspace Areas may be classified as either Class A airspace or Class E airspace. (80 FR 37710, Designation of Oceanic Airspace)

Orbit Area. This activity is used to occupy an expanded area used for holding or maneuvering of aircraft.

P-DEFINITIONS

PACAF Region. A geographical subdivision of the area for which PACAF is responsible.

Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). Both a USAF Major Command and the Air Component of the Unified U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).

Pacific Island Air Defense Region (PIADR). A geographical subdivision of the USINDOPACOM area for which the Air Component Commander is responsible for air defense.

Pacific Military Altitude Reservation Facility (PACMARF). A USAF facility established for the purpose of coordinating altitude reservations within its area of responsibility.

Partial Route (PR). A track of an ALTRV that begins at the international boundary for aircraft inbound from an international airport to the CONUS or a track that is connected to a DD-175/DD-1801 (domestic flight plan).

Participating Aircraft. Only those aircraft engaged in, and a part of, the activity being conducted.

Penetrating Traffic. Traffic whose protected airspace, as defined in pertinent regulations, infringes upon another authority's area of jurisdiction or responsibility when measured from the center line of the route of flight or the edge of a stationary ALTRV boundary

Primary Entry Track. A track along which en route descent is made to the entry point of an MTR.

Primary Penetration Fix. The fix from which the Primary Entry Track of an MTR begins. This fix must be described by reference to a ground-based navigational aid.

Prohibited Area. Airspace designated under 14 CFR part 73 within which no person may operate an aircraft without the permission of the using agency.

R-DEFINITIONS

Radar Advisory. The provision of advice and information based on radar observations.

Radar Contact.

1. Used by ATC to inform an aircraft that it is identified on the radar display and radar flight following will be provided until radar identification is terminated. Radar service may also be provided within the limits of necessity and capability. When a pilot is informed of radar contact by ATC, the pilot automatically discontinues reporting over compulsory reporting points.
2. The term an air traffic controller uses to inform the transferring controller that the target being transferred is identified on the radar display. (See Radar Service.) (Refer to the AIM.)

Radar Service. A term which encompasses one or more of the following services based on the use of radar which can be provided by a controller to a radar identified aircraft.

1. Radar Separation. Radar spacing of aircraft in accordance with established minima.
2. Radar Navigational Guidance. Vectoring aircraft to provide course guidance.
3. Radar Monitoring. The radar flight following of aircraft, whose primary navigation is being performed by the pilot, to observe and note deviations from its authorized flight path, airway, or route. When being applied specifically to radar monitoring of instrument approaches; i.e., with precision approach radar (PAR) or radar monitoring of simultaneous ILS approaches, it includes advice and instructions whenever an aircraft nears or exceeds the prescribed PAR safety limit or simultaneous ILS no transgression zone.

Re-entry Track. An associated track commencing from a defined point on an MTR from which low-level re-entry can be achieved for the purpose of executing additional runs through segments of an MTR.

Refueling Level. A block of consecutive altitudes/ flight levels from ARIP to exit point within which entry into the refueling track, maneuvering to rendezvous, and transfer of fuel will be accomplished.

Rendezvous. A planned arrival of two or more aircraft over a predetermined point terminating in a visual contact prior to effecting a refueling hookup or conducting other activities requiring proximate operations.

Reporting Point. A geographical location in relation to which the position of an aircraft is reported. (Refer to the AIM.)

Restricted Area. Special use airspace designated under 14 CFR part 73 within which the flight of aircraft, while not wholly prohibited, is subject to restriction.

S-DEFINITIONS

Scramble. Departure of an aircraft training for or for the purpose of participating in an air defense mission.

Scramble Order. A command and authorization for flight requiring immediate takeoff.

Search and Rescue (SAR). A service which seeks missing aircraft and assists those found to be in need of assistance. It is a cooperative effort using the facilities and services of available federal, state, and local agencies. The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for coordination of search and rescue for the Maritime Region, and the U.S. Air Force is responsible for search and rescue for the Inland Region. Information pertinent to search and rescue should be passed through an air traffic facility or be transmitted directly to the Rescue Coordination Center by telephone.

Separation Minima. The minimum longitudinal, lateral, or vertical distances by which aircraft are spaced through the application of air traffic control procedures.

Special Activity Airspace (SAA). Airspace with defined dimensions within the National Airspace System wherein limitations may be imposed upon operations for national defense, homeland security, public interest, or public safety. Special activity airspace includes but is not limited to the following; Air Traffic Control Assigned Airspace (ATCAA), Altitude Reservations (ALTRV), Military Training Routes (MTR), Air Refueling Tracks and Anchors, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR), Special Security Instructions (SSI), etc. Special Use Airspace (SUA) is a subset of Special Activity Airspace.

Special Instructions (SPINS). For purposes of this order, SPINS provide amplifying instructions for execution of military exercises and other training activities, such as the application of MARSA, type of aircraft involved, etc.

Special Use Airspace. Airspace of defined dimensions identified by an area on the surface of the earth wherein activities must be confined because of their nature, or wherein limitations may be imposed upon aircraft operations that are not a part of those activities, or both. (14 C.F.R. Section 73.3) Types of special use airspace:

1. Alert Area.
2. Controlled Firing Area.
3. Military Operations Area.
4. National Security Area.
5. Prohibited Area.
6. Restricted Area.
7. Warning Area.

