Categorical View Alphabetical View (A-Z) Loading dictionary... ↑ Aviation Acronyms and Abbreviations This is a list of all aviation acronyms, abbreviations, and mnemonics available in our dictionary. 3-152 (VFR): 3-152 (VFR Minimums)A memory aid for VFR weather minimums in Class C, D, & E airspace (below 10,000'): 3sm visibility, 1000' above, 500' below, 2000' horizontal from clouds. 5 C'S: Cram, Climb, Clean, Cool, CallA mnemonic for the go-around procedure: (Cram) full power, (Climb) establish climb, (Clean) configure, (Cool) engine temps, (Call) ATC. A: Airbus DesignatorDesignator for Airbus aircraft, such as A-321. A TOMATO FLAMES: Altimeter, Tachometer, Oil pressure, Magnetic compass, Airspeed, Temperature, Oil temperature, Fuel, Landing gear, Anticollision, Manifold, ELT, SeatbeltsA mnemonic for required VFR day equipment per FAR 91.205. A/P: AutopilotAn on-board system that controls the aircraft's flight surfaces to maintain a set heading, altitude, or flight path. A/S: AirspeedThe speed of an aircraft relative to the air it is flying through. A/T: AutothrottleA system that automatically manages the power output of an aircraft's engines to maintain a selected speed. ABEAM: AbeamA position 90 degrees to the side of an aircraft or a fixed point, relative to the aircraft's heading. ABM: AbeamA position 90 degrees to the side of an aircraft or a fixed point, relative to the aircraft's heading. (Abbreviation for ABEAM). AC: Advisory CircularsFAA publications (memos, documents) that provide guidance on regulations and best practices. ACARS: Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting SystemA digital data link system used to exchange information (flight plans, performance data) between aircraft and ground stations. ACFT: AircraftA general term for any machine supported for flight by the air. ACS: Airman Certification StandardsThe FAA document that defines the testing requirements (knowledge, risk management, skills) for pilot certificates and ratings. ADM: Aeronautical Decision-MakingA systematic approach to the mental process used by pilots to consistently determine the best course of action for a given set of circumstances. ADS-B: Automatic Dependent Surveillance-BroadcastA surveillance technology where an aircraft determines its position via GPS and periodically broadcasts it, enabling tracking. AFM: Aircraft Flight ManualA document (book or electronic) containing information required to operate an aircraft of a certain type, specific to that aircraft. AFOB: Actual Fuel On BoardThe amount of usable fuel actually in the aircraft's tanks. AFT: AfterDenotes a time or position later than a reference point. AGI: Advanced Ground InstructorAn FAA rating that authorizes an individual to provide ground training for most certificates and ratings. AIM: Aeronautical Information ManualThe FAA's official guide to basic flight information and Air Traffic Control procedures. AIP: Aeronautical Information PublicationA publication issued by a state containing aeronautical information of a lasting character essential to air navigation. AIRMET: Airmen's Meteorological InformationAn advisory concerning weather phenomena of operational interest to all aircraft, typically covering moderate conditions like icing or turbulence. ALFA: APhonetic alphabet for the letter A. ALTN: AlternateAn airport specified in the flight plan to which a flight may proceed when a landing at the intended destination is not possible. AME: Aviation Medical ExaminerAn FAA-designated physician authorized to perform flight physical examinations and issue medical certificates. ANDS: Accelerate North, Decelerate SouthA mnemonic for magnetic compass acceleration/deceleration errors in the Northern Hemisphere. AOC: Airline Operations CenterA centralized facility where an airline manages and oversees its daily flight operations. AOPA: Aircraft Owners & Pilots AssociationA non-profit political organization that advocates for general aviation pilots. AP: AutopilotA system used to control the trajectory of an aircraft without constant human control. APPR: ApproachThe phase of flight in which an aircraft leaves cruise altitude and prepares for landing at a destination airport. ARR: ArrivalThe phase of flight that culminates in landing at the destination airport. ASEL: Airplane Single-Engine LandAn FAA class rating on a pilot certificate, indicating the pilot is certified to fly single-engine land-based airplanes. ASI: Aviation Safety InspectorAn FAA representative responsible for supervising and enforcing regulations for pilots and flight schools. ASOS: Automated