Engineering:List of aviation, aerospace and aeronautical abbreviations

Short description: Wikipedia list article

This is a list of aviation, aerospace, aeronautical and avionics abbreviations.

A

Abbreviation	Term	Note
A/A	Air to air TACAN function
A/C	aircraft
A/D	aerodrome
A/F	autofeather
A/FD	Airport/Facility Directory
A/P	Autopilot
AAE	above aerodrome elevation	In aviation, above aerodrome level (AAL), or above aerodrome elevation (AAE), denotes that an altitude is given above the nearest aerodrome or airport.
AAIB	Air Accidents Investigation Branch	United Kingdom
AAIM	Aircraft Autonomous Integrity Monitoring
AAO	assumed adverse obstacle
AAS	airport advisory service
AC	advisory circular	Information and guidance publication
ACAM	aircraft continuous airworthiness monitoring
ACARS	Aircraft Communication and Addressing Reporting System
ACAS	airborne collision avoidance system
ACC	area control centre
ACC	active clearance control	Turbine engine system
ACC	Accessory	In gas turbine engine
ACE	Actuator control electronics
ACFT	aircraft
ACI	Airports Council International
ACM	air cycle machine	Part of A/C air conditioning system
ACMS	aircraft condition monitoring system
ACP	Audio Control Panel
ACR	Avionic Communication Router
ACS1	Airman Certification Standards	FAA pilot testing
ACS2	Audio control system
ACU1	air condition unit
ACU2	alternator control unit	Protection from alternator over-voltage.
AD	airworthiness directive
ADA	advisory area
ADAHRS	air data attitude heading reference system
ADC	air data computer
ADD	acceptable deferred defect
ADF	automatic direction finder	Navigation equipment
ADI	Attitude Director Indicator
ADIRS	Air Data Inertial Reference System
ADIRU	Air Data Inertial Reference Unit
ADIZ	Air Defense Identification Zone
ADJ	Adjustment	Mechanical term
ADM1	aeronautical decision-making	Piloting term of judgment
ADM2	air data module
ADS1	air data system
ADS2	automatic dependent surveillance
ADS-A	Automatic dependent surveillance – address
ADS-B	Automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast
ADS-C	Automatic dependent surveillance – contract
ADV	Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher Verkehrsflughäfen	"German Airports Association"
AEA	Association of European Airlines
AESA	Active electronically scanned array
AFCS	automatic flight control system
AFD	autopilot flight director
AFDC	autopilot flight director computer
AFDS	autopilot flight director system
AFDX	Avionics Full-Duplex Switched Ethernet
AFE	above field elevation
AFIS	airborne flight information system	also called automatic flight information service
AFM	aircraft flight manual
AFS	aeronautical fixed service
AFT	Aft The direction against the aircraft movement
AFTN	Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network
AGACS	Automatic ground–air communications system	also known as ATCSS or data link
AGB	accessory gear box	mainly used in turbine engine
AGC	automatic gain control
AGDL	air–ground data link
AGL	above ground level
AHC	attitude heading control
AHRS	Attitude and heading reference system
AIDS	aircraft integrated data system
AIM	Aeronautical Information Manual
AIP	Aeronautical Information Publication
AIRAC	aeronautical information regulation and control
AIRMET	Airmen's Meteorological Advisory	in-flight advisory given over 126.7
AIXM	aeronautical information exchange model
ALI	Airworthiness Limitation Item
ALS	approach lighting system
ALT	Altitude
ALT	Alternate
ALUM	Aluminum
AND	Aircraft Nose Down
AMC	Acceptable Means of Compliance (EASA)
AME	Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
AME	Aviation Medical Examiner
AMM	Aircraft Maintenance Manual
AMO	Approved Maintenance Organization
AMSL	above mean sea level
AMP	aircraft maintenance program
AMT	Aircraft Maintenance Technician
ANSP	air navigation service provider
ANSP	Authorization of Aircraft Network Security Program (FAA)
ANPT	Aeronautical national pipe taper
ANSOG	Airport Network Security Operator Guidance (Boeing)
A/O	Air oil	In turbine engines
AOA	angle of attack
AOC	air operator's certificate
AOG	aircraft on ground
AOM	aircraft operations manual
AOM	airport/aerodrome operating minima
AP	autopilot
A/P	airplane (US), aeroplane (ICAO)
APP	Appendix
APPL	Application
APPROX	Approximately
APT	airport
APU	auxiliary power unit
APV	approach procedure with vertical guidance
AR	airworthiness review
AR	authorization required
AR	As required
ARC	airworthiness review certificate
ARINC	Aeronautical Radio Inc.
ARO	airport reservation office
ARP	aerodrome reference point
ARTCC	air route traffic control centers
ASAS	Airborne Separation Assurance System
ASDA	Accelerate Stop Distance Available
ASI	airspeed indicator
ASL	above sea level
ASLO	Aircraft Security Logging Overview
ASM	airspace management
ASM	available seat miles
assy	assembly
A/S	Anti-Skid
A/T	autothrottle
A/THR	Autothrust
ATA	Air Transport Association
ATC	air traffic control
ATD	actual time of departure	equivalent to off-block time
ATF	aerodrome traffic frequency
ATFM	air traffic flow management
ATIS	Automatic Terminal Information Service
ATM	Air traffic management
ATN	Aeronautical Telecommunication Network
ATO	Approved Training Organisation
ATPL	Airline Transport Pilot Licence
ATQP	Alternative Training and Qualification Programme
ATS	air traffic service
AVAIL	available
AWBS	Aviation weather briefing service	Available at designated FSS's
AWG	American Wire Gage	The larger the size number, the smaller the wire diameter.
AWIS	Aviation weather information service	Available at FSS
AWOS	Automated weather observation system	Automated METAR reporting system
AWWS	Aviation weather web site	In Canada

