pointSixtyFive

CLUTTER

Pilot/Controller Glossary with JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

In radar operations, clutter refers to the reception and visual display of radar returns caused by precipitation, chaff, terrain, numerous aircraft targets, or other phenomena. Such returns may limit or preclude ATC from providing services based on radar.

See CHAFF; GROUND CLUTTER; PRECIPITATION; TARGET; RADAR CLUTTER ICAO.

In the 7110.65

Used in 2 paragraphs of JO 7110.65BB.

  1. 5-2-10Standby Operation
  2. 5-2-21Altitude Filters