Spill-Out. An excursion of an IFR or VFR military aircraft, or a civil aircraft contracted to the military, including remotely operated aircraft, from the exterior boundary of SAA allocated to military using agencies into other controlled airspace without coordination or prior approval.

Stationary Airspace Reservation. The term used in oceanic ATC for airspace that encompasses activities in a fixed volume of airspace to be occupied for a specified time period. Stationary Airspace Reservations may include activities such as special tests of weapons systems or equipment; certain U.S. Navy carrier, fleet, and anti-submarine operations; rocket, missile, and drone operations; and certain aerial refueling or similar operations. (See Stationary Altitude Reservation.)

Stationary Altitude Reservation (Stationary ALTRV). An altitude reservation which encompasses activities in a fixed volume of airspace to be occupied for a specified time period. Stationary ALTRVs may include activities such as special tests of weapons systems or equipment; certain U.S. Navy carrier, fleet, and anti-submarine operations; rocket, missile, and drone operations; and certain aerial refueling or similar operations.

Stereo-route. Pre-coordinated route of flight which may be stored in the ARTCC/CERAP computer.

Stream Formation. Two or more aircraft or cells of aircraft operating on the same route with more than one (1) minute but not more than 15 minutes longitudinal spacing between aircraft (or cells), laterally contained within the route width to be protected, and utilizing normally 3,000 consecutive feet of altitude.

T-DEFINITIONS

Tactical Monitor (TM). A term used to identify a military unit that provides tactical information/guidance to aircraft flying autonomously within SUA. A Tactical Monitor is not responsible for containing aircraft within SUA.

Tanker Orbit Point. A geographical location along the planned refueling track where the tanker may hold prior to effecting rendezvous with the receiver aircraft.

Territorial Airspace of the United States. (See U.S. Territorial Airspace)

Traffic Advisories. Advisories to alert pilots to other known or observed air traffic which may be in such proximity to the position or intended route of flight of their aircraft to warrant the pilot's attention. Such advisories may be based on:

1. Visual observation;
2. Observation of radar identified and nonidentified aircraft targets on an ATC radar display; or
3. Verbal reports from pilots or other facilities.

Trusted Agent. A designated point of contact used to limit distribution of close hold information. Trusted agents are most commonly used for NOPAR exercises/evaluations, No-Notice and ORI missions. The list of trusted agents must be kept to a minimum required to accomplish coordination.

U-DEFINITIONS

Uncontrolled Airspace. Airspace in which aircraft are not subject to controlled airspace (Class A, B, C, D, or E) separation criteria. (Pilot/Controller Glossary).

United States (U.S.). The States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the possessions, including the territorial waters and the airspace of these areas. (14 C.F.R. Section 1.1)

U.S. Controlled Airspace. All airspace over the territory of the United States, extending 12 nautical miles from the coastline of U.S. territory; any airspace delegated to the  United States for U.S. control by other countries or under a regional air navigation agreement; or any international airspace, or airspace of undetermined sovereignty, for which the United States  has accepted responsibility for providing United States  services. (14 CFR section 187.3)

U.S. Territorial Airspace. For purposes of this order, the airspace over the U.S., its territories, and possessions, and the airspace over the territorial sea of the U.S., which extends 12 nautical miles from the baselines of the U.S., determined in accordance with international law. (Refer to the AIM)

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). A unified command whose area of responsibility extends from the west coast of the Americas to the east coast of Africa and from the Arctic to the Antarctic.

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). An unmanned aircraft and its associated elements related to safe operations, which may include control stations (ground, ship, or air based), control links, support equipment, payloads, flight termination systems, and launch/recovery equipment. It consists of three elements: unmanned aircraft, control station, and data link. (Pilot/Controller Glossary)

Using Agency. The using agency is the military unit or other organization whose activity established the requirement for the SUA. Refer to FAA Order JO 7400.2, Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters, for using agency responsibilities.

V-DEFINITIONS

VFR Military Training Routes (VR). Routes used by the Department of Defense and associated Reserve and Air Guard units for the purpose of conducting low altitude navigation and tactical training under VFR at airspeeds in excess of 250 KIAS below 10,000 feet MSL.

W-DEFINITIONS

Warning Area. A warning area is airspace of defined dimensions extending from 3 nautical miles outward from the coast of the United States that contains activity that may be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. The purpose of such warning area is to warn nonparticipating pilots of the potential danger. A warning area may be located over domestic or international waters or both. (14 CFR section 1.1)

Weather Reconnaissance (WX RECON). Missions flown by the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (WRS) under the TEAL call sign and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) under the NOAA call sign for the purpose of gathering meteorological data from specific millibar levels in both tropical and winter weather systems.

Weather Reconnaissance Area (WRA). A WRA is airspace with defined dimensions and published by a NOTAM, which is established to support weather reconnaissance/research flights from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (WRS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Aircraft Operations Center (AOC). A WRA may only be established in airspace within U.S. Flight Information Regions (FIRs) outside of U. S. territorial airspace. Air traffic control (ATC) services are not provided within WRAs.

Whiskey Alert. A term used over a voice-page hot line to alert a controlling agency that a spill out situation is imminent.