B

Abbreviation	Term	Note
BC	back course
BCAA	Belgian Civil Aviation Authority
BDC	bottom dead centre	Piston engine
BFL	balanced field length
BHP	brake horsepower
BITE	Built-In Test Equipment
BL	Butt Line
BME	Bridge Mounted Equipment
B/P	Blue Print
BPR	bypass ratio
BOM	bill of material
BTV	Brake-to-Vacate System	A new feature introduced by Airbus A380
BWC	bird watch condition
BVID	Barely Visible Impact Damage
BVR	Beyond Visual Range

C

Abbreviation	Term	Note
C2	command and control
CA	Captain
CAA	Civil Aviation Authority
CAM	cockpit area microphone	Part of a cockpit voice recorder
CAME	Continuing Airworthiness Management Exposition
CAMO	Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation
CAMP	Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (FAA)
CANSO	Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation
CAP	cabin attendant panel
CAR	civil aviation regulation
CARs	civil aviation regulations
CARS	Canadian Aviation Regulations
CAS	calibrated airspeed
CASS	Commercial Air Service Standards
CASS	continuing analysis and surveillance system
CAT	clear air turbulence
CAT	Commercial Air Transport
CAW	continuing airworthiness (EASA)
CBT	computer based training
CCRs	closed circuit mixed gas rebreathers
CCRs	constant current regulators
CDCCL	critical design configuration control limitation
CDI	course deviation indicator
CDL	configuration deviation list
CDU	control/display unit
CFIT	controlled flight into terrain
CFG	constant frequency generator
CFR	Code of Federal Regulations
CG	center of gravity
CH	Course Heading
CHDO	certificate-holding district office (FAA)
CHT	Cylinder Head Temperature (Piston engine aviation)
CI	cost index
CL	check list	a flight deck manual
CMC	central maintenance computer
CMM	component maintenance manual
CMO	Certificate Management Office	FAA
CMV	converted meteorological visibility
CMPA	complex motor-powered aircraft
CofA	Certificate of airworthiness
COTS	Commercial off-the-shelf
CPDLC	controller–pilot data link communications
CPR	Changed product rule	EASA
CRD	Comment-response document (EASA)	Part of rule making process
CRES	Corrosion resistant steel
CS	certification specification (EASA)
CSD	constant speed drive
CSO	cycles since overhaul
CSS	cabin services system
CSU	constant speed unit
CSCT	Configuration Item Signer Crater Tool	Boeing
CTAF	common traffic advisory frequency
CTR	controlled traffic region/control zone
CVR	cockpit voice recorder
CWS	control wheel steering

