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7. Glossary for Pilots and Air Traffic Services Personnel (TP 11958E)
8. F

F

FAA

U.S.: Abbreviation for: Federal Aviation Administration

FACF

Abbreviation for: final approach course fix

Fr: FACF

FAF

Abbreviation for: final approach fix

Fr: FAF

faker target

A strike-force aircraft simulating a hostile aircraft during an air defence exercise while in the strike-route portion of the mission, i.e. initial point or H-hour control line (IP/HHCL) to ground target bomb release line or end exercise point (BRL/EEP).

Fr: cible plastron

fan marker

Other expression for: fan marker beacon

fan marker beacon

A type of non-directional beacon (NDB), the emissions of which radiate in a vertical fan-shaped pattern.

Fr: radioborne en éventail

FANS

Abbreviation for: future air navigation systems

Fr: FANS

FAP

Abbreviation for: final approach point

Fr: FAP

FARs

U.S.: Abbreviation for: Federal Aviation Regulations

FATO

Abbreviation for: final approach and takeoff area

Fr: FATO

FAWP

Abbreviation for: final approach waypoint

Fr: FAWP

feathered propeller

A propeller the blades of which have been rotated so that the leading and trailing edges are nearly parallel with the aircraft flight path to stop or minimize drag and engine rotation.

Fr: hélice en drapeau

Federal Aviation Administration

U.S.: The federal authority responsible for civil aviation.

Federal Aviation Regulations

U.S.: Regulations relating to aviation.

feeder fix

A fix depicted on instrument approach charts that establishes the starting point of the feeder route.

Fr: repère de raccordement

feeder route

A route depicted on instrument approach charts to designate routes for aircraft to proceed from the en route structure to a point on the instrument approach procedure (IAP).

Fr: route de raccordement

ferry flight

A flight for the purpose of

(a) returning an aircraft to base;

(b) delivering an aircraft from one location to another; or

(c) moving an aircraft to and from a maintenance base.

Ferry flights, under certain conditions, may be conducted under the terms of a special flight permit.

Fr: vol de convoyage

FI

Abbreviation for: flight itinerary

Fr: FI

FIC

Abbreviation for: flight information centre

Fr: FIC

field elevation

Other expression for: aerodrome elevation

final

An expression commonly used to mean that an aircraft is on the final approach course or is aligned with a landing area.

Fr: finale

final approach

Canada: Other expression for: final approach segment (1)

final approach and takeoff area

A defined area over which the final phase of the approach manoeuvre of a helicopter to hover or to land is completed and from which the takeoff manoeuvre is commenced.

Note ICAO: Where the FATO is to be used by performance Class 1 helicopters, the defined area includes the rejected takeoff area available.

Fr: aire d’approche finale et de décollage

final approach area

The area within which the final approach portion of an instrument approach procedure (IAP) is carried out.

Fr: zone d’approche finale

final approach course

A bearing/radial/track of an instrument approach leading to a runway or an extended runway centreline, all without regard to distance.

Fr: trajectoire d’approche finale

final approach course fix

Canada: A fix and/or waypoint located on the final approach course of an instrument approach procedure (IAP)

(a) prior to the point of glide path (GP) intercept on a precision approach procedure;

(b) prior to the final approach fix (FAF) on a non-precision approach procedure that has a designated FAF;

(c) prior to any stepdown fixes on a non-precision approach procedure with designated fixes but no FAF; or

(d) at a point that would permit a normal landing approach on a non-precision approach procedure with no FAF or stepdown fixes.

Fr: repère de trajectoire d’approche finale

final approach fix

(1) Canada: The fix of a non-precision instrument approach procedure (IAP) where the final approach segment commences.

Fr: repère d’approche finale

(2) ICAO: That fix of an instrument approach procedure where the final approach segment commences.

Fr: repère d’approche finale

final approach gate

A rectangular area, 1 mi. wide and 3 mi. long, bisected by the extended centreline of the runway and located so that the inner boundary of the area is at least 5 mi. from the approach end of the runway.

Fr: entrée d’approche finale

final approach leg

Other expression for: final leg

final approach mode

The operational condition of certain aircraft navigation guidance equipment that supports flight operations in the final approach and runway regions.

Fr: mode approche finale

final approach point

The point of an instrument approach procedure (IAP) where the final approach segment commences.

Fr: point d’approche finale

final approach segment

(1) Canada: That part of an instrument approach procedure (IAP) from the time that the aircraft

(a) completes the last procedure turn or base turn, where one is specified;

(b) crosses the final approach fix (FAF), waypoint or point; or

(c) intercepts the last track specified for the procedure until it reaches the missed approach point (MAP). It is in this part of the procedure that alignment and descent for landing are accomplished.

Fr: segment d’ approche finale

(2) ICAO: That segment of an instrument approach procedure in which alignment and descent for landing are accomplished.

