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Pilot/Controller Glossary (PCG)

The Pilot/Controller Glossary (PCG) is a free FAA reference that defines aviation terms used in the air traffic control system. Published as an appendix to the AIM, it provides standardized definitions for phraseology used in pilot-controller communications. It is the authoritative source for ATC terminology and is referenced on FAA knowledge tests.

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Why This Document Matters

The Pilot/Controller Glossary is the aviation dictionary you did not know you needed until you failed a question on the knowledge test because you confused 'NOTAM' types or could not define 'LAHSO.' It defines every term used in pilot-controller communications, from 'acknowledge' to 'zulu time.' The PCG is published as part of the Aeronautical Information Manual but is often referenced separately. For radio communication training, knowing these definitions helps you understand exactly what ATC is asking you to do. The glossary is organized alphabetically and includes cross-references to related terms.

Study This Document in One Loop

What is the Study Loop?

A 30-60 minute scenario-first session that replaces hours of passive reading.

Stage 1

Scenario

You're 10 miles south of an unfamiliar Class D field and you just called tower: "Smalltown Tower, Skyhawk 1234X, 10 south, 3,500, landing with Charlie." Tower comes back: "Skyhawk 1234X, Smalltown Tower, make straight-in runway 9, cleared to land, report 3-mile final, traffic is a Dash 8 on short final cleared to land, caution wake turbulence." Your first instinct is to acknowledge — what exactly do you say?
Stage 2

Decision

What must your readback include per P/CG and FAR §91.123? What does 'caution wake turbulence' obligate you to do? When do you "report 3-mile final" and what specifically do you say?
Write your answer before you open the handbook. That exposes the gap.
Stage 3

Targeted Learning

Open only these sections of the PCG:

  • A-D entries — "Acknowledge," "Cleared to land," "Caution wake turbulence"
  • R-T entries — "Readback," "Report," "Traffic," "Straight-in approach"
  • M-N entries — "Make," "Maintain," "Maintain visual separation"
  • Cross-reference with AIM Chapter 4 (Air Traffic Control phraseology)
Stage 4

Debrief

Compare your Decision to what the handbook says:

  • ?"Cleared to land" is a clearance — readback required or not under FAR §91.123? What does the P/CG + §91.129 actually require?
  • ?"Report 3-mile final" — is this a request (optional) or an instruction (mandatory)? What's the P/CG distinction?
  • ?"Caution wake turbulence" — does accepting this mean you accept responsibility for separation? Look up the definition.
  • ?If you don't hear your callsign back, were you cleared? The P/CG is clear on what constitutes an ATC clearance.
Stage 5

Reinforcement

Turn your biggest miss into fast-recall rules:

  • Readback: runway assignments, hold short instructions, altitudes, clearances — always. Everything else, acknowledge.
  • "Caution wake turbulence" = ATC is advising you of traffic; responsibility for avoidance is yours.
  • "Report" is an instruction (mandatory). "Advise" is a request (do it anyway to avoid confusion).

What Order to Read the PCG

Don't read by chapter number. Work the four phases. Start with whichever you're weakest in.

Survival Thinking

“What can hurt me?”

  • •"Wake turbulence," "Go around," "Minimum fuel," "Emergency" — know the precise implications of each

Interpretation

“What am I looking at?”

  • •Use the P/CG as a lookup when you hear a phrase you are unsure about. Speed of lookup matters.
  • •Cross-reference AIM Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 for context beyond the definition

Prediction

“What will happen?”

  • •Knowing precise definitions lets you predict ATC's next instruction and be ahead of the airplane

Checkride Mode

“Can I explain it under pressure?”

  • •DPE will use precise P/CG terminology. "Line up and wait," "cleared the option," "resume own navigation" — define each
  • •Differentiate "clearance" vs. "instruction" vs. "advisory" — gets asked often
  • •Know the difference between "traffic in sight" and "maintain visual separation" — legal distinction

Chapter-by-Chapter Guide

What each section covers and the key topics to study

1

A through F

Definitions from Abbreviated IFR Flight Plan through Full Stop Landing, including critical ATC terms.

Key Topics

Clearance terminologyAirspace definitionsATC instructions vs clearancesCVFP, DME, EFC definitions
2

G through L

Definitions from Gate Hold through Low Approach, covering ground operations and IFR terminology.

Key Topics

Ground control termsHolding pattern terminologyIFR conditions definitionsLAHSO operations
3

M through R

Definitions from Maintain through Runway Incursion, covering enroute and approach terms.

Key Topics

METAR and TAF termsNOTAM types and definitionsLine up and wait terminology (replaced "position and hold" in 2010)Radar service definitions
4

S through Z

Definitions from Safety Alert through Zulu Time, covering special operations and time references.

Key Topics

SIGMET and AIRMET definitionsSVFR definitionsTFR terminologyVFR flight following terms

Study Tips

  • Do not try to memorize the entire glossary. Focus on terms that appear in knowledge test questions: LAHSO, SVFR, EFC, NOTAM types, and clearance terminology.
  • Use the PCG as a reference tool during ground school — when your instructor uses a term you don't recognize, look it up immediately.
  • Pay special attention to the distinction between ATC instructions and ATC clearances — they have different legal implications for the pilot.
  • Cross-reference PCG definitions with AIM Chapter 4 (Air Traffic Control) to see the terms used in context.
  • For radio communication practice, study the phraseology examples — the PCG defines not just what terms mean but how they should be used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pilot/Controller Glossary the same as the AIM?

No. The PCG is published as an appendix to the AIM but is a standalone reference. The AIM explains procedures and regulations, while the PCG defines the specific terminology used in those procedures.

Are PCG definitions tested on the FAA knowledge test?

Yes. Several knowledge test questions test your understanding of ATC terminology. Definitions like 'clearance,' 'instruction,' 'LAHSO,' and various NOTAM types appear frequently on the Private and Instrument knowledge tests.

How often is the Pilot/Controller Glossary updated?

The PCG is updated whenever the AIM is revised, which happens multiple times per year. Always reference the most current version online rather than a printed copy.

Quick Facts

Document ID
N/A
Last Updated
2024
Cost
Free
Publisher
FAA

Applies To

StudentPrivateInstrumentCommercialCFIATP
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Pilot/Controller Glossary (N/A) is an official FAA publication available at FAA.gov

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