D

Abbreviation	Term	Note
D	Compass Deviation
DA	density altitude
DA/H	decision altitude/height (rel. to THR) See instrument landing system
DAH	design approval holder (EASA)
DBER	damaged beyond economic repair
DER	departure end of runway
DER	Designated Engineering Representative
DEU	display electronic unit
DG	directional gyro
DGPS	differential GPS
DGR	Dangerous Goods Regulation
DIA	diameter
DLR	German Aerospace Center / Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
DME	distance measuring equipment
DME	Designated Mechanic Examiner	A person appointed by the FAA
DMI	deferred maintenance item
DO	design organization
DOA	design organization approval	EASA
DOM	design organization manual
DODAR	diagnose, options, decide, act/assign, review
DOW	dry operational weight
DP	Departure Procedures
DR	dead reckoning
DTO	declared training organisation
DUATS	Direct User Access Terminal Service

E

Abbreviation	Term
EA	engineering authorisation
EADI	Electronic Attitude Direction Indicator
EAS	equivalent airspeed
EASA	European Aviation Safety Agency
EAT	expected approach time
EBOM	engineering Bill of Material
EBU	engine build-up
EC	engineering control (also E/C)
ECAM	electronic centralised aircraft monitor
ECET	end of civil evening twilight
ECR	Engineering Change Request
ECS	Environmental control system
EDR	engineering data record
EDTO	extended diversion time operations
EEC	electronic engine control
EET	estimated elapsed time
EFB	electronic flight bag
EFC	expect further clearance
EFFRA	engine failure flap retraction altitude
EFIS	electronic flight instrument system
EFP	engine failure procedure
EFS	elevator feel shift
EFTO	engine failure on take-off
EGPWS	enhanced ground proximity warning system
EGT	exhaust gas temperature
EHM	engine health monitoring
EHSI	Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator
EICAS	engine-indicating and crew-alerting system
E-LSA	experimental light-sport aircraft
ELAC	elevator and aileron computer
ELOS	Equivalent Level of Safety
ELT	emergency locator transmitter
EMAS	engineered materials arresting system
EMDP	electric motor driven pump
ENCASIA	European Network of Civil Aviation Safety Investigation Authorities
EOBT	estimated off-blocktime
EPA	European part approval (EASA)
EPR	engine pressure ratio
ERM	engineering request for maintenance
ESA	emergency safe altitude
ETA	estimated time of arrival
ETD	estimated time of departure
ETE	estimated time en route
ETL	effective translational lift
ETOPS	Extended-range Twin-engine Operation Performance Standards, see ETOPS
ETSO	European Technical Standard Order, issued by EASA; see TSO
EUROCAE	European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment
EVAS	emergency vision assurance system
EW	Empty Weight