Fr: segment d’approche finale

final approach waypoint

The waypoint of a non-precision instrument approach procedure (IAP) where the final approach segment commences.

Fr: point de cheminement d’approche finale

final leg

A flight path extending from the end of the base leg in the direction of landing to and along the extended centreline of the runway (or landing path) to the threshold of the landing runway (or landing path).

Fr: étape finale

FIR

Abbreviation for: flight information region

Fr: FIR

first officer

Other expression for: co-pilot

first pilot

DND: A pilot qualified on aircraft type to unit standards and authorized as first pilot.

Fr: pilote

FIS

Abbreviation for: flight information service

Fr: FIS

FISE

Abbreviation for: flight information service en route

Fr: FISE

fix

A geographical location determined either by visual reference to the ground or by means of radio aids or other navigational devices.

Fr: repère

fix tolerance area

An area determined by considering the position indication errors applicable to a particular type of fix.

Fr: aire de tolérance de repère

FL

Abbreviation for: flight level

Fr: FL

flag

An aircraft warning device indicating that

(a) navigation or flight instruments are inoperative or are not operating satisfactorily; or

(b) navigation signal strength or quality falls below acceptable levels.

Fr: drapeau

flag alarm

Other expression for: flag

flameout

A loss of combustion in turbine engines resulting in a loss of engine power.

Fr: arrêt de turbomoteur

flat break

Other expression for: overhead break

flight advisory controller

DND: A duty controller assigned to a flight advisory position.

Fr: contrôleur du service consultatif

flight advisory message

Fr: message consultatif en vol

flight advisory service

DND: Expression for: aerodrome advisory service (AAS)

flight data

Data regarding the actual or intended movement of aircraft, normally presented in coded or abbreviated form.

Fr: données de vol

flight information

Information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flight, including information on air traffic, meteorological conditions, aerodrome conditions or air route facilities.

Fr: information de vol

flight information centre

1) Canada: A centralized ATS unit that provides services pertinent to pre-flight and the en-route phase of flight.

Fr: centre d’information de vol

2) ICAO: A unit established to provide flight information service and alerting service. 

Fr: centre d’information de vol

flight information region

An airspace of defined dimensions extending upwards from the surface of the earth within which flight information service (FIS) and alerting service are provided.

Fr: région d’information de vol

flight information service

A service consisting of the following:

(a) the dissemination of aviation weather information and aeronautical information for departure, destination and alternate aerodromes along a proposed route of flight;

(b) the dissemination of aviation weather information and aeronautical information to aircraft in flight;

(c) the acceptance, processing and activation of flight plans (FP) and flight itineraries, amendments to FPs and flight itineraries, and cancellations of FPs and flight itineraries;

(d) the exchange of FP information with domestic or foreign governments or agencies or foreign ATS units; and

(e) the provision of known information concerning ground and air traffic.

Fr: service d’information de vol

flight information service en route

The provision and receipt by an FIC of information pertinent to the en route phase of flight.

Fr: service d’information de vol en route

flight inspection

The operation of an aircraft for the purpose of

(a) calibrating air NAVAIDs;

(b) monitoring or evaluating the performance of air NAVAIDs; or

(c) obstacle assessment.

Fr: inspection en vol

flight itinerary

Specified information, submitted in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), regarding the intended flight of an aircraft.

Fr: itinéraire de vol

flight level

The altitude expressed in hundreds of feet indicated on an altimeter set to 29.92 in. of mercury or 1013.2 mb.

Fr: niveau de vol

flight line

(1) Other expression for: apron

(2) The predetermined directional line of flight within a flying display area.

Fr: ligne de limite d’évolution en vol

(3) An actual photographic run of a photo survey aircraft, in which a series of overlapping photographic exposures are being taken and in which the aircraft must necessarily move precisely along a predetermined track or tracks and at a predetermined critical altitude.

Fr: axe de vol

flight management system

An aircraft computer system that uses a large database to allow routes to be programmed and fed into the system by means of a data loader. The system is constantly updated with regard to position and accuracy by reference to conventional NAVAIDs.

Fr: système de gestion de vol

flight path

A trajectory along which an aircraft is flying or intended to be flown.

Fr: trajectoire de vol

flight plan

Specified information, submitted in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), with regard to the intended flight of an aircraft.

Fr: plan de vol

flight plan data

Data selected from the flight plan (FP) for purposes of processing, display or transfer.

Fr: données de plan de vol

flight planning centre

DND: Expression for: flight plan office

flight plan office

An FIC or that part of an area control centre (ACC) where flight plans and flight itineraries may be filed.

Fr: bureau des plans de vol

flight plan unique identifier

Canada: An electronically generated numeric or alpha-numeric code that can be used as an ATS system confirmation of message delivery and receipt. It can also be used as a message reference number. For example, when acknowledged by the pilot-in-command (PIC), it confirms that an IFR clearance issued to an aircraft via data link under the pre-departure clearance (PDC) program has been correctly received.

