Aviation Terms

A
Aircraft (JAR - FCL License)

A/C
Air conditioner Unit

A/G
Aircraft. Air Craft
A/T
Automatic throttle.
AAIM
Aircraft Autonomous Integrity Monitor

ABAS
Aircraft Based Augmenting System.

ABC
Aluminum-Brass-Chrome. Three main components
used in the production of engines that do not have
rings. Engines with aluminum piston, chrome or
nickel ...
ABL
Advanced Bimetallic Liner. A Specialized form of

ABN. Instead of a single-material plating,singlestep, the ABL Plating process is based on a layered
...
ABN
Aluminum-Brass-Nickel. The components used in

the production of non-ringed engines. These
engines use an aluminum piston, and a nickel
plated brass sl...
ABOVE GROUND LEVEL (AGL).
Distance between the aircraft and the ground

Synonyms: radar altitude;
ABSOLUTE
Fixed reference, as opposed to moving reference.

AC
Advisory circular
ACARS
Airline Communication and Reporting System.

ACAS
Airborne Collision Avoidance System

ACC
Area Control Center.

ACCELARATION
Rate of change of velocity, either scalar or vector,

often with subscripts such as ENU or XYZ to
denote the coordinate frame; time derivative of
veloc...
ACCELERATION EAST
Aircraft acceleration in true east direction; Symbols:

A sub E; Typical Units: ft/s-squared; Dimensions:
Length / Time-squared;
ACCELERATION NORTH
Aircraft acceleration in true north direction;

Symbols: A sub N; Typical Units: ft/s-squared;
Dimensions: Length / Time-squared;
ACCELEROMETER
An inertial device for measuring acceleration,

usually in three orthogonal axes (lateral X,
longitudinal Y, and vertical Z); accelerometers
usually co...
ACCEPT
To allow to proceed, for example with a position

update, usually by an operator; Compare: reject
ACCIDENT
Occurrence associated with the operation of an

aircraft which takes place between the time any
person boards the aircraft with the intention of
flight...
ACCURACY
Measure of exactness, possibly expressed in

percent; Compare: precision
ACG
ATM/CNS Consulting Group (Euro control)

ACI
Airport Council International

ACQUIRE
To begin reception of useful data

ACT
active, activated, activation message

ACTIVATE
To begin performing a mission objective, such as

flying along a radial of a radio station; usually refers
to a mode of radio navigation, such flying a...
AD
Directive; Maintenance or modification ordered by

FAA.
ADB
Aerodrome
ADC
Air Data Computer
ADCUS
Advise customs
ADD
Architecture Description Document

ADDR
Air data computer
ADF
Automatic Direction Finder

ADI
Attitude direction indicator

ADIZ
Automatic Direction Finder

ADLP
Airborne Data Link Processor

ADMINISTRATOR
means the Federal Aviation Administrator or any

person to whom he has delegated his authority in
the matter concerned
ADS
Automatic dependent surveillance

ADS-A
Automatic Dependent Surveillance

ADS-B
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast

ADS-C
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract

ADVERSE YAW
Yaw generated when the ailerons are used. The

lifting wing generates more drag, causing the plane
to yaw toward it.
ADVISORY
Automatic Direction Finding

AEA
Association of European Airlines

AECMA
Association of European Aerospace Industries

AEROBATICS
Acrobatic or stunt maneuvers in the air such as

loops, rolls, and others.
AERODYNAMIC COEFFICENTS
means non-dimensional coefficients for

aerodynamic forces and moments
AES
Aircraft Earth station

AFB
Air Force Base
AFCS
Automatic flight control system

AFD
Adaptive flight displays

AFDS
Autopilot flight director system

AFIS
Automated flight information system (AlliedSignal)

AFM
Airplane Flight Manual

AFT
Towards the rear. Used such as: "...with an aft

center of gravity...."
AFTER RUN OIL
A lubricant designed to displace unburned fuel in

the engine after running. The fuel can accelerate
corrosion on some engine parts. By using an
after ...
AFTN
Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network

AGA
Aerodromes and Ground Aids (AIP)

AGATE
Advanced General Aviation Transport Experiments

(NASA)
AGDL
Air-Ground Data Link

AGL
Above Ground Level. Used in reference to altitude,

e.g. 5000 ft AGL. See also MSL.
AGLO
Above Ground Level

AGR
Automatic flight control Sys.
AGR SLANT RANGE
Straight-line distance from the aircraft to a point on

the ground;
AHOV
Approach to hover
AHRS
Attitude-heading reference system.

AI
Altitude indicator
AIC
Aeronautical Information Circular

AIDING
A process by which one or more sensors provide

data to another sensor to produce results better
than any single sensor; aiding occurs at the data
sour...
AILERON
A control surface on fixed-wing aircraft, usually

mounted on the aft edge of wings, that controls roll,
and is controlled by the wheel; Symbols: delta...
AILERONS
Hinged control surfaces on usually the wing which

can change the wing`s lifting properties. Often
located near the tips. Used to bank the aircraft.
Th...
AIM
ATFM Information Message
AIM (AIRMANS` INFORMATION MANUAL)
A primary FAA publication whose purpose is to

instruct airmen about operating in the US airspace
system.
AIP
Aeronautical Information Publication

AIR CARRIER
Person who undertakes directly, by lease, or other

arrangement, to engage in air transportation.
AIR DATA
Values computed from pitot, static and temperature

measurements, usually by means of a digital
computer; ARINC 575 defines outputs.
AIR DATA COMPUTER (ADC)
A primary navigation data source. A navigation

sensor based on atmospheric data sensors; usually
measures static pressure, dynamic pressure, and
outsi...
AIR DATA DEAD RECKONING (ADDR)
Dead reckoning navigation based on simple

instruments as source (barometric altimeter,
magnetic compass, airspeed indicator, known wind
conditions); s...
AIR DEFENSE IDENTIFICATION ZONE(ADIZ)
The area of airspace over land or water, extending

upward from the surface, within which the ready
identification, the location, and the control of ai...
AIR GROUND RANGING (AGR)
Straight-line distance from the aircraft to a point on

the ground;
AIR ROUTE TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTER(ARTCC) OR CENTER
Facility established to provide air traffic control

service to aircraft operating on IFR flight plans
within controlled airspace and principally durin...
AIR TAXI
An aircraft operator who conducts operations for

hire or compensation in accordance with FAR Part
135 in an aircraft with 30 or fewer passenger
seats ...
AIR TRAFFIC
means aircraft operating in the air or on an airport

surface, exclusive of loading ramps and parking
areas
AIR TRAFFIC CLEARANCE
means an authorization by air traffic control, for the

purpose of preventing collision between known
aircraft, for an aircraft to proceed under specif...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
means a service operated by appropriate authority

to promote the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow
of air traffic
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL (ATC)
A service operated by the appropriate authority to

promote the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of
air traffic.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL (ATC).
Standard aviation term
AIR TRANSPORTATION
means interstate, overseas, or foreign air

transportation or the transportation of mail by
aircraft. Alert Area. An alert area is established to
infor...
AIR-MASS FLIGHT PATH ANGLE
Angle in vertical plane of earth speed vector and

groundspeed vector; occasional definition for flight
path angle; Compare: earth-referenced flight pa...
AIRAC
Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control
AIRBORNE GROCER
A device for barrage-jamming of Wurzburgs.

Extremely vulnerable to being homed onto.
AIRCRAFT
means a device that is used or intended to be used

for flight in the air
AIRCRAFT (AC)
A craft that flies in the air; either fixed or rotary

wing.
AIRCRAFT ENGING
means an engine that is used or intended to be

used for propelling aircraft. It includes turbo
superchargers, appurtenances, and accessories
necessary...
AIRFOIL
The shape of the wing when looking at its profile.

Usually a raindrop type shape.
AIRFRAME
means the fuselage, booms, nacelles, cowlings,

fairings, airfoil surfaces (including rotors but
excluding propellers and rotating airfoils of
engines)...
AIRPLANE
means an engine-driven fixed-wing aircraft heavier

than air, that is supported in flight by the dynamic
reaction of the air against its wings
AIRPORT
An area on land or water that is used or intended to

be used for the landing and takeoff of aircraft and
includes its buildings and facilities, if any...
AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER(ATCT)
A terminal facility that uses air/ground

communications, visual signaling, and other
devices to provide ATC services to aircraft
operating in the vici...
AIRSHIP
means an engine-driven lighter-than-air aircraft that

can be steered
AIRSPEED
The speed of an aircraft relative to its surrounding

air mass. See: calibrated airspeed; indicated
airspeed; true airspeed.
AIRSPEED (AS, A/S)
See Also: state data, true airspeed, indicated

airspeed, calibrated airspeed; Symbols: V sub A/S;
Typical Units: kt, ft/s; Dimensions: Length / Time;
AIRSPEED INDICATOR
An onboard instrument which registers velocity

through the air, in miles per hour or in knots.
AIRY
A standard model for computing earth data

AIS
Aeronautical Information Service

ALIGHNMENT
A basic control to a data source from controls and

displays to align a device. Also a procedure to align
physical devices, usually navigation sensors,...
ALL-WEATHER FIGHTER/INTERCEPTOR
-equipped jet fighter airplane which can operate at

night or in the worst weather.
ALS
approach light system.

ALT
Altitude
ALTERNATE AIRPORT
means an airport at which an aircraft may land if a

landing at the intended airport becomes
inadvisable
ALTIDUTE GAIN (KALTINT)
A guidance control law parameter, generated by

the vertical guidance modes; varies control
authority of the altitude integral in vertical guidance,
to...
ALTIMETER
An onboard instrument which senses air pressure

in order to gauge altitude.
ALTIMETER SETTING
The barometric pressure reading used to adjust a

pressure altimeter for variations in existing
atmospheric pressure or to the standard altimeter
setti...
ALTINTVAL
Altitude integral input

ALTITUDE
Height, usually with respect to the terrain below

(radar altitude, feet above closest dirt) or fixed
earth reference (barometric altitude, feet above ...
ALTITUDE ENGINE
means a reciprocating aircraft engine having a

rated takeoff power that is producible from sea
level to an established higher altitude
ALTITUDE ERROR
A basic output from guidance to flight director,

indicating the difference between actual altitude
and desired altitude; Symbols: DELTA h; Typical
Uni...
ALTITUDE ERROR SCALE FACTOR(KZSF)

the vertical guidance modes; varies control
authority of vertical guidance
ALTITUDE INTEGRAL INPUT (ALTINTVAL).

the vertical guidance modes; a reference altitude
for reducing steady-state errors in altitude error
Ty...
ALTITUDE INTEGRAL LIMIT (INTMAGLIM).

the vertical guidance modes; limits the magnitude
of altitude integral value Typical Units: ft; Dimensi...
ALTN
Alternate
ALTP
Airline Transport Pilot`s License)

AM
Amplitude modulation
AMC
Acceptable Means of Compliance

AME
Aviation Medical Examiner (U.S.)

