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Towered Airport
An airport with an operating air traffic control tower that issues taxi, takeoff, and landing clearances. Many towered airports broadcast ATIS; pilots should obtain the current information and notify ATC on initial contact that they have the ATIS code.
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- Traffic PatternThe standard rectangular flight path around an airport used for arrivals, departures, and training. Pattern legs typically include upwind, crosswind, downwind, base, and final. Night training for private pilots requires takeoffs and landings involving flight in the traffic pattern.
- TransponderAn electronic device in the aircraft that transmits a coded signal when interrogated by ground radar. Mode C transponders report altitude. Mode S transponders support ADS-B Out, which is required in most controlled airspace.
- Urgent PIREP (UUA)A pilot weather report marked urgent rather than routine (UA). UUA reports highlight conditions that need immediate dissemination, such as severe or extreme turbulence, severe icing, hail, volcanic ash, or other hazards that can rapidly affect flight safety. Student pilots should treat UUA details as high-priority briefing inputs.
- VASI (Visual Approach Slope Indicator)A visual glide-path aid that uses red and white light bars beside the runway to help pilots maintain a safe approach angle. A disabled VASI is a common NOTAM item that can change night or VFR approach planning.