F

Abbreviation	Term	Note
FAA	U.S. Department of Transportations' Federal Aviation Administration	Organisation
FADEC	full authority digital engine control	Engine equipment
FAC	Flight Augmentation computer	Avionics
FAF	final approach fix
FAF	[first available flight]	Airline operations
FANS	future air navigation system	Avionics
FAP	final approach point
FAP	forward attendant panel	Aircraft equipment
FAR	Federal Aviation Regulation	FAA regulation
FAR/AIM	Federal Aviation Regulation / Aeronautical Information Manual	bundle of FAA regulations and Aeronautical Manual
FAROS	final approach runway occupancy signal
FATO	final approach and take off
FB	Winds aloft	World Meteorological Organization abbrev. see also FD
FBO	fixed-base operator	Airfield operations
FBS	fixed base simulator	Flight crew training
FBW	fly-by-wire
FC	flight crew
FCF	functional flight check	Check functionality after maintenance
FCOM	flight crew operating manual	Aircraft operations
FCTM	flight crew training manual
FCU	fuel control unit	In turbine engines
FD	flight director	Avionics
FD	upper winds and temperature forecast	US and Canada abbrev. See also FB
FDM	flight data monitoring	Operations planning
FDR	flight data recorder (also known as black box)	Avionics
FDTL	flight duty time limitations
FEP	final end point
FFDZ	free fall drop zone (parachutists)
FFS	full flight simulator	Flight crew training
FIC	flight information centre
FIDO	Fog Investigation and Dispersal Operation	Airfield operations
FIKI	Flight Into Known Icing	Aircraft operations
FIR	flight information region	ATC
FIS	Federal Inspection Services
FISE	flight information service enroute
FL	flight level	ATC
FM	frequency modulation	Example: FM immunity
FMA	flight mode annunciator	Equipment
FMC	flight management computer (part of a FMS)	Avionics
FMGC	flight Management and guidance computer	Avionics
FMS	flight management system	Avionics
F/O	First Officer	Flight crew
FOD	foreign object damage	Airfield operations
FOO	flight operation officer	Person
FOQA	flight operational quality assurance
FPA	flight path angle
FPL	filed flight plan	ATC
FPM	feet per minute
FSDO	Flight Standards District Office (FAA)
FSF	Flight Safety Foundation	Organisation
FSIMS	Flight Standards Information Management System (FAA)
FSS	flight service station
FTD	flight training device	Flight crew training
FTL	flight time limitations
FVU	flux valve unit	Equipment

G

Abbreviation	Term	Note
GA	general aviation
G/A or GA	go-around	aborted landing procedure
GBST	ground-based, software tool	airfield operations
GCA	Ground-controlled approach	airfield operations
GCU	generator control unit
GEA	Ground effect area
GLOC	g-induced loss of consciousness	"g" is acceleration relevant to the acceleration caused by gravity
GM	guidance material (EASA)
GMM	general maintenance manual
GND	ground	airfield operations
GP	glide path	see instrument landing system
GPP	general practices and procedures
GPS	Global Positioning System	avionics
GPU	Ground Power Unit	Aerospace Ground Equipment
GPWS	ground proximity warning system	avionics
G/S	glideslope	avionics
GS	groundspeed
GSE	ground support equipment	aerospace ground equipment
GUMPS	Gas, Undercarriage, Mixture, Propeller, Seat belts/Switches	mental checklist before landing

H

Abbreviation	Term	Note
H	Heavy (in the context of wake turbulence categories)
H	High
HAT	Height Above Touchdown
HAZMAT	Hazardous Material
HBCS	High Bandwidth Connectivity System
HDG	Heading	Navigation
HDI	Horizontal Deviation Indicator
HFE	Human Factors Engineering
HFES	Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
HIGE	Hover In Ground Effect
HIRL	High Intensity Runway lighting	Airfield operations
HIRO	High Intensity Runway Operation	Airfield operations
HIRTA	High Intensity Radio Transmission Area
HIWAS	Hazardous Inflight Weather Advisory Service
HL	Height loss
HLD	hold	Maintain same altitude or speed or direction
HMG	hydraulic motor generator
HMU	hydro-mechanical unit	In turbine engine
HOGE	Hover Out of Ground Effect	Helicopter operations
HPA	human-powered aircraft	Aircraft type
HPC	high pressure compressor	In turbine engine
HPT	high pressure turbine	In turbine engines
HPTACC	high pressure turbine active clearance control	Mainly used in turbofan engines
HSI	horizontal situation indicator	Avionics
HUD	head-up display	Avionics
HUM	Human Remains
HW	headwind
HYD	hydraulic	Aircraft equipment
HYDIM	hydraulic interface module