AMIE
AIS Met Information Equipment (Swiss Computer

Self Briefing System)
AMLCD
Active-matrix liquid crystal display.

AMPHIBIAN
An aircraft that can fly off of water or land. The

wheels retract into the hull or floats, depending
upon the type of aircraft. An amphibian can land ...
AMS
Aero Medical Services

AMSL
Above mean sea level
ANGEL OF ATTACK
The difference between pitch and the airreferenced flight path angle; the angle between the
aircraft center line and the airspeed vector in the
verti...
ANGEL OF ATTACK (AOA)
The angle between the chord line of the wing of an

aircraft and the relative wind.
ANGLE OF ATTACK
The angle that the wing penetrates the air. As the

angle of attack increases so does lift, up to a point
(and drag).
ANGULAR ACCELERATION
Rate of change of angular velocity, either scalar or

vector, often with subscripts such as XYZ to denote
the coordinate frame; time derivative of angu...
ANGULAR POSITION
Amount of rotation about an axis, either scalar or

vector, often with subscripts such as XYZ to denote
the coordinate frame; time integral of angular ...
ANGULAR VELOCITY
Rate of change of rotation about an axis, either

scalar or vector, often with subscripts such as XYZ
to denote the coordinate frame; time derivative o...
ANM
ATFM Notification Message

ANNUAL
Mandatory inspection of airframe and power plant

that occurs every 12 months.
ANNUNCIATOR
Any one of warning, caution, or advisory;

Synonyms: alert;
ANR
Air Navigation Routes

ANS
Active Noise System

ANSP
Air Navigation Services

ANT
Airspace Navigation Team (Euro control)

AO
Aircraft Operator
AOC
Airline Operations Centre

AOPA
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

AOR
Aero of Responsibility
AOWIR
Aircraft Operator What-If Reroute (CFMU/IFPS)

AP
Auto Pilot
APERIODIC
A process that executes based on events rather

than a fixed rate, it is not synchronized to other
processes of interest; Compare: periodic;
APP
Approach (Control)
APPLIANCE
means any instrument, mechanism, equipment,

part, apparatus, appurtenance, or accessory,
including communications equipment, that is used
or intended ...
APPR
Approach
APPROACH (APPR)
To fly towards a point; a basic guidance mode,

providing lateral guidance, longitudinal guidance,
and vertical guidance to a point at an operator
sele...
APPROACH SPEED
The recommended speed contained in aircraft

manuals used by pilots when making an approach
to landing. This speed will vary for different
segments of ...
APPROACH TO HOVER (AHOV)
Hover approach of a rotary wing aircraft.

APPROVED
unless used with reference to another person,

means approved by the Administrator
APR
Auxiliary Power Reserve

APRON
A defined area on an airport or heliport intended to

accommodate aircraft for purposes of loading or
unloading passengers or cargo, refueling, parking...
APU
Auxiliary power unit

ARCID
Aircraft Identification
AREA
The number of square inches (or feet) of the wing.

It`s the wingspan multiplied by the wing`s chord.
The area of a tapered wing is the wingspan
multip...
AREA NAVIGATION (RNAV)
means a method of navigation that permits aircraft

operations on any desired course within the
coverage of station-referenced navigation signals
or wi...
AREA NAVIGATION LOW ROUTE
means an area navigation route within the airspace

extending upward from 1,200 feet above the
surface of the earth to, but not including, 18,000
feet ...
AREA NAVIGATION ROUTE
means an area navigation route within the airspace

extending upward from, and including, 18,000 feet
MSL to flight level 450
ARF
Almost Ready to Fly. A prefabricated aircraft.

ARINC
Aeronautical Radio, Inc. A nonprofit corporation

owned by member airlines to define form, fit, and
function of avionics equipment and to provide
radio...
ARINC 419
Digital information transfer characteristics as

applied in ARINC 500-series equipment
specifications.
ARINC 547
Digital specification for ILS reference sensors.

ARINC 561
Inertial navigation system specifications.
ARINC 568
Inertial sensor DME reference specification.

ARINC 571
Inertial sensor attitude-heading reference system

specifications.
ARINC 575
Digital air-data system specifications.
ARINC 700-SERIES
All-digital equipment specifications for newgeneration transport category aircraft.

ARINC 743
All-digital specifications for FANS-1 compatibility.

ARM
To strive for a mission objective, such as flying

toward a radial of a radio station; usually refers to a
mode of radio navigation, such as striving t...
ARMED FORCES
means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps,

and Coast Guard, including their regular and
reserve components and members serving without
component s...
ARN
ATS Route Network

ARNS
Aeronautical Radio Navigation Services
ARO
Air Traffic Services Reporting Office (or Airport

Reporting Office)
ARP
Airport Reference Point

ARR
Arrival
ASA
Auto land status annunciator.

ASAP
As soon as possible
ASAS
Airborne Separation Assurance system

ASCB
Avionics standard communication bus (Honeywell)

ASDIC
:, (Allied Submarine Investigation Committee), a

ship-borne sonic detection system first developed
in 1917.
ASF
Air Safety Foundation (AOPA-USA)

ASL
Above sea level
ASM
Air Space Management

ASPECT RATIO
The wingspan divided by the chord. Aspect ratio is

important where a wing`s efficiency is concerned. A
short aspect ratio (short wings) is better for ...
ASPH
Asphalt Runway
ASPIDISTRA
Codename for the ground transmitters operating

the DARTBOARD interference system
ASR
means airport surveillance radar.
ASTRONOMICAL LATITUDE
Latitude measured with respect to vector of

apparent gravity; Compare: geocentric latitude,
geodetic latitude; Symbols: Phi sub A; Typical
Units: rad,...
ASV
Air to Surface Vessel. An airborne or ship borne

radar used to detect surfaced U-boats and other
surface vessels.
ATA
Actual Time of Arrival

ATC
Air Traffic Control. A service operated by

appropriate authority to promote the safe, orderly
and expeditious flow of air traffic.
ATCO
Air Traffic Control
ATD
Actual Time of Departure

ATE
Actual Time Enroute

ATFM
Air Traffic Flow Management

ATI AND ATR
ARINC form factors.

ATIR
Air Traffic Incident Report ("Near-Miss Report")

ATIS
Automatic Terminal Information Service

ATM
Air traffic management.
ATMOSPHERIC DATA
Air Traffic Control
ATN
Air Traffic Management

ATP
Airline Transport Pilot (the "highest" grade of pilot

certificate)
ATPL
Airline Transport Pilot (`s License)

ATS
Air Traffic Services

ATSP
Air Traffic Service Provider
ATTIDUDE HEADING REFERENCE SYSTEM(AHRS)
Combines information from a Magnetic Heading

Sensor with self-contained aircraft acceleration
data to provide attitude, heading, position, body
inerti...
ATTITUDE
The primary aircraft angles in the state vector;

pitch, roll, and yaw;
ATTITUDE INDICATOR
A vacuum powered instrument which displays pitch

and roll movement about the lateral and
longitudinal axes.
ATV
Adjustable Travel Volume. Used on many radio

transmitters to limit, or extend, maximum throw of a
servo. ATV can indicate having a single adjustment
w...
AUDIO PANEL
Electronic device used to switch between radios.

AUFKLRUNG
Reconnaissance
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL

AUTOGYRO
An aircraft equipped with a rotating wing, or rotor,

to sustain itself in the air, and a propeller to move
forward.
AUTOMATIC DIRECTION FINDING(ADF)
A basic guidance mode, providing lateral guidance

to a radio station. Equipment that determines
bearing to a radio station;
AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM(AFCS)
An automated system for controlling the primary

flight controls, often with built-in functions for
guidance and flight director, and sometimes radio
n...
AUTOMATIC TERMINAL INFORMATIONSERVICE (ATIS)
The continuous broadcast of recorded non control

information in selected terminal areas. Its purpose
is to improve controller effectiveness and to rel...
AUTOPILOT
A method of an automatic flight control system

which controls primary flight controls to meet
specific mission requirments,I.E. maintain a
heading or ...
AUTOROTATION
means a rotorcraft flight condition in which the

lifting rotor is driven entirely by action of the air
when the rotorcraft is in motion
AUX FUEL
Auxiliary fuel tanks.

AUXILIARY ROTER
means a rotor that serves either to counteract the

effect of the main rotor torque on a rotorcraft or to
maneuver the rotorcraft about one or more of ...
AVERAGING FILTER
A filter for combining multiple data sources, usually

of the same type, by adding with weighted
averages; a simple average of the data sources;
Compar...
AVGAS
Aviation Gasoline (piston aircraft fuel)

AVM
Avionics monitor
AWACS
Airborne Warning And Control System. An

electronically very souped-up Boeing 707.
(Pronounced "AY-wax.")
AWY
Airway
AXIS
The line around which a body rotates.