Surface Observing SystemAn automated system (often a joint NWS, FAA, and DOD effort) that provides continuous, real-time weather observations at airports. ATC: Air Traffic ControlA service provided to promote the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic. ATIS: Automatic Terminal Information ServiceA continuous broadcast of non-control aeronautical and meteorological information for a busy terminal area. ATP: Airline Transport PilotThe highest level of pilot certificate, required to act as pilot-in-command on a scheduled airline. AVG FF LBS/HR: Average Fuel Flow Pounds per HourThe average rate at which the aircraft consumes fuel, measured in pounds per hour. AVG W/C: Average Wind ComponentThe average headwind or tailwind component experienced along the flight path. AVG WIND: Average WindThe mean wind speed and direction over a specified period. AWOS: Automated Weather Observing SystemA fully automated suite of weather sensors that continuously measures and disseminates weather conditions at an airport. B: Boeing DesignatorDesignator for Boeing aircraft, such as B-737. BARO: Barometric PressureThe atmospheric pressure used to set an aircraft's altimeter (e.g., QNH or QFE). BE: Beechcraft DesignatorDesignator for Beechcraft aircraft, such as BE-200. BLOCK FUEL: Block FuelThe total amount of fuel required for the flight, loaded onto the aircraft (includes taxi, trip, reserve, and alternate fuel). BRAVO: BPhonetic alphabet for the letter B. C: Cessna DesignatorDesignator for Cessna aircraft, such as C-172. CAP: Civil Air PatrolA congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. CARGO: CargoFreight, mail, or goods carried by an aircraft. CAS: Calibrated AirspeedThe indicated airspeed corrected for instrument position and installation errors. CDI: Course Deviation IndicatorAn instrument that displays an aircraft's lateral position relative to a selected navigation course (e.g., VOR or GPS). CDM: Collaborative Decision MakingA joint government/industry initiative aimed at improving air traffic flow management through increased information sharing. CDU: Control Display UnitThe primary interface (keypad and screen) used by pilots to interact with the Flight Management System (FMS). CFI: Certificated Flight InstructorA pilot certification that allows the holder to teach others how to fly. CFII: Certificated Flight Instructor - InstrumentA flight instructor rating that allows the holder to provide instrument flight training. CG: Center of GravityThe theoretical point where the entire weight of the aircraft is assumed to be concentrated, crucial for stability and balance. CHAPS: Clear, Heading, Altitude, Position, Set powerA mnemonic for checks to be performed before starting flight maneuvers. CHARLIE: CPhonetic alphabet for the letter C. CI: Cost IndexA figure used in Flight Management Systems (FMS) to represent the ratio of time-related costs to fuel costs, influencing optimum speed and fuel burn. CIGAR: Controls, Instruments, Gas, Attitude, RunupA pre-takeoff or runup check, often used in C172s. CPDLC: Controller-Pilot Data Link CommunicationsA system that allows for text-based communication (data link) between air traffic controllers and pilots, supplementing voice comms. CPL: Commercial Pilot LicenseAn FAA certificate that allows a pilot to be paid for flying. CRAFT: Clearance, Route, Altitude, Frequency, TransponderA mnemonic used by pilots to copy an IFR clearance from air traffic control. CRJ: Canadair Regional JetA family of regional jets (e.g., CRJ-700) originally manufactured by Bombardier. CRM: Crew Resource ManagementA set of training procedures that focuses on interpersonal communication, leadership, and decision-making in the cockpit. CTAF: Common Traffic Advisory FrequencyA radio frequency used for air-to-air communication at non-towered airports to announce positions and intentions. DA: Decision AltitudeA specified altitude in a precision approach at which a pilot must decide whether to continue the approach or initiate a go-around. DCT: DirectA flight segment flown directly between two points, not following a published air route. DCT: DirectAn instruction from ATC to proceed directly to a fix or waypoint, bypassing other planned route segments. DECIDE: Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, EvaluateA mnemonic for the Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) process. DELTA: DPhonetic alphabet for the letter D. DEP: DepartureThe phase of flight that begins with taxiing and ends when the aircraft is airborne and proceeding to its destination. DG: Directional