I

Abbreviation	Term	Note
IB	Inboard
IAC	instrument approach chart
IAF	initial approach fix
IAP	instrument approach procedure
IAS	indicated airspeed
IATA	International Air Transport Association
ICA	Instructions for Continuous Airworthiness
ICAO	International Civil Aviation Organization
ICAS	International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences
ICD	Interface Control Document
ICO	idle cut-off
ICTS	Ice Contaminated Tailplane Stall
IDG	integrated drive generator	Combination of a CSD and generator in a single case
IDT	identify (XPDR)
IEPR	integrated engine pressure ratio
IETM	interactive electronic technical manual
IF	intermediate approach fix
IFA	International Federation of Airworthiness
IFATCA	International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations
IFE	In Flight Entertainment
IFP	instrument flight procedure
IFR	instrument flight rules
IFSD	in-flight shutdown
IGV	Inlet guide vane
ILS	instrument landing system
IMC	instrument meteorological conditions
IML	Inside Mold Line
IPC	Illustrated Parts Catalog (e.g. by Boeing, Airbus)
IR	Initial Release
IRS	inertial reference system
IRT	instrument rating test
IRVR	instrumented runway visual range
ISA	International Standard Atmosphere
ISFD	integrated standby flight display
ISIS	integrated standby instrument system
ITAR	International Traffic in Arms Regulations
ITT	interstage turbine temperature

J

Abbreviation	Term
JAA	Joint Aviation Authorities
JAR	Joint Aviation Requirements

K

Abbreviation	Term
KCAS	knots calibrated airspeed
KIAS	knots indicated airspeed
KRE	key risk element
KTAS	knots true airspeed

L

Abbreviation	Term	Note
L	Light	in the context of wake turbulence categories
LAHSO	Land And Hold Short Operations
LAME	licensed aircraft maintenance engineer
LCC	low-cost carrier
LCG	load classification group
LCN	load classification number
LDA	landing distance available
LDA	localizer type directional aid
LHO	live human organs
LIR	Loading Instruction Report
LKP	last known position
LLC	Life Limited Component
LLP	Life Limited Part	EASA, ICAO
LLZ	localizer (ILS)
LM	land and marine
LNAV	lateral navigation
LOA	letter of authorization	FAA
LOC	loss of control; localizer
LOFT	line-oriented flight training
LOM	limitation of movement
LOM	locator outer marker
LOTC	loss of thrust control
LPC	low pressure compressor	In turbine engines
LPT	low pressure turbine
LPTACC	low pressure turbine active clearance control	Mainly used in turbofan engines
LPV	localizer performance with vertical guidance
LRC	long range cruise
LRU	line-replaceable unit
LSAP	loadable software aircraft part (EASA)	introduced in RMP for technical records
LSAS	longitudinal stability augmentation system
LTC	line training captain
LTP	landing threshold point
LVP	low visibility procedures
LW	landing weight
LZ	landing zone

M

Abbreviation	Term
M	medium (in the context of wake turbulence categories)
MAC	mean aerodynamic chord
MAC	mid-air collision
MAP	missed approach point or manifold absolute pressure
MATS	Manual of Air Traffic Services
MBC	Main Base Check
MCAS	Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System
MCC	Multi Crew Coordination
MCDU	multifunction control display unit
MCH	Manufacturer Certificate Holder (TCCA); see also PAH and POA
MCP	mode control panel
MCT	maximum continuous thrust
MCDU	multi control display unit
MDA	minimum descent altitude
MDDR	maintenance deferred defect record
MDH	minimum descent height
MDM	multi-disciplinary measure (EASA)
ME	Manufacturing Engineer
MEA	Minimum En-route Altitude
MEDEVAC	medical evacuation
MEF	maximum elevation figure
MMEL	master minimum equipment list
MEL	minimum equipment list
MEP	multi-engine piston
METAR	meteorological aerodrome report (METAR)
MFD	multi-function display
MFRA	minimum flap retraction altitude
MH	magnetic heading
ML	maintenance laptop
MLDW	maximum landing weight
MLG	Main Landing Gear
MLS	microwave landing system
MM	middle marker
MOCA	Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude
MOE	maintenance organisation exposition
MORA	Minimum Off Route Altitude
MP	manifold pressure
MPL	multi-crew pilot license
MRB	Material Review Board
MRO	maintenance, repair, overhaul
MRO	maintenance and repair organization
MROT	Minimum Runway Occupancy Time
MRP	Material Resources Planning
MRW	maximum ramp weight
MSA	minimum safe altitude / minimum sector altitude
MSDS	Material Safety Data Sheet
MSL	mean sea level
MSLW	Max. Structural Landing Weight
MSTOW	Max. Structural Take-off Weight
MTOW	maximum take-off weight
MSZFW	Max. Structural Zero Fuel Weight
MVA	Minimum Vectoring Altitude
MX	Maintenance
MZFW	maximum zero-fuel weight