AZIMUTH
An angle in the horizontal plane, usually measured
with respect to body coordinates
B
Airspace ICAO Class B
BABLW
Bundesamt fr Betriebe der Luftwaffe
BACKLASH
Term describing the amount of play between gears,
or gear mesh. If too loose, the gear can slip, or
strip the teeth. Too tight, and excessive wear is ...
BALL LINK
Connection using a ball, and a link which rotates on
the ball. Used to connect the servo to a control
surface or lever.
BALT SEL
Barometric altitude select
BAND-PASS FILTER (BPF).
A filter that allows frequencies between two cutoff
frequencies to pass while attenuating frequencies
outside the cutoff frequencies; a band-pass filt...
BANK ANGLE
The angle between the horizontal plane and the
right wing in the lateral plane, positive when the
right wing is down; Synonyms: roll; Symbols: phi,
Ph...
BARN DOOR AILERONS

Larger, built up ailerons rather than an aileron from
a simple strip of solid wood like some kits have.
BARNSTORMER
A pilot who, in the early years of aviation, gave
airplane rides to people and performed aerobatics
for a fee.
BAROMETRIC ALTITDUDE SELECT(BALT SEL)
A basic guidance mode, providing vertical guidance
to an operator selected barometric altitude;
BAROMETRIC ALTITUDE
Height with respect to fixed earth reference (above
mean sea level); Synonyms: pressure altitude;
Symbols: h sub b; Typical Units: ft; Dimensions:
Len...
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE
Height with respect to fixed earth reference
(barometric altitude, feet above mean sea level);
Synonyms: pressure; Symbols: p sub a; Typical
Units: in...
BASE LOAD ANTENNA
A rigid, short antenna mounted to the aircraft. Used
to replace the longer receiver antenna.
BASIC OPERATING WEIGHT (BOW)
Empty weight typically equipped + unusable fuel
and trapped liquids + 2 pilots (400 lbs.) + supplies.
BAZL
Bundesamt fr Zivilluftfahrt (Swiss CAA)
BBJ
Boeing Business Jet
BC
Bus controller
BCD
Binary coded decimal.
BDY
Boundary
BEACON
A device, usually based on the ground, that aids in
determining position or direction;
BEAM WIDTH
The included angel of a weather radar interrogation
signal.
BEARING (BRG).
Direction on a compass; Synonyms: direction;
Symbols: B; Typical Units: rad, deg;
BEF
Before
BENDIX
Avionics mfgr.
BESSEL 1841
BFR
Biennial Flight Review (USA)
BFU
Bro fr Flugunfalluntersuchungen
BIAS
An offset applied to a measurement for error
correction; Synonyms: offset
BIG BEN
North Sea patrols undertaken by Bomber
Command to try to detect the guidance system of
the German V2 rockets.
BIG WING
A plan espoused by DRS Bader during the Battle of
Britain. A tactic to use five or more fighter
squadrons together. The plan was not workable
until af...
BINDING
What occurs when the friction at a joint is stronger
than the linkage.
BIS
Built-in simulation
BITE
Built-in test equipment.
BLACK THURSDAY
August 15th 1940. The day on which the Luftwaffe
took at least 90 losses.
BLADE BALANCER
Usually called a "prop balancer" for aircraft. Used
to ensure that the propeller and spinner are equally
balanced side-to-side to avoid vibration prob...
BLEED AIR
High pressure air ducted from engine to pressurize
cabin and other uses.
BLITZKRIEG
A tactic of aerial artillery in support of fast-moving
armor. The term was inaccurately applied to the
bombing of London and other British cities in 1...
BLONDE
An automatic camera which provided continuous
record of signals within a specified band, as
received by a cathode ray tube.
BODY
The aircraft, usually referring to a coordinate
system;
BODY COORDINATES
Coordinates referenced to the body of the aircraft;

See Also: XYZ; Compare: earth coordinates,
stability coordinates
BOEING
The Boeing Company, with headquarters in Seattle,
Washington, U.S., one of the nation`s largest
exporters. The company is a major U.S.
government cont...
BOOTS
Inflatable device on leading edge of wings and tail.
Used to remove ice.
BOOZER
RAF airborne device which warned that the aircraft
carrying it was being monitored by Wrzburg
BORESIGHT ANGLE
The angle between the center line of a sensor and
aircraft center line, either by design or by
misalignment;
BORESIGHTING
displays to bore sight a device; Also, a procedure
to align the center line of physical devices, us...
BORING HOLES IN THE SKY
Having fun flying an R/C airplane, without any predetermined flight pattern.
BPF
Band-pass filter
BRACING WIRE
A solid steel wire used to support the structure of
an airplane`s wings or fuselage.
BRAKE HORSEPOWER
means the power delivered at the propeller shaft
(main drive or main output) of an aircraft engine
BRG
Bearing
BRIAR
A ground transmitter operating in the 300-600 MHz
band used to jam enemy Wrzburg ground
receivers.
BRNAV
Basic RNAV (RNP-5 compliant)
BSE
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (or: mad cow
disease)
BSU
Beam steering unit.
BUDDY OR TRAINER BOX
Two similar transmitters that are wired together with

a "trainer chord." This is most useful when learning
to fly -- it`s the same as having dual cont...
BUILT-IN SIMULATION (BIS)
Function in avionics software that simulates
sensors, aircraft, and pilot, to exercise avionics
software (including navigation, radio navigation,
guid...
BUS CONTOLLER (BC).
Term defining role of device on a MIL-STD-1553
bus as being master; Compare: remote terminal;
C
Airspace ICAO Class C
C(-OFFICE)
Crew Office (AIS/MET)
C/R
Counter-rotating propellers.
CA
Abbreviation for cyanoacrylate. An instant type glue
that is available in various viscosities (Thin,
Medium, Thick, and Gel). These glues are ideal
fo...
CAA
Civil Aviation Authority (of a country)
CAB
Civilian Aviation Board.
CABIN PRESSURIZING
A mechanism used to maintain air pressure in an
airplane`s sealed cabin at a level suitable for
passengers.
CALIBRATED AIRSPEED
Calibrated airspeed is equal to true airspeed in
standard atmosphere at sea level.
CALIBRATED AIRSPEED (CAS)
The indicated airspeed of an aircraft, corrected for
position and instrument error. Calibrated airspeed
is equal to true airspeed in standard atmosphe...
CALIBRATION
displays for calibrating a device; Also, a procedure
to adjust physical devices so that they provid...
CAMBER
If you draw a line through the center of the airfoil
that`s exactly half-way between the top and bottom
surface, you get the mean airfoil line. Depend...
CANARD
The horizontal surface forward of the wing used to

control pitch. It`s found on very few aircraft. Also
the word used to describe aircraft that have a...
CANT ANGLE
Angle of nacelle mounting; Typical Units: rad, deg;
CAPS
Complete Aircraft Parachute System
CAPTURE
To attain an objective, such as reaching a radial of
a radio station; See Also: capture criterion;
Compare: activate, arm;
CAPTURE ITERATION
A test case to determine if an armed objective has
been captured; In avionics, an aircraft might have
an objective to fly to a radial of a radio stati...
CARBURETOR
The part of the engine, which controls the speed or
throttle setting and lean/rich mixture via setting of
the needle valve.
CARD II
CNS Applications Research
CARPET
Airborne jammer of German ground radar 300-600
Megacycle band. Later American developments
allowed a more precise use.
CAS
Calibrated airspeed
CASA
Calibrated Air Speed
CASTER
To swivel or rotate slightly.
CAT
Commercial Air Traffic
CAT I
Instrument Landing Category I (similar: CAT II, CAT
III)
CATEGORY
1) As used with respect to the certification, ratings,
privileges, and limitations of airmen, means a
broad classification of aircraft. Examples inclu...
CATEGORY A
with respect to transport category rotorcraft, means
multiengine rotorcraft designed with engine and
system isolation features specified in Part 29 an...
CATEGORY B
with respect to transport category rotorcraft, means

single- engine or multiengine rotorcraft which do
not fully meet all Category A standards. Catego...
CATEGORY I (CAT I)
An ILS facility providing operation down to a 200
foot decision height and an RVR of not less than
2,400 feet.
CATEGORY II (CAT II)
An ILS facility providing operation down to a 100foot decision height and an RVR of not less than
1,200 feet.
CATEGORY II OPERATIONS
with respect to the operation of aircraft, means a
straight-in ILS approach to the runway of an airport
under a Category II ILS instrument approach pr...
CATEGORY III OPERATIONS
with respect to the operation of aircraft, means an
ILS approach to, and landing on, the runway of an
airport using a Category III ILS instrument appr...
CATEGORY IIIA (CAT IIIA)
An ILS facility providing operation with no decision
height to and along the surface of the runway with
external visual reference during the final pha...
CATEGORY IIIB (CAT IIIB)
height limit to and along the surface of the runway
without reliance on external visual reference...
CATEGORY IIIC (CAT IIIC)
height limit to and along the surface of the runway
and taxiways without reliance on external vis...
CAUTION
A signal which alerts the operator to an impending
dangerous condition requiring attention, but not
necessarily immediate action (from MIL-STD1472D);...
CAVOK
Ceiling and Visibility ok (good VFR weather)
CAVU
Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited. Perfect flying
weather -- no major clouds, no major haze.
CB
Cumulonimbus
CBA
Cost-Benefit Analysis
CCLIM
Course cut limit
CDA
Continuous Descent Approach
CDI
Course Deviation Indicator
CDM
Collaborative Decision-Making
CDR
Conditional Route (FUA)
CDTI
Cockpit Display of Traffic Information
CDU
Control-display unit.
CEAC
Confrence Europenne de lÀviation Civile (see
ECAC)
CEILING
The heights above the earth`s surface of the lowest
layer of clouds or obscuring phenomena that is
reported as "broken," "overcast," or
"obscuration,"...
CENTER
An Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). See
Air Route Traffic Control Center.
CENTER LINE
Standard aviation term
CENTER OF PRESSURE
An imaginary point on the chord of an airfoil where
the total of all aerodynamic forces are assumed to
act.
CENTER-POD CONFIGURATION
A type of airplane whose fairly short fuselage is not
connected to the tail surfaces.
CENTRIFUGAL FORCE
The force created by a body`s tendency to follow a
straight path working against a force which causes
it to move in a curve, the resultant force which...
CEP
Circular error probability
CERTIFICATED AIRPORT
An airport operating under FAR Part 139. The FAA
issues airport operating certificates to all airports
serving scheduled or unscheduled air carrier ai...
CESC
Cescom Maintenance Program.
CFI
Certified Flight Instructor.
CFII
Certified Flight Instructor IFR (USA)

