Definition
A ground-based equipment site that transmits or receives video signals over a microwave radio link, typically used to relay air traffic control surveillance imagery or operational video between facilities.
Plain English
A station on the ground that sends or receives TV-style picture signals through the air using a microwave beam, instead of running cables.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA acronym and NOTAM contraction lists, especially when a notice describes a facility, antenna, tower, or lighting issue that pilots may need to identify.
Derivation
Television refers to picture-and-sound broadcast technology. Microwave describes very short radio waves used to carry signals point-to-point. Link terminal means the end-point equipment of that radio link. Together: the equipment at one end of a microwave radio path that carries video.
Why Pilots Care
A TMLT may be associated with a tall antenna or support structure, so pilots care about its location, height, and lighting when planning or flying near it.
Intuition Check
Do not read “terminal” here as an airport passenger building. Here, “terminal” means one end of a television microwave signal link.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM advised that the TMLT antenna near the field would be temporarily out of service for maintenance.
Example Sentence 2
Maintenance crews verified the TMLT signal strength after the storm passed.