GyroA flight instrument that displays the aircraft's heading; must be periodically aligned with the magnetic compass. DH: Decision HeightA specified height above the ground in a precision approach at which a pilot must decide whether to continue the approach or go-around. DME: Distance Measuring EquipmentA radio navigation aid that measures the slant range distance from the aircraft to the ground station. DPE: Designated Pilot ExaminerAn FAA-designated individual authorized to conduct practical tests (checkrides) for pilot certificates and ratings. DU: Display UnitA general term for any one of the primary screens in an electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) cockpit. E6B: E6B Flight ComputerA circular slide rule (manual or electronic) used by pilots for flight planning calculations (e.g., fuel burn, wind correction, time). EAA: Experimental Aircraft AssociationAn international organization of aviation enthusiasts focused on recreational flying and home-built aircraft. ECAM: Electronic Centralized Aircraft MonitorA system that monitors aircraft functions and displays failures and corrective actions (primarily used by Airbus). ECHO: EPhonetic alphabet for the letter E. EFB: Electronic Flight BagA device (like an iPad) that stores flight-related documents (charts, manuals, POH) digitally, replacing the traditional paper flight bag. EFIS: Electronic Flight Instrument SystemA 'glass cockpit' system that displays flight data on screens (like PFD and ND) rather than traditional analog gauges. EFOB: Estimated Fuel On BoardThe predicted amount of usable fuel remaining at a given point or destination. EGT: Exhaust Gas TemperatureThe temperature of the exhaust gases as they leave the engine, used to monitor engine health and performance. EICAS: Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting SystemA system that displays engine parameters and alerts the crew to system failures (primarily used by Boeing). ELT: Emergency Locator TransmitterA device that transmits a distress signal in the event of a crash to aid search and rescue (SAR) teams. EMB: Embraer DesignatorDesignator for Embraer aircraft, such as EMB-175. EST: EstimatedA value or time determined by approximation. ESTIMATED TOW: Estimated Takeoff WeightThe calculated weight of the aircraft at the time of takeoff. ETA: Estimated Time of ArrivalThe time at which an aircraft is expected to arrive at its destination. ETD: Estimated Time of DepartureThe time at which an aircraft is expected to begin its departure from the gate or parking position. F/A: Flight AttendantA crew member responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers. FAA: Federal Aviation AdministrationThe U.S. government agency responsible for regulating all aspects of civil aviation. FACTS: Flaps, Aux fuel pump, Cowl flaps/Carb heat, Transponder, SwitchesAn after-landing or clean-up mnemonic: Flaps up, Aux fuel pump off, Cowl flaps open/Carb heat off, Transponder standby, Switches (lights/pitot) off. FAR: Federal Aviation RegulationsThe rules prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governing all aviation activities in the United States. FBO: Fixed-Base OperatorA business at an airport that provides services such as fuel, maintenance, flight instruction, and aircraft rental. FD: Flight DirectorAn instrument that provides pitch and roll commands to the pilot (or autopilot) to follow a selected flight path. FDC: Flight Data CenterA facility that collects, processes, and disseminates flight data, particularly Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). FINRES: Final ReservesThe minimum amount of fuel required to allow the aircraft to fly for a specified period (e.g., 30 minutes) at the alternate or destination airport. FIR: Flight Information RegionAn airspace of defined dimensions within which Flight Information Service and Alerting Service are provided. FL: Flight LevelA constant nominal altitude of an aircraft in flight, separated from other levels by a specific pressure interval, based on the Standard Pressure Setting (QNE). FLAPS (Night VFR): Fuses, Landing lights, Anticollision lights, Position lights, Source of electricityA mnemonic for required VFR night equipment per FAR 91.205 (in addition to VFR day items). FLT: Flaps, Lights, Transponder/TrimA mnemonic for the after-landing (clean-up) procedure. FMA: Flight Mode AnnunciatorA display (usually at the top of the PFD) that shows the active and armed modes of the autopilot and autothrottle. FMC: Flight Management ComputerThe computer component of the Flight Management System (FMS) that performs