CFIT
Controlled Flight Into Terrain
CFMU
Central Flow Management Unit of Euro control
CG
Center of Gravity. For air crafting purposes, this is
usually considered -- the point at which the airplane
balances fore to aft. This point is critic...
CH
Center of Gravity
CHAIN HOME
An early form of radar using linked radar stations
on the east and south coasts of Britain to warn of
approaching aircraft.
CHANDELLE
A very steep climbing turn where the airplane
makes a 180 change of direction.
CHANNEL
The frequency number used by the transmitter to
send signals to the receiver. If radios transmit on
the same frequency, or channel, glitching will occ...
CHARGE JACK
The plug receptacle of the switch harness into
which the charger is plugged to charge the airborne
battery. An expanded scale voltmeter (ESV) can
also...
CHARGER
Device used to recharge batteries and usually
supplied with the radio if NiCad batteries are
included.
CHASTISE
Codename for the Dambusters` raid. 16-17 May
1943
CHF
Swiss Francs (Bankers` code)
CHICKEN STICK
A hand-held stick used to flip start a aircraft
airplane engine.
CHORD
The "depth" of the wing, its distance from leading
edge to trailing edge. One of the components used
to determine wing area. May vary from root to tip...
CHORD LINE
A line drawn from the leading edge of the wing to
the trailing edge.
CIA
CFMU Internet Application
CILO
Capacity Increase Lower airspace
CIRCULAR ERROR PROBABILITY (CEP)
A probability that a percentage of two-dimension
measurements will lie within a circle of given
radius, with the circle centered at truth or mean of
t...
CIRCUS
A fighter sweep over enemy territory, particularly
airfields to draw the fighters into battle.
CIV
Civil
CIVIL AIRCRAFT
means aircraft other than public aircraft. "Class":
(1) As used with respect to the certification, ratings,
privileges, and limitations of airmen, mea...
CLARKE 1866
CLARKE 1880
CLASS A ROTORCRAFT-LOAD COMBINATION
one in which the external load cannot move freely,
cannot be jettisoned, and does not extend below
the landing gear
CLASS B ROTORCRAFT-LOAD COMBINATION
one in which the external load is jettison able and is
lifted free of land or water during the rotorcraft
operation
CLASS C ROTORCRAFT-LOAD COMBINATION
one in which the external load is jettisonable and
remains in contact with land or water during the
rotorcraft operation
CLASS D ROTORCRAFT-LOAD COMBINATION
one in which the external- load is other than a
Class A, B, or C and has been specifically
approved by the Administrator for that operation
CLASS G AIRSPACE (UNCONTROLLEDAIRSPACE)
The airspace not designated as Class A, B, C, D or
E.
CLEARWAY
(1) For turbine engine powered airplanes
certificated after August 29, 1959, an area beyond
the runway, not less than 500 feet wide, centrally
located...
CLIMBOUT SPEED
with respect to rotorcraft, means a referenced
airspeed which results in a flight path clear of the
height-velocity envelope during initial climb out
CLR
Clearance (or cleared)
CLSD
Closed
CLUNK
Term used to describe the weighted end of the fuel
pickup line in the fuel tank. The purpose of this is to
ensure that the fuel pickup is always in th...
CLUTCH
The section of the drive train used to engage the
gear when throttle is increased, and disengage
while engine is at idle. This ensures that the
rotor ...
CMIC
Civil Military Interface standing Committee
CMOS
Complementary metal oxide semiconductor.
CMU
Communications management unit.
CNS
Communications, navigation and surveillance.
CNS/ATM
Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic
Management
COA
Certificate of Airworthiness
COAL SCUTTLE
A modification to an aircraft`s existing H2S
navigational radar to give a visual bearing every 30
seconds on a signal under investigation.
COCKPIT VOICE RECORDER (CVR)
Device that records crew conversations. Used in
accident investigations.
CODA
Central Office for Delay Analysis (Euro control)
COFA
Certificate of Airworthiness
COHERENT DETECTION
A technique used in certain ADF receivers to
improve useful range.
COLLECTIVE
A flight control operated by moving up or down with
hand in rotary-wing aircraft, primarily to control lift
(altitude); controls collective (total) pi...
COLLECTIVE CUE
A vertical flight director cue for rotary-wing aircraft,
primarily to control altitude, by changing power;
Compare: yoke cue; Symbols: Gamma sub
"VERT...
COLLINS
Avionics mfgr.
COM
Communications
COMBINED CENTER/RAPCON (CERAP)
An air traffic facility which combines the functions
of an ARTCC and a radar approach control facility.
COMMANDED
Controls given to a device, not that the device
necessarily obeyed the controls
COMMERCIAL OPERATOR
means a person who, for compensation or hire,
engages in the carriage by aircraft in air commerce
of persons or property, other than as an air carrier...
COMMON TRAFFIC ADVISORY FREQUENCY(CTAF)
A frequency designed for the purpose of carrying
out airport advisory practices while operating to or
from an airport without an operating control tow...
COMMUNICATIONS
How well equipment is communicating; Values:
operational, degraded, failed
COMMUTER
An air carrier operator operating under 14 CFR 135
that carries passengers on at least five round trips
per week on at least one route between two or ...
COMPLIMETARY FILTEROMPLEMENTARYFILTER
A filter in which the complement of the filter is
desired, giving the effect of a high-pass filter by
implementing a low-pass filter; a filter for com...
COMPOSITE VIDEO
Analog VOR receiver output before processing.
COMPUTER CYCLE
In a periodic, cyclical computer system, the most
basic, fastest timing loop
CONSOL
a kind of low or medium frequency long range
navigational aid
CONT
Teledyne-Continental (engine mfgr.)
CONTACT DIGITIZER
A mechanical device that converts analog
information to digital codes by means of electrical
contacts.
CONTINUOUS EQUATION
A mathematical relationship to describe a function

of time, expressed in terms of continuous time;
Compare: difference equation, differential
equation...
CONTINUOUS TIME
Time which can have any point expressed as a real
quantity, without regard for any specific interval or
processing rate; Compare: discrete time;
CONTINUOUS TIME (CW)
A radio carrier broadcast that does not have
modulation
CONTOL LAW
The mathematical definition of a system used to
control or to change the dynamic response of a
system;
CONTRAIL
Streaks of condensed water vapor created in the
air by aircraft flying at high altitudes.
CONTROL INPUTS
The controlling influences a pilot exerts on an
aircraft`s control surfaces.
CONTROL SURFACE
Any one of the various moveable portions of the
wings, tail surfaces, or canard.
CONTROL SURFACES
The moving, pilot-controllable parts of the airframe, including flaps, ailerons, rudders and
elevators
CONTROLLED AIRSPACE
An airspace of defined dimensions within which air
traffic control service is provided to IFR flights and
to VFR flights in accordance with the airspa...
CONTROLLED SPEED (CTS)
the longitudinal guidance modes; speed that is
being controlled Typical Units: ft/s, kt; Dimensions:
Le...
CONTROLLER ALTITUDE (CTALT)
the vertical guidance modes; altitude that is being
controlled Typical Units: ft; Dimensions: Length;
CONVENTIONAL GEAR
The landing gear arrangement where the airplane
has a main gear and a tail wheel.
COORDINATED TURN
A combination of control inputs that cause a
maximally efficient turn.
COPI
Communications
CORIOLIS ACCELERATION
Tangential acceleration caused by motion on a
radial on a rotating surface, in aviation, it is
acceleration in the earth`s longitudinal direction
caus...
CORKSCREWING
Evasive maneuver adopted by British bombers.
CORONA
British ground transmitter operating at 2.56 MHz
based at Rugby and Leafield. Used to transmit
confusing signals over the German night fighter RT
cont...
CORRECTED ALTITUDE
Measured pressure altitude corrected for
instrumentation errors
COUPLED
Describes operation of flight director in which
automatic flight control system causes flight
controls to follow commands from flight director or
erro...
COURSE
Towards a point at a specified course; Compare:
direct
COURSE CUT LIMIT (CCLIM).
the lateral guidance modes; limits the intercept
angle of the flight path with a desired course,
typica...
COWL
The large molded fairing around an engine. It
serves two purposes when done right: It helps the
airflow go smoothly around the front of the airplane,
...
COWLING
A removable metal covering placed over and
around an airplane`s engine (s)).
CPDLC
Controller-Pilot Data Link Capability (or
Communications)
CPL
Commercial Pilots License
CR
Class Rating
CRAM
Conditional Route Availability Message
CRCO
Central Route Charge Office of Euro control
CRE
Class Rating Examiner
CREEP BACK
The progressive dropping of bombs before the

target was reached.
CREEPING LINE SEARCH
A pattern of equally spaced parallel lines followed
for searching the ground from an aircraft; Compare:
expanding square search, sector search;
CREWMEMBER
means a person assigned to perform duty in an
aircraft during flight time
CRI
Class Rating Instructor
CRITICAL ALTITUDE
means the maximum altitude at which, in standard
atmosphere, it is possible to maintain, at a
specified rotational speed, a specified power or a
speci...
CRITICAL ENGINE
means the engine whose failure would most
adversely affect the performance or handling
qualities of an aircraft
CRM
Cockpit Resource Management
CROSS TRACK
Perpendicular to the course;
CROSS-OVER EXHAUST
A mechanism through which the exhaust from one
side of an inline engine is carried to the other.
CROSSTRACK DEVIATION (XTKD)
the lateral guidance modes; distance from the
aircraft to a desired course measured along a
perpendicul...
CROSSTRACK DEVIATION GAIN (KXTKD)
the lateral guidance modes; relative weighting of
cross track deviation in the lateral control law Typi...
CROSSTRACK DEVIATION RATE (XTKR)
the lateral guidance modes; rate of change of cross
track deviation Typical Units: ft/s; Dimensions: Le...
CROSSTRACK DEVIATION RATE GAIN(KXTKR)
the lateral guidance modes; relative weighting of
the cross track deviation rate in the lateral control...
CRS
Conditional Route System (FUA: "Temporary

