Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). A surveillance system that continuously broadcasts GPS position information, aircraft identification, altitude, velocity vector, and direction to all other aircraft and air traffic control facilities within a specific area. Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) information is displayed in the flight deck via a flight deck display of traffic information (CDTI) unit, providing the pilot with greater situational awareness. ADS-B transmissions also provides controllers with a more complete picture of traffic and updates that information more frequently than other surveillance equipment.

Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS). A recorded broadcast available at most airports with an operating control tower that includes crucial information about runways and instrument approaches in use, specific outages, and current weather conditions, including visibility.

Center Radar ARTS Presentation/Processing (CENRAP). CENRAP was developed to provide an alternative to a non-radar environment at terminal facilities should an ASR fail or malfunction. CENRAP sends aircraft radar beacon target information to the ASR terminal facility equipped with ARTS.

Changeover Point (COP). A COP indicates the point where a frequency change is necessary between navigation aids, when other than the midpoint on an airway, to receive course guidance from the facility ahead of the aircraft instead of the one behind. These COPs divide an airway or route segment and ensure continuous reception of navigational signals at the prescribed minimum en route IFR altitude.

Chart Supplement (CS or d-CS for digital Chart Supplement). Regional booklets published by Aeronautical Information Services that provides general information (graphic and textual) about all airports, both VFR and IFR (in the A/FD section), Notices, Associated Data and Airport Diagrams. The A/FD section includes runway length and width, runway surface, load bearing capacity, runway slope, airport services, and hazards such as birds and reduced visibility.

Charted Visual Flight Procedure (CVFP). A CVFP may be established at some towered airports for environmental or noise considerations, as well as when necessary for the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations. Designed primarily for turbojet aircraft, CVFPs depict prominent landmarks, courses, and recommended altitudes to specific runways.

Closely Spaced Dependent Approaches. Identifies dependent approaches to parallel runways spaced less than 2,500 feet apart where ATC is permitted to apply reduced diagonal separation and special wake turbulence procedures. turbulence procedures.

Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI). The display and user interface for information about air traffic within approximately 80 miles. It typically combines and shows traffic data from TCAS, TIS-B, and ADS-B. Depending on features, the display may also show terrain, weather, and navigation information.

Collision Hazard. A condition, event, or circumstance that could induce an occurrence of a collision or surface accident or incident.

Columns. See database columns.

Contact Approach. An approach where an aircraft on an IFR flight plan, having an air traffic control authorization, operating clear of clouds with at least one mile flight visibility, and a reasonable expectation of continuing to the destination airport in those conditions, may deviate from the instrument approach procedure and proceed to the destination airport by visual reference to the surface. This approach is only authorized when requested by the pilot and the reported ground visibility at the destination airport is at least one statute mile.

Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). A situation where a mechanically normally functioning aircraft is inadvertently flown into the ground, water, or an obstacle. There are two basic causes of CFIT accidents; both involve flight crew situational awareness. One definition of situational awareness is an accurate perception by pilots of the factors and conditions currently affecting the safe operation of the aircraft and the crew. The causes of CFIT are the flight crews’ lack of vertical position awareness or their lack of horizontal position awareness in relation to terrain and obstacles.

Database Columns. The spaces for data entry on each record. One column can accommodate one character.

Database Field. The collection of characters needed to define one item of information.

Database Identifier. A specific geographic point in space identified on an aeronautical chart and in a naviation database, officially designated by the controlling state authority or derived by Jeppesen. It has no ATC function and should not be used in filing flight plans nor used when communicating with ATC.

Database Record. A single line of computer data made up of the fields necessary to define fully a single useful piece of data.

Decision Altitude (DA). A specified altitude in the precision approach at which a missed approach must be initiated if the required visual reference to continue the approach has not been established. The term “Decision Altitude (DA)” is referenced to mean sea level and the term “Decision Height (DH)” is referenced to the threshold elevation. Even though DH is charted as an altitude above MSL, the U.S. has adopted the term“DA” as a step toward harmonization of the United States and international terminology. At some point, DA will be published for all future instrument approach procedures with vertical guidance.

Decision Height (DH). See Decision Altitude.