calculations for navigation, performance, and fuel. FMC INFO: Flight Management Computer InformationData output or settings from the FMS computer, related to flight planning and performance. FMS: Flight Management SystemAn on-board computer system that automates a wide variety of in-flight tasks, including navigation and flight path optimization. FO: First OfficerThe second-in-command of an aircraft (also known as co-pilot or SIC). FOXTROT: FPhonetic alphabet for the letter F. FPL: Flight PlanSpecified information relating to the intended flight of an aircraft, filed with air traffic services (ATS) units prior to departure. FPM: Feet Per MinuteThe unit of measurement for an aircraft's rate of climb or descent (vertical speed). FSDO: Flight Standards District OfficeA local FAA office responsible for overseeing aviation safety and enforcement. FU: SmokeThe ICAO/METAR code for smoke (from the French 'fumée'). FUEL: FuelThe flammable substance used to power the aircraft engines. G: Gulfstream DesignatorDesignator for Gulfstream aircraft, such as G-V. GA: General AviationAll civil aviation operations other than scheduled air services and non-scheduled air transport operations. GLUMPS: Gas, Lights, Under-carriage, Mixture, Props, SeatbeltA variation of the GUMPS pre-landing check which includes 'Lights' (e.g., landing light). GND DIST: Ground DistanceThe distance traveled over the ground (as opposed to air distance). GOLF: GPhonetic alphabet for the letter G. GPS: Global Positioning SystemA satellite-based navigation system that provides precise location and time information. GS: Ground SpeedThe horizontal speed of an aircraft relative to the ground. GS: Glide SlopeThe vertical guidance component of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) that provides a defined descent path to the runway. May also be denoted as G/S GUMPS: Gas, Under-carriage, Mixture, Props, SeatbeltA widely used pre-landing checklist to ensure the aircraft is properly configured for landing. HDG: HeadingThe direction the aircraft's nose is pointing, usually referenced to magnetic north. HIMS: Human Intervention Motivation StudyAn occupational substance abuse recovery program for pilots and air traffic controllers. HOTEL: HPhonetic alphabet for the letter H. HSI: Horizontal Situation IndicatorA cockpit instrument that combines a directional gyro with a course deviation indicator (CDI) for navigation. I'M SAFE: Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, EmotionA pre-flight personal checklist used by pilots to assess their fitness to fly. IACRA: Integrated Airman Certification and Rating ApplicationThe FAA's web-based system for processing pilot certificates and ratings applications. IAF: Initial Approach FixThe point at which the initial approach segment of an instrument approach begins. IAS: Indicated AirspeedThe speed of the aircraft as shown on the airspeed indicator, without correction for instrument or air density errors. IATA: International Air Transport AssociationA trade association of the world's airlines. ICAO: International Civil Aviation OrganizationA specialized agency of the United Nations that coordinates the principles and techniques of international air navigation. IFR: Instrument Flight RulesThe rules governing flight under conditions where reference to external visuals is not possible, requiring the use of aircraft instruments. ILS: Instrument Landing SystemA precision radio navigation system that provides lateral and vertical guidance to an aircraft approaching a runway. IMC: Instrument Meteorological ConditionsWeather conditions that require a pilot to fly primarily by referencing instruments, as visual flight rules (VFR) are not permitted. INDIA: IPhonetic alphabet for the letter I. IOE: Initial Operating ExperienceSupervised, on-the-job training required for a pilot to become fully certified at an airline. IR: Instrument RatingA pilot rating that allows flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), such as in clouds. JULIETT: JPhonetic alphabet for the letter J. K: US Airport DesignatorThe international prefix for ICAO airport identifiers within the contiguous United States (e.g., KLAX for LAX). KILO: KPhonetic alphabet for the letter K. L/D: Lift-to-Drag RatioThe aerodynamic efficiency of the aircraft, crucial for glide performance and cruise efficiency. LAW: Landing Aircraft WeightThe weight of the aircraft immediately prior to landing. LDG: LandingThe phase of flight that brings the aircraft back down to the ground. LDW: Landing WeightThe weight of the aircraft at the moment of touchdown. LIDO: Lateral Integrated Data OperationsA common commercial flight planning and navigation database system used by many airlines. LIMA: LPhonetic alphabet for the letter L. LNAV: Lateral NavigationAn FMS mode that provides horizontal (left/right) guidance to follow a pre-programmed route. LOC: LocalizerThe horizontal guidance component of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) that provides runway centerline alignment. LPA: Latino Pilots AssociationAn organization dedicated to supporting and promoting Latino pilots in aviation. LTA: Lighter-Than-AirAn aircraft category that includes balloons and airships, which gain lift from buoyancy. M: MinusUsed in weather reports for below-zero temperatures (e.g., M05) or in performance data to denote a negative value. MACH: Mach NumberThe ratio of the true airspeed of the aircraft to the speed of sound at that altitude. MAX: MaximumThe highest allowable limit or value (e.g., MAX Takeoff Weight). MCT: Minimum Control TimeThe minimum time required to complete a certain phase of flight or operation (less common usage). MDA: Minimum Descent AltitudeThe lowest altitude to which a pilot may descend on a non-precision approach until the required visual reference is acquired. ME: Multi-EngineA class rating for aircraft with more than one engine (e.g., Airplane Multi-Engine Land). MEI: Multi-Engine InstructorA flight instructor rating that allows the holder to teach in multi-engine aircraft. MEL: Minimum Equipment ListA list specifying the equipment that may be inoperative on an aircraft and still allow it to be legally dispatched. METAR: Meteorological Aerodrome ReportA coded, routine weather report that provides a snapshot summary of current weather conditions at a specific aerodrome, typically issued hourly. MFD: Multi-Function DisplayA cockpit screen that can display various types of information, such as navigation, engine data, and weather. MIKE: MPhonetic alphabet for the letter M. MTOW: Maximum Takeoff WeightThe maximum permissible total weight of the aircraft structure at the start of the takeoff run. MX: MaintenanceThe inspection, repair, and servicing of an aircraft and its components. MZFW: Maximum Zero Fuel WeightThe maximum permissible weight of an aircraft before usable fuel is added. N: N-NumberThe aircraft registration identifier for aircraft registered in the United States. ND: Navigation DisplayA cockpit screen that displays the aircraft's route, waypoints, and weather information. NGPA: National Gay Pilots AssociationAn organization that promotes and supports the LGBTQ+ aviation community worldwide. NIL: None (often used in remarks)Used in reports (like METAR) to indicate the absence of a specific condition. NORDO: No RadioAn aircraft that has lost radio communication capability or is not equipped with a radio. NOTAM: Notice to AirmenA notice distributed by telecommunication containing information concerning the establishment, condition, or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedure, or hazard. NOVEMBER: NPhonetic alphabet for the letter N. NTSB: National Transportation Safety BoardThe U.S. government agency responsible for investigating transportation accidents, including aviation. NWS: National Weather ServiceA U.S. government agency (part of NOAA) responsible for providing weather forecasts, watches, and warnings. OBAP: Organization of Black Aerospace ProfessionalsAn organization dedicated to supporting and promoting minority participation in aerospace careers. OEW: Operating Empty WeightThe basic weight of an aircraft including the crew, essential fluids, and operator's items, but not usable fuel or payload. OSCAR: OPhonetic alphabet for the letter O. P: PlusUsed in weather reports for "more than" (e.g., P6000ft visibility) or in performance data to denote a positive value. PA: Piper DesignatorDesignator for Piper aircraft, such as PA-28. PAPA: Professional Asian Pilots AssociationAn organization that supports and promotes pilots of Asian heritage. PAPA: PPhonetic alphabet for the letter P. PAPI: Precision Approach Path IndicatorA system of lights (usually four) on the side of a runway that provides visual glide slope guidance to a pilot on approach. PAX: PassengersThe total number of people being carried who are not flight crew members. PBN: Performance-Based NavigationArea Navigation (RNAV) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) based on general navigation requirements, rather than solely on ground-based radio aids. PFD: Primary Flight DisplayA modern cockpit screen that combines traditional flight instruments (altimeter, airspeed, heading, attitude) into one display. PIC: Pilot in CommandThe pilot responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft during flight. PIREP: Pilot ReportA report of actual weather conditions as encountered by an aircraft in flight, often used to report turbulence, icing, or cloud tops. POH: Pilot's Operating HandbookAn FAA-approved manual containing the information required to safely operate a specific aircraft. PPL: Private Pilot LicenseAn FAA certificate that allows a pilot to fly for personal reasons (not for compensation). PTT: Push-To-TalkThe button on an aircraft's yoke, stick, or microphone that is pressed to transmit on the radio. QFE: Air Pressure at Airport ElevationThe altimeter setting that will display zero altitude when the aircraft is on the ground at the airport reference point. QNE: Standard Pressure SettingThe standard pressure (29.92 inHg or 1013.25 hPa) used when an aircraft is flying at or above the transition altitude/level. QNH: Altimeter SettingThe altimeter setting (in hPa or inHg) which, when set, causes the altimeter to read the elevation of the airport when the aircraft is on the ground. QUEBEC: QPhonetic alphabet for the letter Q. R-ATP: Restricted-privileges Airline Transport PilotAn ATP certificate with lower hour requirements (e.g., for university graduates) that allows a pilot to serve as a First Officer. RA: Radio AltimeterAn instrument that measures the aircraft's exact height above the ground (AGL) by bouncing radio waves off the terrain. RNAV: Area NavigationA method of navigation that permits aircraft operation on any desired flight path within the coverage of navigation aids. RNP: Required Navigation PerformanceA type of PBN that includes monitoring and alerting capabilities to ensure the aircraft is maintaining the required level of navigation accuracy. ROMEO: RPhonetic alphabet for the letter R. RTE: RouteThe defined path of an aircraft's flight. RVR: Runway Visual RangeThe distance over which a pilot can see the runway surface markings or lights from the touchdown point. SAR: Search And RescueThe operations carried out to find and assist people (or aircraft) in distress. SASL: Simple Authentication and Security LayerA framework for authentication and data security used in internet protocols, relevant to modern secure datalinks. SE: Single-EngineA class rating for aircraft with only one engine (e.g., Airplane Single-Engine Land). SHR: Shear (Wind Shear)A sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance, which can be hazardous to aircraft during takeoff or landing. SIC: Second-in-CommandThe pilot who is second-in-command and assists the PIC (also known as First Officer). SIDS: Standard Instrument DeparturesA published Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) departure procedure that provides obstacle clearance and a transition from the terminal area to the appropriate en route structure. SIERRA: SPhonetic alphabet for the letter S. SIGMET: Significant Meteorological InformationAn advisory concerning non-convective weather significant to the safety of all aircraft, such as severe turbulence or severe icing. SLIM: Switches, Lean, Ignition, MasterA mnemonic for the engine shutdown procedure, often used in C172s. SOP: Standard Operating ProceduresEstablished procedures that ensure routine tasks are carried out consistently and safely. SOS: Sisters of the SkiesAn organization of professional Black female pilots, focused on mentoring and community. SPD: SpeedRate of movement. STAB TRIM: Stabilizer TrimA control system that adjusts the horizontal stabilizer to maintain a desired pitch attitude, reducing pilot workload. STARS: Standard Terminal Arrival RoutesA published IFR arrival procedure that provides a transition from the en route structure to a point from which an approach can begin. STOL: Short Take-Off and LandingAircraft capability of clearing a 50-foot obstacle within 1,500 feet of starting takeoff or stopping landing. TAF: Terminal Aerodrome ForecastA concise statement of the expected meteorological conditions within a specified time period in the vicinity of an aerodrome. TANGO: TPhonetic alphabet for the letter T. TAS: True Air SpeedThe actual speed of an aircraft relative to the air mass in which it is flying. TAXI: Taxi TimeThe time allocated for the aircraft to move under its own power between the gate and the runway, and vice-versa. TCAS: Traffic Collision Avoidance SystemAn on-board system designed to reduce mid-air collisions between aircraft, providing advisories to pilots. TFR: Temporary Flight RestrictionA regulatory