Airways" on request)
CRT
Cathode ray tube.
CSDB
Commercial standard data bus.
CTAF
Common Traffic Advisory Frequency
CTALT
Controlled altitude
CTR
Control Zone
CTS
Controlled speed
CU
Cumulus
CUE
A indicator to an operator for control placement,
tells the operator where to place controls;
Synonyms: command
CURSOR
See: moving cursor, target cursor
CUST
Customs
CUTOFF FREQUENCY
The frequency at which the gain of a filter is at an
edge of a band, usually taken to be when gain is
0.5, or -3.01dB; the frequency at which the outp...
CVFR
Controlled VFR (still existing in some countries)
CVR
Cockpit Voice Recorder
CYCLES
Pertaining to turbine engines. Cycle begins with
starting, continues through full-power, and ends
with shutdown.
CYCLIC
See: longitudinal cyclic, lateral cyclic;
D
Airspace ICAO Class D
D.R.
DEAD RECKONING; system of navigation.
DA
Drift angle
DADC
Digital air-data computer
DAMPED FREQUENCY
The frequency of oscillation of an under damped

second-order filter; See Also: second-order filter;
Symbols: omega; Typical Units: rad/s, Hz;
Dimensio...
DAMPING RATIO
Control parameter for a second order filter.
Symbols: zeta;
DAP
Decision Altitude
DARTBOARD
Ground-based interference from "ASPIDISTRA" of
enemy RT and WT channels in the 300 kHz band.
DATA SOURCE OBJECT (DSO)
Software that receives data from a physical device,
translates the data into standard units, maintains
equipment status, and provides a common interfa...
DATA TRANSFER SYSTEM
Total pressure
DATA TRANSFER SYSTEM (DTS).
A device for transferring data with avionics, similar
to a diskette drive;
DB
Decibel
DC
Dual Control
DCA
Directorate of Civil Aviation
DCT
direct
DEAD RECKONING (DR)
A method of navigation based on basic information
(barometric altitude, magnetic heading, airspeed,
wind conditions) from best available source;
somet...
DEAD STICK
A term used to describe unpowered flight (glide)
when the engine quits running.
DECISION HEIGHT
with respect to the operation of aircraft, means the
height at which a decision must be made, during an
ILS or PAR instrument approach, to either cont...
DECISION HEIGHT (DH)
With respect to the operation of aircraft, means the
height at which a decision must be made during an
ILS, MLS, or PAR instrument approach to either ...
DECKER
Phosphorous coated rags transported in water and

designed to fire crops and forests. This tactic was
of little effect.
DEG
Degrees
DEL
Delay/delayed
DELAY
Delays are incurred when any action is taken by a
controller that prevents an aircraft from proceeding
normally to its destination for an interval of ...
DELTA
Difference; error.
DEP
Departure
DEPART FROM HOVER (DHOV)
A guidance mode providing lateral guidance,
longitudinal guidance and vertical guidance for a
set heading or bank angle, a set speed, and a set
climb ...
DEPARTURES
The number of aircraft take-offs actually performed
in domestic and international scheduled and nonscheduled passenger/cargo and all-cargo revenue
se...
DERIVATIVE
Rate of change, usually with respect to time;
Symbols: x dot, x prime, x sup (1), dx/dt, Dx;
DERIVED
Calculated values for which no direct measurement
exists; Compare: estimated, filtered, measured,
raw, selected, smoothed
DESALT
Desired altitude
DESIRED
What must be achieved in order to match a plan;
Synonyms: reference;
DESIRED ALTITUDE (DESALT)
the vertical guidance modes; altitude which
controlled altitude is attempting to achieve Typical
Units:...
DESIRED PATH
A trajectory in space determined by guidance to
meet the current mission objectives;
DESIRED SPEED (DESS)
the longitudinal guidance modes; speed which
controlled speed is attempting to achieve Typical
Units: f...
DESS
Desired speed
DEV
Deviation
DEVIATION
Difference from desired;
DEVICE
A piece of equipment, a subsystem; Synonyms:
physical device, unit
DF
Direction Finder
DFAD
Digitized Feature Analysis Data
DFS
Deutsche Flugsicherung AG
DG
Directional gyro
DGNSS
Differential GNSS
DGPS
Differential global positioning system. LA- prefix
refers to local area DGPS; WA- prefix refers to
wide-area DGPS signal retransmission schemes.
DGT REN
Differential GPS
DH
Decision Height
DHOV
Depart from hover
DIALED IN
Slang term for the condition in which the aircraft is
set up to fly smoothly and predictably. This is the
state where the mechanics and electronics wo...
DIFFERENCE EQUATION
Distance Measuring Equipment
DIFFERENT EQUATION
A mathematical relationship to model a continuous
function, expressed in terms of derivatives; Initial
conditions are usually given or implied. In avi...
DIGITAL MAP GENERATOR (DMG)
Digital equipment that produces map video, and
sometimes contains TRN; uses Digital Terrain
Elevation Data and Digitized Feature Analysis
Data; Displa...
DIGITAL TERRAIN ELAVATION DATA(DTED)
On a digital map, data for elevation of terrain;

DTED is usually provided by Defense Mapping
Agency; Compare: Digitized Feature Analysis Data;
DIGITIZED FEATURE ANALYSIS (DFAD)
On a digital map, data for cultural features such as
buildings and roads; DFAD is usually provided by
Defense Mapping Agency; Compare: Digital
Terrain...
DIGITZER
Any electronic device capable of converting
information to a digital format; usually refers to
encoding devices that convert sensed altitude into
a tr...
DIHEDRAL
The V-shaped bend in the wing. The upward angle
of the airplane`s wings with respect to the
horizontal. Typically, more dihedral causes more
aerodynam...
DIMENSIONLESS
No units, such as ratios; Synonyms: unit less;
DINA
An American improvement of MANDREL airborne
jamming device operating in the 95-210 MHz band.
Also named PIPERACK when used to counter FuG
220 AI radar...
DING
Minor dent or damage to the structure. Also, a nick
in a prop. Dinged props must be replaced.
DIRECT
Towards a point along the shortest distance;
Compare: course
DIRECTION
bearing.
DIRECTIONAL STABILITY
The tendency of an aircraft to keep flying the
direction its pointed.
DIRTY
Extension of gear, hook, flaps, etc. for slow speed
flight or landing.
DIRTY UP
Extension of gear, hook, flaps, etc. for slow speed
flight or landing.
DISCRETE TIME
Time divided into quantized intervals; in avionics,
time is usually divided into equal intervals to create
a periodic process; Compare: continuous tim...
DISCRETE-TIME EQUATION
A mathematical relationship to describe a function

of time, expressed in terms of discrete time;
Compare: continuous-time equation, difference
equatio...
DISTANCE
Method of measurement dependent on use;
Synonyms: range;
DISTANCE MEASUREING EQUIPMENT(DME)
Equipment for measuring distance, usually from an
aircraft to a ground station; usually part of a
Tactical Air Navigation system
DISTRESS
A condition of being threatened by serious and/or
imminent danger and of requiring immediate
assistance.
DITCH
To land safely somewhere other than a runway.
DIVERT
To change from a scheduled landing base to an
alternate airfield.
DLA
Delay (Message of an ICAO FPL)
DME
Distance Measuring Equipment.
DMG
Digital Map Generator
DNS
Doppler Navigation System
DOF
Distance Measuring Equipment
DOMESTIC OPERATIONS
Operations within and between: the 50 states of the
United States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United
States Vi...
DOP
Dilution of Precision (GPS)
DOPPLER
A technique for measuring velocity by radiating and
determining frequency shift
DOPPLER NAVIGATION SYSTEM (DNS,DPLR)
A navigation for measuring velocity by radiating and
determining frequency shift;
DORSAL FIN
An extension of the vertical fin forward of the main
part of the fin, and against the fuselage. On the
top, or "dorsal" side of the aircraft.
DOWN THRUST
Downward angle of the engine relative to the

centerline of the airplane. Down thrust helps
overcome the normal climbing tendency caused by
the torque ...
DP
Deal Pending
DPLR
Doppler navigation system
DR
Ded (deduced) reckoning.
DRAG
Force created by an airfoil moving through
atmosphere, opposite to the direction of motion.
The air resistance to forward motion. Drag can be
increase...
DRIFT
Slow, monotonic change in measured data
DRMS
Distance root mean squared.
DRUMSTICK
Ground based interference with enemy WT
transmissions in the 3-6 MHz bands
DSO
Data source object
DSP
Data Processing
DTED
Digital Terrain Elevation Data
DTK
Desired track
DTU
Data transfer unit
DUAL RATES
Radio function used to adjust control sensitivity.
DUAT
Direct User Access Terminal (US Computer SelfBriefing system)
DUNKEL-NACHTJAGD
- DARK NIGHT HUNT; German night fighter zone
not backed by searchlights
DUPLES
Separate channels for transmitting and receiving
DPPEL
The German version of WINDOW. Strips of silver
paper dropped to confuse the ground radars
E
Airspace ICAO Class E
EAA
Experimental Aircraft Association
EAD
European AIS Database
EAG
European ATFM Advisory Group
EANPG
European Air Navigation Planning Group (ICAO)
EARLY EXTENDED VALIDATION INTEGRATIONPROGRAM (EEVIP)
An FAA program, first implemented for the Boeing
777, to give "out-of-the-box" ETOPS clearance to a
new plane, rather than waiting for a couple of yea...
EAROM
Electrically alterable read-only memory, a type of
digital memory device.
EART-REFERENCED FLIGHT PATHANGLE
Angle in vertical plane of airspeed vector and
groundspeed vector; usual definition for flight path
angle; Compare: air-mass flight path angle;
Symbol...
EARTH COORDINATES
Coordinates referenced to the earth; See Also:
east-north-up; Compare: body coordinates, stability
coordinates
EARTH DATA
Environmental data related to the earth at some
point of interest; usually a function of latitude and
longitude
EARTH ECCENTRICITY
A measure of the degree to which the earth is
oblate; Symbols: epsilon;
EARTH MODEL
The earth model computes data related to the
earth. Most data is a function of position. Standard
models are: International, Clarke 1866, Clarke
1880,...
EARTH RADIUS
Radius of the earth, function of position, separate
radii for longitudinal radius and for lateral radius;
See Also: state data; Symbols: rho; Typical ...
EARTH RADIUS BEST SPHERE
Gaussian radius of curvature
EARTH RADIUS EAST/WEST
Prime radius of curvature
EARTH RADIUS NORTH/SOUTH
Meridian radius of curvature
EARTH SPEED
Total velocity measured with respect to a plane
tangent to the earth`s surface at the current
position; a vector composed of velocity north,
velocity ...
EAS
European Air Sports