N

Abbreviation	Term	Note
NADP	noise abatement departure procedure
NDB	non-directional beacon
NDT	non-destructive testing
NGS	nitrogen generation system
NHA	next higher assembly
NIST	National Institute of Standards and Technology
NLG	nose landing gear
NLR	Netherlands Aerospace Research Centre
NNC	non-normal checklist
NORDO	no radio
NOTAM	notice to airmen
NOTAR	no tail rotor	helicopter control system
NPA	non-precision approach
NPA	notice of proposed amendment (EASA)
NPRM	notice of proposed rulemaking (FAA)
NRR	noise reduction rating	hearing protector attenuation
NRTC	nonroutine task card
NTZ	no-transgression zone

N numbers (turbines)

Abbreviation	Term	Note
N	compressor speed	N1, N2, etc. refers to specific compressor spool (in the order that air passes over them).
Ng	gas generator speed
Nh	high rotor speed
Np	power turbine speed
Nr	rotor speed (helicopters)	Np and Nr are typically shown on the same gauge with two needles, both expressed in percent, so that the pilot can tell if the power turbine is driving the rotor or if it is freewheeling.

O

Abbreviation	Term
OAT	outside air temperature
OBE	overcome by events
OBS	omni-bearing selector
OCA	obstacle clearance altitude
OCCM	on condition / condition monitored components
OCH	obstacle clearance height
OEI	one engine inoperative
OEM	original equipment manufacturer
OGV	outlet guide vane
OHM	overhaul manual
OIS	obstacle identification surface
OM	outer marker
OML	outer mold line
ONS	onboard network system
ONAT	Onboard Network Access Terminal
OTS	out of service
OPC	operational check
OPS/CHK	operational check
OW	operational weight

P

PJA || Parachute Jumping Area

Abbreviation	Term
P	(as a prefix:) prohibited airspace
PA	pressure altitude
PAH	production approval holder (FAA); see also POA and MCH
PANS-OPS	procedures for air navigation services – aircraft operations
PAOG	Pre Aircraft on Ground
PAPI	precision approach path indicator
PAR	precision approach radar
PATWAS	Pilot's Automatic Telephone Weather Answering Service
PAX	passenger
PBCS	performance-based communication and surveillance
PBD	place bearing distance (RNAV waypoint)
PBE	Protective Breathing Equipment
PBN	Performance-Based Navigation
PC	proficiency check
PCN	pavement classification number
PDA	performance degradation allowance
PDAS	public domain aeronautical software
PDG	procedure design gradient
PDM	pilot decision making
PDU	power drive unit (flap actuation)
PET	point of equal time
PF	pilot flying
PFAF	precision final approach fix
PFD	primary flight display
PIC	Pilot In Command
PICUS	Pilot In Command, under supervision
PIO	Pilot Induced Oscillations
PIP	performance improvement package
PIREP	Pilot Report
PJE	Parachute jumping exercise
PM	pilot monitoring
PMA	Parts Manufacturer Approval
PMG	Permanent magnet generator
PN	part number (also P/N)
PNF	pilot not flying
PNR	Point of No Return
POA	Production Organisation Approval (EASA); see also PAH and MHC
POB	persons on board
POF	Principles Of Flight
POH	Pilot's Operating Handbook
PPL	private pilot licence
PPR	prior permission required
PS	passenger step
PSR	point of safe return
PSR	power supply reset
PSR	primary surveillance radar
PSU	passenger service unit
PTCU	power transfer Control unit
PTF	permit to fly
PTT	push to talk
PYLD	payload

Q

Abbreviation	Term
QAR	quick access recorder
QCM	quality and compliance monitoring
QEC	quick engine change
QFE	the Q-code for: Atmospheric pressure at aerodrome elevation (or at runway threshold)
QNE	the Q-code for pressure altitude
QNH	the Q-code for: Altimeter sub-scale setting to obtain elevation when on the ground, i.e. altitude above MSL
QRA	quick reaction alert
QRH	quick reference handbook