measure temporarily restricting aircraft operation in a designated area due to a hazardous condition, special event, or national security. TMA: Terminal Maneuvering AreaA designated area of controlled airspace surrounding a major airport where there is a high volume of traffic. TOC: Top of ClimbThe point at which an aircraft is planned to reach its cruise altitude after departure. TOD: Top of DescentThe point at which an aircraft is planned to begin its descent from cruise altitude to approach a destination. TOW: Takeoff WeightThe weight of an aircraft at the moment of initiating the takeoff roll. TRIP: Trip FuelThe fuel required from the point of takeoff to the point of landing. TT: Total TimeThe total flight hours logged by a pilot. UAS: Unmanned Aerial SystemsA term for drones and their associated control and communication systems. UNICOM: Universal CommunicationsA non-government radio frequency used at non-towered airports, often operated by an FBO, to provide airport information. UNIFORM: UPhonetic alphabet for the letter U. UNOS: Undershoot North, Overshoot SouthA mnemonic for magnetic compass turning errors when on a North or South heading in the Northern Hemisphere. UTC: Universal Coordinated TimeThe primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. Used in aviation (also called Zulu Time) to avoid confusion. V: Velocity (V-Speeds)A prefix for standardized aircraft speeds, such as V1 (Decision Speed) or V2 (Takeoff Safety Speed). V1: Decision SpeedThe maximum speed at which the pilot must decide whether to abort or continue the takeoff. V2: Takeoff Safety SpeedThe speed at which the aircraft may safely climb with one engine inoperative. VASI: Visual Approach Slope IndicatorA system of lights (usually 2-bar) that provides visual glide slope guidance; often older than or replaced by PAPI. VFR: Visual Flight RulesThe rules governing flight under conditions where pilots can operate by visual reference to the ground and other traffic. VICTOR: VPhonetic alphabet for the letter V. VMC: Visual Meteorological ConditionsWeather conditions that allow a pilot to fly by visual reference (VFR). VNAV: Vertical NavigationAn FMS mode that provides vertical (up/down) guidance to follow a pre-programmed altitude path (e.g., climbs, descents, step-downs). VOR: VHF Omnidirectional RangeA type of radio navigation system that enables aircraft to determine their position and track relative to the station. VSD: Vertical Situation DisplayA cockpit display that shows a side-view of the aircraft's flight path, including altitude and terrain. VTOL: Vertical Take-Off & LandingAircraft capability of taking off and landing vertically, such as a helicopter or some tilt-rotor aircraft. W/B: Weight and BalanceThe calculation process ensuring an aircraft is within its weight limits and the center of gravity is within the approved envelope. WAC: World Aeronautical ChartA chart for visual navigation that covers a larger area and uses a smaller scale than Sectional Charts. WAI: Women in Aviation, InternationalAn organization dedicated to supporting and promoting women in all aviation career fields. WARN: Weather, Approach brief, Radios, NavigationA memory aid for checks to perform prior to descent (pre-decent). WHISKEY: WPhonetic alphabet for the letter W. WOW: Weight on WheelsA sensor system on an aircraft's landing gear that detects if it is on the ground or in the air, controlling systems like spoilers and thrust reversers. WPT: WaypointA specific geographical location, usually defined by coordinates, used for defining an aircraft's route. WST: Convective SIGMETA weather advisory concerning hazardous convective weather (thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes) significant to the safety of all aircraft. WX: WeatherGeneral term for atmospheric conditions. X-RAY: XPhonetic alphabet for the letter X. XPDR: TransponderAn electronic device on an aircraft that responds to interrogation from air traffic control radar with a coded signal. XTK: Cross Track ErrorThe distance an aircraft is from the centerline of its intended course, displayed by the FMS or GPS. YANKEE: YPhonetic alphabet for the letter Y. Z: Zulu Time (UTC)A term for Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), the time standard used in aviation to avoid time zone confusion. ZFW: Zero Fuel WeightThe total weight of the aircraft and its contents (including payload, excluding usable fuel). ZULU: ZPhonetic alphabet for the letter Z.
Loading dictionary...
This is a list of all aviation acronyms, abbreviations, and mnemonics available in our dictionary.