EASA
European Aviation Safety Authority (planned to
replace JAA)
EAST-NORTH-UP (ENU)
A standard earth coordinate frame and sign
convention, where east, north, and up are positive;
vertical, or V, is sometimes used in place of up;
Synon...
EAST-NORTH-VERTICAL (ENV)
East-north-up.
EATCHIP
European Air Traffic Control Harmonization
Implementation Project
EATMP
European Air Traffic Management Plan
EATMS
European Air Traffic Management System
EATS
Empire Air Training Scheme
EBAA
European Business Aviation Association
EC
European Commission
ECAC
European Civil Aviation Conference ("Association"
of Europe`s CAAs)
ECI
Earth Centered Inertial
ECM
Electronic Counter-Measures.
ECOGAS
European Council of General Aviation Support
EDF
Electric ducted fan. A battery-powered fan (rather
than exterior propeller) driven aircraft.
EEC
Euro control Experimental Centre
EEPROM
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-OnlyMemory
EET
Estimated Elapsed Time
EFATO
Engine Failure At Take-Off (JAR-FCL)
EFDP
European Flight Data Processing
EFIS
Electronic Flight Instrument System
EFTS
Elementary Flying Training School
EGNOS
European Geostationary Navigation Overlay
System
EGT
Exhaust gas temperature indicator.
EHS
Enhanced Surveillance (Mode S, 2nd step)
EHSI
Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator
EICAS
Engine indicating and crew alerting system.
ELBA
Emergency Locator Beacon-Aircraft
ELECTRIC STARTER
A hand-held electric motor used for starting a
aircraft airplane engine. Usually powered by a 12volt battery.
ELEV
Elevation
ELEVATION
An angle in the vertical plane through a longitudinal
axis; height above mean sea level, usually of
terrain;
ELEVATOR
Pitch control. Causes the aircraft to raise or lower
its nose, resulting in a climbing or diving response.
Moving the elevator down causes the tail to...
ELT
Emergency Locator Transmitter (crash-activated
transmitter)
EMC
EATMP Management Committee
EMIL
; Nickname for the Bf109E
EMPENNAGE
The vertical and horizontal tail surfaces of an
airplane.
EN ROUTE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLSERVICES
Air traffic control services provided aircraft on IFR
flight plans, generally by centers, when these
aircraft are operating between departure and dest...
ENCAL
Encoding Altimeter
ENCODER
Displays aircraft`s altitude on ground-based radar
screens.
ENGINE
The methanol or gasoline fueled power plant used

in a aircraft. Two or four-stroke gasoline and glow
engines are very popular in aircraft. Four-stroke...
ENGINE COWL
A removable covering placed over and around an
airplane`s engine.
ENPLANEMENT
A revenue passenger boarding an aircraft.
ENPRM
Euro control (European?) Notice of Proposed Rule
Making
ENU
East-north-up
ENV
East-north-vertical
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Atmospheric data and earth data
EOBT
Estimated off-block time
EP
European Parliament
EPOXY
A two-part resin/hardener glue that is extremely
strong. It is generally available in 6 and 30-minute
formulas. Used for critical points in the aircra...
EQUIPMENT STATUS
Operational status of a piece of equipment
consisting of a status indicator and status words;
Synonyms: health;
ERA
European Regional Airlines Association
EROS
Brand Name for Oxygen Mask
ERPROBUNGS GRUPPE
Luftwaffe formation for the evaluation of new
tactics or techniques
ERROR
Difference between desired and measured data;
Synonyms: delta;
ESA
European Space Agency
ESC
Economic Social Committee
ESTIMATED
Data that is the result of filtering two or more
signals; Compare: derived, filtered, measured, raw,
selected, smoothed
ETA
Estimated Time of Arrival. The time the flight is

estimated to arrive at its destination.
ETD
Estimated Time of Arrival
ETFMS
Enhanced Tactical Flow Management System
ETOPS
Extended Twin-engine operations. FAA designation
of over-ocean flights far from possible emergency
landing strips, in which the possibility of engine ...
ETSI
European Telecommunication Standardization
Institute
EU
European Union
EUAPA
European Union Airplane Pilots Association
EULER ANGLES
Pitch, roll, and yaw
EULER PARAMETERS
Four parameters for specifying quaternion;
Symbols: e sub
EUR
European Region
EUROCAE
European Organization for Civil Aviation Equipment
EVEREST
EXPANDED SCALE VOLTMETER (ESV)
Device used to read the battery voltage of the onboard battery pack or transmitter battery pack.
EXPANDIG SQUARE SEARCH
A pattern of progressively larger squares (a "square
spiral") followed for searching the ground from an
aircraft; Compare: creeping line search, secto...
EXPEDITE
Used when prompt compliance is required to avoid
the development of an imminent situation.
EXPONENTIAL
This radio function allows the air crafter to adjust
the sensitivity of the control towards the center.
This will make the small stick motions very pr...
EXTENDED OVER-WATER OPERATION
1) With respect to aircraft other than helicopters, an
operation over water at a horizontal distance of
more than 50 nautical miles from the nearest s...
EXTERNAL-LOAD ATTACHING
means the structural components used to attach an

external load to an aircraft, including external-load
containers, the backup structure at the attach...
EXTROPOLATE
Function to determine values from two or values in
a table, when the given value lies outside of the
range of the table; usually linear but can be hig...
F
Airspace ICAO Class F
FA
Area Forecast (Meteo)
FAA
Federal Aviation Administration.
FADEC
Full authority digital engine control.
FAF
Federal Aviation Administration
FAILSAFE
A PCM function which moves servos to a pre
programmed position if transmitter signal is lost or
corrupted.
FAIRING
A shaped area used to smooth out, streamline, or
"fair", the joint between two members of an
airplane to reduce drag. A wing fairing joins the
wing an...
FANS
Future Air Navigation System (an ICAO project
group)
FAR
Federal Aviation Regulations. The laws under
which airmen in the US fly.
FAR 36 NOISE LEVELS
In order to meet FAR 36 Stage 3 requirements, the
maximum noise level permitted is: *Take Off 89.0
EPNdB *Sideline 94.0 *Approach 98.0
FAWP
Final Approach Waypoint
FBO
Fixed Base Operator
FBO (FIXED BASE OPERATOR)
The small but important building near the ramp and
runways of a small airport, from which airfield
activity is coordinated.
FCC
Federal Communications Commission (USA)
FCL
Flight Crew Licensing
FCM
Flight Confirmation Message

FCS
Flight control system
FD
Winds and Temperature aloft Forecast
FDE
Fault detection and exclusion (GPS)
FDP
Flight Data Processing
FDR
Flight Data Recorder
FDS
Flight Director System
FE
Flight Examiner
FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATION(FAR)
14 CFR FAR Part 91 - General Aviation (portions
apply to all operators) 14 CFR FAR Part 103 - Ultra
light Vehicles 14 CFR FAR Part 105 - Parachute
Jum...
FERRY FLIGHT
A flight for the purpose of: 1. Returning an aircraft
to base. 2. Delivering an aircraft from one location
to another. 3. Moving an aircraft to and fr...
FFAS
Free Flight Air Space (Euro control Definition)
FFON
Flight Phone
FI
Flight Identity (Code) - (Mode S Transponder)
FIC
Flight Information Center
FIDGET
Interference of enemy high frequency night-fighter
transmissions.
FIE
Flight Instructor Examiner
FIELD CHARGER
A fast battery charger designed to work from a 12volt power source, such as a car battery.
FIGURE 9
Can be an "official" competition maneuver, or a
badly-done loop. When the aircraft flies over the
top of a loop and picks up too much speed, the
momen...
FILTER
A device to alter a signal; software to alter a data
steam; See Also: averaging filter, band-pass filter,
complementary filter, first-order filter, hi...
FILTERED
Data that is the result of filtering a signal; filtering is
usually more sophisticated than smoothing
Compare: derived, estimated, measured, raw,
sele...
FIN, VERTICAL FIN
The fixed portion of the vertical tail surface.
FINAL
Used to mean an aircraft is on proper heading,
descent rate, airspeed, and altitude during runway
approach prior to landing, or to a target prior to w...
FIO
Flight Information Office
FIR
Flight Information Region
FIRE RESISTANT
(1) With respect to sheet or structural members
means the capacity to withstand the heat
associated with fire at least as well as aluminum
alloy in di...
FIREPROOF
(1) With respect to materials and parts used to
confine fire in a designated fire zone, means the
capacity to withstand at least as well as steel in d...
FIRST-ORDER FILTER-ORDER FILTER
A filter in which the output follows the input, only
more slowly; It is usually implemented in software
as a difference equation of period T. The firs...
FIS
Flight Information Service
FIS-B
Flight Information Service-Broadcast
FISHPOND
Device fitted to H2S to enable wireless operators to
scan beneath the bombers for night fighter attacks
from below.
FIX
A determination of one`s position based on external
data, such as a known terrain point
FIXED WING
An airplane, as opposed to a rotary wing /
helicopter;
FL
Flight Level, Altitude x100 = feet AMSL (FL 70 =
7000ft) at ISA
FLAK
Flieger Abwehr Kanonen. German anti-aircraft
guns
FLAME RESISTANT
means not susceptible to combustion to the point
of propagating a flame, beyond safe limits, after the
ignition source is removed
FLAMMABLE
with respect to a fluid or gas, means susceptible to
igniting readily or to exploding
FLAP EXTENDED SPEED
means the highest speed permissible with wing
flaps in a prescribed extended position
FLAPS
Hinged control surface located at the trailing edge
of the wing inboard of the ailerons that act together
to increase the lift characteristics of the ...
FLARE
The point during the landing approach in which the
pilot gives an increased amount of up elevator to
smooth the touchdown of the airplane. This
maneuv...
FLASH RESISTANT
means not susceptible to burning violently when
ignited
FLENSBURG
; (FuG 227) German air interception homing
device.
FLGHT PATH ANGLE (FPA)
Angle in vertical plane of earth speed vector and
groundspeed vector (usual definition), earthreferenced flight path angle; angle in vertical plane
o...
FLIGHT BOX
A special box used to hold and transport all
equipment used at the flying field.
FLIGHT CONTOLS
Controls in a cockpit for flying an aircraft; primary
flight controls are wheel, yoke, cyclic, pedals,
throttle, and collective; secondary flight cont...
FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM (FCS)
A primary flight control system or an automatic
flight control system;
FLIGHT DATA RECORDER (FDR)
An electronic device that records aircraft
maneuvers. Used in accident investigations.
FLIGHT DIRECTOR
System, usually software, that generates stick
position cues from state errors - typically three
cues:. pitch, roll, and throttle for fixed-wing and l...
FLIGHT LEVEL (FL)
A level of constant atmospheric pressure related to