R

Abbreviation	Term	Note
R	(as a prefix:) restricted airspace
RA	radio altitude or radar altimeter
RA	resolution advisory (in the context of TCAS)
RAAS	Runway Awareness and Advisory System
RAAS	remote airport advisory service
RAIM	Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring
RAREPS	Weather Radar Reports	Provided by Air Traffic Controllers
RAS	rectified air speed
RA(T)	restricted area (temporary)
RAT	ram air turbine
RCO	remote communications outlet
RDH	reference datum height for ILS
REO	Repair engineering order
RFF	rescue and fire fighting
RFI	recreational flight instructor
RGB	reduction gear box
RIA	regulatory impact assessment (EASA)
RII	required inspection items
RMI	radio magnetic indicator
RMP	Radio Management Panel
RMT	rule making task (EASA)
RNAV	area navigation
RNP	required navigation performance
RPL	Recreational Pilot Licence
RPL	repetitive flight planning
RPT	regular public transport
RQR	Required
RSA	runway safety area
RSR	en-route surveillance radar
RT	radiotelephony
RTB	return to base
RTF	radiotelephony
RTL	rudder travel limiting
RTO	rejected take-off
RTOW	regulatory take-off weight
RVDT	rotary variable differential transformer	In a turbine engine
RVR	runway visual range
RVSM	reduced vertical separation minima
RW	ramp weight
RWY	runway

S

Abbreviation	Term
SAR	Surveillance Approach Radar
SAS	stability augmentation system
SAT	Saturated Air Temperature
SB	service bulletin
SC	special condition
SCAP	Standard Computerized Airplane Performance
SCCM	senior cabin crew member
SDF	Simplified directional facility
SEP	Safety and Emergency Procedures
SEP	single-engine piston
SESAR	Single European Sky ATM Research
SESMA	Special Event Search and Master Analysis
SFCC	Slat Flap Control Computer
SFO	Senior First Officer
SFOC	Special Flight Operating Certificate
SID	standard instrument departure
SIGMET	Significant Meteorological Information
SLPC	single lever power control
SM	service manual
SMM	safety management document (ICAO)
SMOH	Since major overhaul
SMR	surface movement radar
SMT	software maintenance tool
SN	serial number
SOC	start of climb at missed approach
SODPRO	simultaneous opposite direction parallel runway operations
SOG	speed over ground (same as ground speed)
SOP	standard operating procedure
SOW	Statement of Work
SR	sunrise
SRM	structural repair manual
SS	sunset
STAR	standard terminal arrival route
STC	supplemental type certificate
STOL	short take-off and landing
STS	speed trim system
SVFR	Special visual flight rules

T

Abbreviation	Term	Note
TA	traffic advisory (see TCAS)
TAA	terminal arrival area
TAC	thrust asymmetry compensation
TACAN	tactical air navigation
TAF	terminal aerodrome forecast
TAI	thermal anti-ice
TAM	total airport management
TAR	terminal approach radar
TAS	true airspeed
TAT	total air temperature
TAWS	terrain awareness and warning system
TBO	time between overhauls
TBV	transient bleed valve	In turbine engines
TC	towering cumulus
TC	turn coordinator
TC	True Course
TC	type certificate
TCA	terminal control area
TCAS	traffic collision avoidance system
TCCA	Transport Canada's Civil Aviation
TCDS	type certificate data sheet
TCH	threshold crossing height
TCI	thrust computer indicator
TCU	terminal control unit	Air traffic control
TDZ	touchdown zone
TERPS	terminal procedures
TFC	traffic
TFR	temporary flight restriction	Airspace
TGB	transfer gearbox
TGL	temporary guidance leaflet
TGL(S)	touch-and-go landing(s)
THLD	threshold
TH	True Heading
THR	runway threshold
THS	trimmable horizontal stabilizer, see tailplane
TIT	turbine inlet temperature
TLD	time-limited dispatch
TLB	technical logbook (EASA)
TLS	transponder landing system
TMA	terminal manoeuvring area (Europe)/terminal control area (USA and Canada)
TMG	touring motor glider
TML	Toolbox Mobile Library (Boeing)
TMZ	transponder mandatory zone
TOC	Top of Climb (also known as T/C)
TOD	top of descent
TODA	take-off distance available
TO/GA	take-off/go around
TOP	take-off power
TOR	take-off runway
TORA	take-off runway available
TOW	take-off weight
TOWS	take-off warning system
TR	transformer rectifier
TR	thrust reversers
TP	turning point at missed approach
TRA	temporary reserved area (airspace)
TRACON	terminal radar approach control
TRE	type rating examiner
TRP	thrust rating panel
TSO	technical standard order	FAA specification of quality standard.
TTAF	total time air frame
TTSN	total time since new
TTSO	total time since overhaul
TWB	Transcribed Weather Broadcasts	Abbreviated area forecast
TWC	tail wind component
TWLU	Terminal Wireless LAN Unit
TWR	tower
TWY	taxiway

