Definition
A view available within the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system that provides air traffic controllers with a graphic display of aircraft, traffic, and routing. The GPD allows controllers to view information graphically and to perform flight data and route planning tasks, such as trial planning route changes and altitude amendments, before issuing them to the aircraft.
Plain English
A map-like screen that en route controllers use to see aircraft and their planned routes, and to test out route or altitude changes on the screen before actually giving them to the pilot.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA glossary and air traffic control automation discussions, especially where controller displays and traffic planning tools are described.
Derivation
In technical drawing, a “plan” is a view from above. That helps here because a Graphic Plan Display is not a written plan; it is a visual, top-down display of traffic and routes.
Why Pilots Care
It helps pilots and briefers quickly spot route conflicts, terrain issues, or airspace problems that are hard to notice in a text list.
Grounding Statement
Picture a controller looking at a map-like screen that shows where aircraft are and where they are expected to go.
Intuition Check
Do not read “plan” here as a written plan for the future. In this term, “plan display” means a top-down, map-style view.
Example Sentence 1
The Center controller used the GPD to trial plan a reroute around the weather before issuing the amended clearance to the flight.
Example Sentence 2
After the amendment was filed, the updated GPD confirmed the flight plan now crossed the airway at the correct fix.