a reference datum of 29.92 inches of mercury.
Each is stated in three digits that represent
hundre...
FLIGHT PACK OR AIRBORNE PACK
All of the radio equipment installed in the airplane,
i.e., Receiver, Servos, Battery, Switch harness.
FLIGHT PHONE
Air-to-ground telephone system.
FLIGHT PLAN
Specified information relating to the intended flight
of an aircraft that is filed orally or in writing with an
FSS or an ATC facility.
FLIGHT SERVICE STATION (FSS)
Air traffic facilities which provide pilot briefing,
enroute communications and VFR search and
rescue services, assist lost aircraft and aircraft in
e...
FLIGHT VISIBILITY
means the average forward horizontal distance,
from the cockpit of an aircraft in flight, at which
prominent unlighted objects may be seen and
identif...
FLIGHTCREW MEMBER
means a pilot, flight engineer, or flight navigator
assigned to duty in an aircraft during flight time.
"Flight level" means a level of constant atmos...
FLIGHTLINE
Where aircraft are parked between missions.
FLIR
Forward-Looking Infrared
FLOATS
Long, canoe-shaped structures that allow an
airplane to land on water. They are not a part of the
aircraft structure, but suspended below the
fuselage...
FLOS
Forward Looking Infra-Red
FLOWER
an intruder sortie, usually by Mosquitoes, against
German night-fighter airfields during bomber
operations.
FLT
Flight
FLUTTER
A phenomenon whereby the elevator or aileron
control surface begins to oscillate violently in flight.
This can sometimes cause the surface to break
aw...
FLUX VALVE
A device to measure the earth`s magnetic flux; a

compass
FLY OVER
A position update by flying directly over a known
point
FLYING BOAT
The type of aircraft where the fuselage has the
lower portion shaped like a power boat. The plane
lands on water directly onto the fuselage. There
may...
FM
Frequency Modulation. This describes the mode of
transmission of radio signal from transmitter to
receiver.
FMCS
Flight management computer system.
FMD
Frequency Modulation
FMS
Flight Management System
FNPT
Flight Management System
FOCA
Federal Office for Civil Aviation (Swiss CAA - see
BAZL)
FOD
Foreign Object Damage
FOG
Fiber-optic gyro.
FORE, FORWARD
Towards the front. Used such as: "...the forward
edge of the rib...", or as in: "...with fore and aft
movement...."
FOREIGN AIR CARIER
means the carriage by aircraft of persons or
property for compensation or hire, or the carriage
of mail by aircraft, or the operation or navigation
of...
FOREIGN AIR CARRIER
means any person other than a citizen of the
United States, who undertakes directly, by lease or
other arrangement, to engage in air transportation
FOREIGN AIR TRANSPORTAION
property as a common carrier for compensation or
hire, or the carriage of mail by aircraft, in
commerce b...
FORWARD ELEVATION
A control surface used to tilt an airplane up or down

and mounted on the front rather than the rear of an
airplane.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFRARED (FLIR)
Sensor equipment used to supplement AGR,
extend the aircraft visual search capability and
provide position information for guidance and
navigation upd...
FPA
Flight path angle
FPL
Flight Plan (for ATC)
FPM
Feet Per Minute. Unit of measure, used for ROC or
sometimes speed.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows all
U.S. citizens and residents to request any records
in possession of the executive branch of the
feder...
FREIJAGD
The use of Bf109s in independent, (usually high
altitude), fighter sweeps over southern Britain to
divert Fighter Command`s response.
FREQUENCY CONTROL
The FCC has allowed the 72MHz (72.010 - 72.990)
band to be used for R/C aircraft operations. This
band is divided up into many different channels in
w...
FREYA
:;; (FuG 221) A series of German early warning long
range radars.
FSDM
feet per minute (vertical speed)
FSDO
Flight Standard District Office (FAA USA)
FSS
Flight Service Station
FT
feet (approx 0.3 Meters)
FTD
Flight Training Device (lower category "simulator")
FTO
Flight Training Organization (Flight School)
FUA
Flexible Use of Airspace
FUEL
The methanol/nitro methane/lubricant mix used to

fuel aircraft engines. A helicopter fuel mix has a
higher concentration of lubricant to counter the l...
FUG (FUNK GERT)
a series of airborne homing devices used to
illuminate MANDREL, MONICA, H2S and ASV.
Later modifications permitted their use as search
radars for nigh...
FULL DE-ICE
Complete anti - and/or de-ice equipment installed
on wings, tail, props, and windshield.
FULL PANEL
All gyros necessary for instrument flight.
FUSE
Fuselage, main body
FUSELAGE
The body of an airplane.
FVS
Fliegerische Vor-Schulung
G
Acceleration force unit (1G = Earth Gravity
G-H
British two-station radio direction finding system
used as a bombing aid
G/S
Glide slope receiver and indicator.
G/S SEL
Groundspeed select
GA
Go around
GA
General Aviation and Aerial Work (all noncommercial civil aviation)
GAC
General Aviation Center
GAFOR
General Aviation Forecast (Weather)
GAIN
Gyro sensitivity. When too low, the tail will not hold
position well. When too high, the surface being
dampened by the gyro will tend to wag, or hunt ...
GAL
Gallons (usually US 3.78 liter, may be Imperial 4.54
liter)
GALLEY
On-board meal service equipment.
GAMA
General Aviation Manufacturers Association (USA)
GARDENING
RAF codeword for mine laying by aircraft
GAS DISCHARGE
A type of luminescent digital display.
GASSER
Slang for a aircraft using a gasoline engine as a
power plant.
GAT
General Air Traffic
GATT
General Agreement on Trade and Taxes
GAUSSIAN RADIUS OF CURVATURE
Radius of the earth for the best fitting sphere at a
given position; Synonyms: earth radius best
sphere; Symbols: rho sub G; Typical Units: ft;
Dimens...
GBAS
Ground Based Augmentation System
(DGNSS/DGPS/LAAS)
GCA
Ground Controlled Approach ("Talk-down")
GCI
Ground Communication Infrastructure
GCLP
Guidance control law parameter
GCR
Ground clutter rejection.
GEAR
Landing gear, the undercarriage and wheels of an
aircraft.
GEE
RAF navigational aid which could provide the
navigator with a fix from pulses transmitted by
three ground stations. Range approximately 300
miles.
GEN
General
GENDEC
General Declaration Customs Form see full size,
download zipped form,
GENERAL AVIATION
That portion of civil aviation which encompasses all
facets of aviation except air carriers holding a
certificate of public convenience and necessity ...
GENERAL ELECTRIC (GE)
Engine Mfr.
GEO
Geostationary Earth Orbit (Satellite)
GEOCENTRIC LATITUDE
Latitude measured with respect to horizontal

through mass center of the earth; Compare:
astronomical latitude, geodetic latitude; Symbols:
Phi sub C; ...
GEODETIC LATITUDE
Latitude measured with respect to normal to
reference ellipsoid; Compare: astronomical latitude,
geocentric latitude; Symbols: Phi sub T; Typical
Unit...
GESCHWADER
Luftwaffe formation approximately equivalent to a
Wing, comprising 90-120 aircraft divided into
Gruppen, each of 20-30 aircraft.
GFT
General Flight Test (JAR-FCL)
GHZ
Gigahertz (1`000 MHz or 1`000`000`000 Hertz)
GIMBALED INERTIAL SENSOR
Accelerometers mounted to a platform which is free
to rotate, with gyroscopes to measure rotation and
servomotors to maintain a fixed attitude with re...
GISELA
German intruder operation when the night fighters
followed the British bombers back to their bases
GLD
Glider
GLIDESCOPE
Angle approach a runway; Symbols: Gamma;
Typical Units: rad, deg;
GLITCH
Momentary radio problem that never happens
unless you are over trees or a swamp.
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)
A navigation sensor based on satellites; A Global
Positioning System (GPS) provides highly accurate
navigation data: position, velocity, and time refe...
GLONASS
Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System
(Russian GNSS)
GLOW FUEL
A Methanol based fuel, with a lubricating agent,
used in most aircraft engines. Most aircraft fuels
also use a percentage of nitro methane.
GLOW HEATER
This is the plug that is used to help ignite the fuel in
a aircraft engine. The combustion of the fuel in the
engine keeps the element hot between cyc...
GLS
GPS Landing System
GLU
GNSS landing unit. Provides precision GPS
guidance to the runway in Category III operations.
GM-P10
GM=Morocco, P10=Prohibited Area No. 10.
GND
Ground
GNSS
Global navigation satellite system.
GO AROUND (GA)
A basic guidance mode, providing lateral guidance,
longitudinal guidance and vertical guidance to
climb then to accelerate, while maintaining a
wings-...
GOLD CROWN
Trade name owned by King Radio Corp.
GPA
Groupe Parlementaire pour lÀviation
GPADIRS
Global positioning, air data, inertial reference
system.
GPH
Gallons (US) per hour
GPS
Global positioning system
GPS-DNS
Global Positioning System
GPS-INS
GPS using INS
GPWS
Ground Proximity Warning System
GRAS
Ground Proximity Warning System
GRAVITATIONAL ACCELERATION
Acceleration caused by the force of gravity;
Symbols: g; Typical Units: ft/s-squared, g;
GRAVITY
Force exerted by gravity; gravity sometimes
includes effects of the earth`s rotation; gravity is
often treated as a constant, but for greater
accuracy...
GRID NORTH
Standard aviation term.
GRIVATION
Symbols: nu sub g ; Typical Units: rad, deg;
GROSS-BATTERIEN
Large batteries of German anti-aircraft guns.
GROUND AIR
A/C unit to cool aircraft while on the ground.
GROUND EFFECT
The cushion of air that the aircraft rides on when
close to the ground. This will decrease the amount
of elevator needed to maintain a constant altitu...
GROUND GROCER
A jamming device used to interfere with FuG 202
and 212 AI radar
GROUND SPEED
The speed of an aircraft relative to the surface of
the earth.
GROUND TRACK ANGLE (GTA)
Direction of ground speed vector with respect to
true north; Synonyms: true track; Symbols: eta;
Typical Units: rad, deg;
GROUND VISIBILITY
prevailing horizontal visibility near the earth`s
surface as reported by the United States National
Weather Service or an accredited observer
GROUNDSPEED
The speed over the ground; earth speed projected
to a horizontal plane; Symbols: V sub g; Typical
Units: kt, ft/s; Dimensions: Length / Time;
GROUNDSPEED SELECT (G/S SEL)
A basic guidance mode, providing longitudinal
guidance to an operator selected groundspeed;
GRUPPE
subdivision of a geshwader, each group having 2030 aircraft assigned
GS
Groundspeed.
GSC
Ground Speed
GSM
General Standard for Mobile Communication
(Mobile phones)
GTA
Ground track angle
GTWO
Gross Take off Weight
GUIDANCE
System, usually software, that determines state
errors of desired state minus current state, typically
three states: heading, altitude, and speed;
GUIDANCE CONTROL PARAMETER (GCLP)
One of several parameters for the guidance control