Note: This abbreviation is pronounced “fe-POO-i.”

Fr: indicatif unique du plan de vol

flight recorder

Any type of recorder installed in an aircraft to facilitate the investigation of accidents or incidents.

Fr: enregistreur de vol

flight services

Canada: Flight assistance and information provided by FSSs and FICs for aviation safety. Flight services include pilot briefings, flight plan (FP) acceptance and processing, aerodrome advisories, inflight communications, relay of ATC clearances, assistance to aircraft in emergency situations, alerting and searches for VFR aircraft, direction-finding (DF) assistance, NAVAID monitoring, and issuance of NOTAM and surface weather observations.

Fr: services de vol

flight service specialist

A certified employee assigned duties and responsibilities at an FSS or FIC.

Fr: spécialiste de l’information de vol

flight service station

An ATS unit that provides services pertinent to the arrival and departure phases of flight at uncontrolled aerodromes and for transit through a mandatory frequency (MF) area.

Fr: station d’information de vol

flight test

(1) A flight conducted to evaluate an applicant for a pilot licence or rating.

Fr: test en vol

(2) ICAO and U.S.: Expression for: test flight

flight time

The time from the moment an aircraft first moves under its own power for takeoff until the moment it comes to rest at the end of the flight.

Fr: temps de vol

flight visibility

The average range of forward visibility at any given time from the cockpit of an aircraft in flight.

Fr: visibilité en vol

flight watch

U.S.: Other expression for: en route flight advisory service

flow control

Measures designed to adjust the flow of traffic into a given airspace, along a given route, or bound for a given aerodrome, so as to ensure the most effective utilization of the airspace.

Fr: régulation du débit

FLT PLN

Abbreviation for: flight plan

Fr: FLT PLN

fly-by waypoint

A waypoint that requires the use of turn anticipation to avoid an overshoot of the next flight segment.

Fr: point de cheminement anticipé

fly-in

A prearranged meeting of a number of aircraft at a specified aerodrome which will take place before an invited assembly of persons, and at which no competitive flying or aerial demonstrations will take place.

Fr: rassemblement d’aéronefs

fly-over waypoint

A waypoint that precludes any turn until the waypoint is overflown and is followed by an intercept manoeuvre of the next flight segment.

Fr: point de cheminement survolé

FM

Abbreviation for: fan marker

Fr: FM

FMS

Abbreviation for: flight management system

Fr: FMS

FMSP for arrival

U.S.: Expression for: RNAV STAR

FMSP for departure

U.S.: Expression for: RNAV SID

F/O

Abbreviation for: first officer

Fr: P/O

forecast

A statement of expected meteorological conditions for a specified time or period, and for a specified area or portion of airspace.

Fr: prévision

forest fire area

An area on the surface of the earth upon which standing timber, grass or any other vegetation or buildings are smouldering or burning.

Fr: zone d’incendie de forêt

forest fire—temporary flight restrictions

In the interest of safe and efficient fire fighting operations, the Minister may issue a NOTAM restricting flights over a forest fire area to aircraft operating at the request of the appropriate fire control authority (e.g. water bombers), or to aircraft with written permission from the Minister.

Fr: incendie de forêt - restrictions temporaires de vol

formation flight

A flight of a number of aircraft that, by prior arrangement among the pilots, normally operate as a single aircraft with regard to navigation and position reports.

Fr: vol en formation

FP

Abbreviation for: flight plan

Fr: FP

FPC

DND: Abbreviation for: flight planning centre

Fr: FPC

FPUI

Canada: Abbreviation for: flight plan unique identifier

Note: This abbreviation is pronounced “fe-POO-i.”

Fr: FPUI

free area

An area of defined dimensions within which the flight of an aircraft, under certain conditions, does not normally require aircraft movement information service (AMIS) action.

Fr: zone libre

frequency family

A family of frequencies in the aeronautical mobile (R) service that contains two or more frequencies selected from different aeronautical mobile (R) bands and that is intended to permit communications at any time within the authorized area of use between aircraft stations and appropriate aeronautical stations.

Fr: famille de fréquences

front course sector

The course sector that is situated on the same side of the localizer antenna as the runway.

Fr: secteur d’alignement de piste avant

FSS

Abbreviation for: flight service station

Fr: FSS

fuel dumping

The intentional airborne release of usable fuel. This does not include the dropping of fuel tanks.

Fr: vidange de carburant

fuel jettisoning

ICAO: Expression for: fuel dumping

fuel remaining

The amount of fuel remaining on board until actual fuel exhaustion.

Fr: carburant restant

fuel siphoning

Other expression for: fuel venting

fuel venting

The unintentional release of fuel caused by overflow, puncture, loose cap, etc.

Fr: aspiration de carburant

future air navigation systems

Air navigation systems that are capable of satisfying national or international stated requirements, primarily through the use of satellite technology.

Fr: futurs systèmes de navigation aérienne

Date modified:

2012-03-14

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