Definition
A point along a Trajectory Based Operations (TBO) trajectory at which the aircraft must meet a specified operational constraint, such as crossing at a particular altitude, speed, or time. Air Traffic Control uses CSPs to coordinate the orderly flow of traffic and ensure that each aircraft's trajectory remains compatible with surrounding traffic and airspace requirements.
Plain English
A specific spot on the planned route where the aircraft has to hit a target — be at a certain altitude, a certain speed, or arrive at a certain time. It's a checkpoint with rules attached.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA traffic-management, route-planning, and arrival-planning discussions when a flight has required conditions to meet along its route.
Derivation
From 'constraint' (a limit or required condition) and 'satisfaction' (meeting that condition). The name simply describes the function: a point on the route where a required condition must be satisfied.
Why Pilots Care
Meeting the point on schedule keeps the aircraft compliant with ATC clearances, procedure requirements, and fuel planning.
Intuition Check
Satisfaction does not mean approval or comfort here. It means the aircraft has met a required condition at that point.
Example Sentence 1
ATC issued a descent clearance to ensure the aircraft would meet the altitude requirement at the next CSP.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot cross-checked the CSP to confirm the speed limit was met before continuing the arrival.