Definition
An air traffic control (ATC) capability that uses Mode S transponders or Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) to receive additional aircraft data beyond basic position and altitude, such as heading, indicated airspeed, vertical rate, and selected altitude. This extra data lets controllers see what the aircraft is actually doing and what the pilot has commanded it to do, supporting tighter separation and more efficient routing.
Plain English
A radar-and-data system that gives controllers more information about an aircraft than just where it is — including how fast it's going, which way it's pointed, and what altitude the pilot has dialed in.
Context Anchor
Seen in RNAV departure discussions where the FAA describes how aircraft on area navigation routes may be monitored after takeoff.
Derivation
"Enhanced" means improved or added to; "surveillance" comes from the French sur- (over) and veiller (to watch) — literally "watching over." So it's an upgraded version of ATC's normal watching of aircraft, with extra information added in.
Why Pilots Care
Aircraft lacking this capability may be restricted from certain efficient RNAV routes or receive less precise ATC handling during departures.
Grounding Statement
On a departure, enhanced surveillance capability means the controller can follow the aircraft’s movement more clearly as it climbs away from the airport.
Intuition Check
Do not read “surveillance” as security spying. In this FAA context, it means air traffic control tracking aircraft position and movement.
Example Sentence 1
In airspace with enhanced surveillance capability, the controller can see the altitude you've selected on your mode control panel, not just your current altitude.
Example Sentence 2
Before departure the crew confirmed the transponder provided enhanced surveillance capability for the planned route.