U

Abbreviation	Term	Note
UAS	Unmanned Aircraft System
UAV	unmanned air vehicle	commonly called 'drones'
UHF	ultra-high frequency
UIR	upper information region
UTC	Universal Time Coordinated	indicates time zones

V

Abbreviation	Term	Note
V	magnetic variation
V&V	video & vision
VASI	visual approach slope indicator
VBV	variable bleed valve	in turbine engines
VCR	visual control room
VCS	vehicle control service
VDP	visual descent point
VFR	visual flight rules
VG	vortex generator
VGM	voice generator module	see AWOS
VHF	very high frequency
VID	visible impact damage
VIGV	variable inlet guide vane
VMC	visual meteorological conditions
VNAV	vertical navigation
VNC	VFR navigation chart
VOR	VHF omni-directional range
VRS	vortex ring state	helicopter flight phenomenon
VSCF	variable speed constant frequency	electricity generation system
VSI	vertical speed indicator
VSV	variable stator vane	in a turbine engine
VTA	VFR terminal area chart
VTOL	vertical take-off and landing
VVI	vertical velocity indicator	same as VSI

V speeds

Abbreviation	Term
V1	speed at or above which takeoff cannot be safely interrupted
V2	speed at or above which takeoff can be done with 1 engine out
Va	maneuvering speed
Vfe	maximum flaps extended speed
Vle	maximum landing gear extension speed
Vlo	maximum landing gear operating speed
Vlof	lift-off speed
Vmc	minimum control speed
Vmca	velocity of minimum control in the air
Vmcg	velocity of minimum control on ground
Vmo	maximum operating speed
Vne	never-exceed speed
Vno	normal operating speed limit
Vr	rotate speed
Vra	rough air speed
Vref	reference touchdown speed
Vs	stall speed
Vso	stall speed in landing configuration
Vx	best angle of climb speed
Vy	best rate of climb speed

W

Abbreviation	Term
WAC	World Aeronautical Chart
WAT	weight, altitude, temperature: variables that affect takeoff performance
W&B	Weight & Balance
WCA	Wind Correction Angle
WDM	Wiring Diagram Manual
WEF	with effect from
WOCL	window of circadian low
WOFW	weight-off-wheels, indicates aircraft is off ground since lift off
WONW	weight-on-wheels, indicates aircraft is on ground since touch down
WS	wind shear
WTC	Wake Turbulence Category
Wx	weather

X

Abbreviation	Term
XC	cross-country
XMIT	transmit
XPDR	transponder
XPNDR	transponder

Y

Abbreviation	Term
Y	yaw or yaw angle
Y/D	yaw damper

Z

Abbreviation	Term
Z	Zulu Time (UTC)
ZFT	zero-fuel time
ZFW	zero-fuel weight
ZULU	Zulu Time (UTC)

See also

• Acronyms and abbreviations in avionics

References

Sources

• Aerospace acronyms Terms and Glossary
• Aviada Terminaro, verkita de Gilbert R. LEDON, 286 pagxoj.

External links

• Acronyms used by EASA
• Acronyms and Abbreviations - FAA
• Aviation Dictionary
• Aviation Acronyms and Abbreviations
• Acronyms search engine by Eurocontrol