Racetrack Procedure is a holding pattern entry technique — Page 569, Lesson 772

We're looking at the index of the Air Law manual, specifically the entries under the letter "R". This is a map of the entire book, so I want to walk you through what these terms are, because each one is a doorway to a specific regulation or procedure you'll need to master. Let's start with the navigation and airspace entries. Racetrack Procedure is a holding pattern entry technique. Radar Identification is the process where air traffic control positively identifies your aircraft's radar return on their screen. Radar separation standard is the minimum distance controllers must maintain between aircraft using radar. Radar Services are the various types of assistance ATC provides using radar. Radar Vectoring is when the controller gives you specific headings to fly. Radar vectoring area (RVA) is the designated airspace where that vectoring service is provided. Now, a critical one: Radar Wake Turbulence Separation. This is the minimum distance controllers must apply between aircraft specifically to protect you from the wake turbulence of a preceding aircraft. It's a distinct standard from the general radar separation. I want you to note the page reference here, 308, because that's where we'll study the specific distances. Moving on. Radio Altimeter Operating Area is a specific altitude band where the radio altimeter is used for terrain avoidance. RAN stands for Regional Air Navigation, which is a planning concept for air navigation services on a regional scale. Rapid Exit Taxiways are high-speed turnoffs designed to let aircraft vacate the runway quickly. RCC is Rescue co-ordination centre, the facility that organizes search and rescue. Reduced Radar Separation is a lesser separation standard that can be applied under specific conditions. Regional Supplementary Procedures are additional rules that apply in specific regions. Registration mark is the aircraft's nationality and registration markings. Repetitive Flight Plan (RPL) is a flight plan filed for a series of regularly operated, identical flights. Required Navigation Performance (RNP) is a key concept—it's a statement of the navigation performance accuracy required for operation within a defined airspace. Rescue and Fire Fighting is the airport service, abbreviated RFF. Residency relates to the legal requirement for an aircraft to be registered in a state. Resolution Advisories (RAs) are the commands from the TCAS system telling you to climb or descend to avoid a collision. Responses by Intercepted Aircraft are the procedures you must follow if your aircraft is intercepted. Response time is the time it takes for fire and rescue services to respond. Restricted, Prohibited or Danger Areas are the three categories of airspace with varying levels of restriction. Right of Way is the set of rules determining which aircraft has priority. RNAV is Area Navigation, which allows you to fly any desired flight path within the coverage of ground or space-based navigation aids. RNAV Approach Procedures are the approach procedures designed for RNAV-equipped aircraft. Road Holding Position is the position on a taxiway where you must stop before entering a runway. Road-holding Position Lights are the lights that mark this position, and Road-Holding Position Signs are the signs that identify it. Finally, Rome Convention is an international treaty concerning damage caused by foreign aircraft to third parties on the surface. So, you see, this index is your roadmap. Each of these terms is a specific regulation or procedure, and the page numbers are your coordinates. We'll be covering each of these in detail as we work through the book.