laws, generated by individual guidance modes; See
Also: altitude error scale factor, altitude integ...
GUSTAV
Nickname for the Bf109G
GYRO
A mechanical or electronic device which helps to
stabilize the orientation of the aircraft by sensing
rotation, and moving the appropriate servo to co...
GYRODYNE
a rotorcraft whose rotors are normally enginedriven for takeoff, hovering, and landing, and for
forward flight through part of its speed range, and
w...
GYROPLANE
A rotorcraft whose rotors are not engine-driven,
except for initial starting, but are made to rotate by
action of the air when the rotorcraft is movin...
GYROSCOPE (GYRO)
An inertial device for measuring change of attitude
(pitch rate, roll rate, and yaw rate); gyroscopes
usually consist of a gimbled, rotating mass; gyr...
H
Helicopter (JAR-FCL)
H24
Operating 24 hours
H2S
?
HACK
An aircraft used for communications or recreational
purposes.
HAPPY VALLEY
; RAF nickname for the Ruhr industrial area.
HBSwiss nationality marks for aircraft registration
HDG
Heading
HDG SEL
Heading select
HEADER TANK
This is a small fuel tank used in line between the
main tank and the carburetor. The purpose of the
header tank is to ensure that the fuel fed to the ...
HEADING
Direction on a compass that aircraft is pointed,

measured with respect to true north or magnetic
north; Symbols: psi; Typical Units: rad, deg;
HEADING ERROR
indicating the difference between actual heading
and desired heading; Symbols: DELTA psi; Typical
Uni...
HEADING HOLD
This describes a type of Gyro which senses
rotation, and maintains direction. This is
accomplished by sensing the rate of motion, and
the time of moti...
HEADING LOCK
Slang term for Heading Hold Gyro.
HEADING SELECT (HDG SEL)
to an operator selected heading (magnetic heading
or true heading, again, operator selectable);
HEALTH
Equipment status
HEINRICH
German transmitter introduced to jam GEE.
HEL
Helicopter
HELICOPTER
A rotorcraft that, for its horizontal motion, depends
principally on its engine-driven rotors.
HELIPORT
an area of land, water, or structure used or
intended to be used for the landing and takeoff of
helicopters
HELLE NACHTJAGD
ILLUMINATED NIGHT HUNT; German night fighter
system backed by searchlights
HEO
High Earth Orbit
HERTZ (HZ)
Cycles per second, used to describe radio
frequencies; usually with the prefix k for kilo (one
thousand), M for mega (one million) or G for giga
(one ...
HF
High Frequency radio equipment.
HF COM
High Frequency Communication.
HG
High Frequency
HIGE
Hover In Ground Effect
HIGH-PASS FILTER (HPF)

A filter that allows frequencies above a cutoff
frequency to pass while attenuating frequencies
below the cutoff frequency;
HIMMELBETT
FOUR POSTER BED; German radar-backed night
fighter system.
HIRF
High intensity radiated field.
HIRL
High Intensity Runway Lights
HIS
Horizontal Situation Indicator
HIT (OR TO BE HIT)
Sudden radio interference which causes your
aircraft to fly in an erratic manner. Most often
caused by someone turning on a radio that is on
your freq...
HITS
Highway In The Sky (Flight/NAV display concept)
HJ
Operating hours during daylight
HMI
Human Machine Interface
HOGE
Hover Out of Ground Effect
HOL
Holidays (MON-TUE-WED-THU-FRI-SAT-SUNHOL)
HOLD
To maintain some aspect (s) of aircraft state, such
as heading, airspeed, altitude, pitch
HOOK
In the US Navy, a target cursor;
HORIZONTAL STABILIZER (STAB)
The horizontal tail surface at the back of the
fuselage which provides aerodynamic pitch stability
to the airplane.
HOT START
An engine which has been running will tend to
remain hot for a short time. During this period, it is
possible to restart the engine by turning the cra...
HOUGH
HOURS FLOWN
The airborne hours in domestic and international
scheduled and non-scheduled revenue service,
computed from the moment an aircraft leaves the
ground u...
HOVER
The art of flying without moving. This can also be
an illusion, depending on wind speed. For
airplanes, this is a 3D maneuver also known as a
"hanger"...
HOVER HOLD (HVR SYM)
and longitudinal guidance to maintain an operator
selected north velocity and east velocity; if the ...
HP
Horsepower
HPA
High-power amplifier.
HPF
High-pass filter
HQ
Horsepower
HUD
Heads-up display
HVR SYM
Hover hold
HX
Head-Up Display
HYDRAULIC LOCK
Hydraulic lock happens when the engine becomes
flooded with fuel, to the point where the piston
cannot compress it in the combustion chamber.
This can...
HYSTERESIS
A function in which the algorithm for computing
output changes at defined events or thresholds,
such that output follows one path as input
increases a...
IACA
International Air Charter Association
IAF
Initial Approach Fix
IAOPA
International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot
Associations
IAOPA-EUR
IAOPA European Region
IAS
Indicated airspeed
IAS-TFB
Indicated Air Speed
IATA
International Air Transport Association
IAWP
Initial Approach Waypoint
IBC
Ils Back Course
IBIT
Initiated built-in-test
IC
Interrogator Codes (II and SI codes)
ICAO
International Civil Aviation Organization (a UNSuborganisation)
ICD
Interface Control Document
ID
Identification
IDL
Interface Definition Language
IDLE THRUST
the jet thrust obtained with the engine power
control level set at the stop for the least thrust
position at which it can be placed
IDS
Infrared Detecting Set
IFF
IDENTIFICATION FRIEND OR FOE. Equipment
carried by aircraft of both sides which issued a
signal identifying it as friendly.
IFPS
Integrated Flight plan Processing System of Euro
control
IFPUV
IFPS Validation System (offline Route Verification
by Internet)
IFR
Instrument Flight Rules ("all" weather operations
rules) IG (al) Imperial Gallon (4,54 Liter)
IFR AIRCRAFT/IFR FLIGHT
An aircraft conducting flight in accordance with
instrument flight rules.
IFR CONDITIONS
weather conditions below the minimum for flight
under visual flight rules
IFR OVER-THE-TOP
operation of an aircraft over-the-top on an IFR flight
plan when cleared by air traffic control t...
II
Interrogator Identity (Code) - (Mode S
Transponder)
IINTERSTATE AIR COMMERCE
the carriage by aircraft of persons or property for

compensation or hire, or the carriage of mail by
aircraft, or the operation or navigation of aircr...
ILS
Instrument Landing System. A precision instrument
approach system, generally used to land at fields
experiencing weather.
ILS APPROACH
Instrument Landing System
ILS BACK COURSE (IBC)
Operation of ILS in which the runway is
approached in reverse direction, giving only lateral
guidance; Compare: ILS Front Course;
ILS FRONT COURSE
Operation of ILS in which the runway is
approached in forward direction, giving lateral,
longitudinal, and vertical guidance; sometimes
called ILS Com...
IM
Instrument Landing System
IMC
Instrument Meteo Conditions (weather requiring
IFR flight)
IMMELMANN
A maneuver originally used to reverse direction in
combat. The airplane noses up and over onto its
back. It then rolls upright and continues in the di...
IN
inch
IN-LINE ENGINE
An engine in which the cylinders are mounted in a
straight line or else in two, connected at an angle.
INCIDENCE
The angle of one portion of a aircraft when
compared to another portion of the aircraft. For
example, if the stabilizer is perfectly parallel to the
g...
INCIDENCE METER
Used to measure the angle of attack of an airfoil,
can be used to measure blade pitch, or paddle
pitch.
INCIDENT
An occurrence other than an accident associated
with the operation of an aircraft, which affects or
could affect the safety of operations.
INDICATED AIRSPEED
"" means the speed of an aircraft as shown on its

pitot static airspeed indicator calibrated to reflect
standard atmosphere adiabatic compressible flo...
INDICATED AIRSPEED (IAS)
The speed of an aircraft as shown on its pitot static
airspeed indicator calibrated to reflect standard
atmosphere adiabatic compressible flow at sea ...
INDICATED ALTITUDE
The altitude as shown by an altimeter.
INERTIAL
Based on inertia, such as with an INS or an AHRS
INERTIAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM (INS)
A totally self-contained system which requires no
information from outside references. Provides
aircraft position and navigation information in
respon...
INERTIAL NAVIGATION UNIT (INU)
A self-contained Inertial Navigation System;
INFRARED DETECTING SET (IDS)
Forward-Looking Infrared;
INHG
inches of Mercury (unit of pressure)
INITIALIZATION
displays for initializing a device. Initiated by poweron, operator, driver, or MC; During initiali...
INITIATED BUILT-IN-TEST (IBIT)
Self tests running internal to a device initiated
external to the device, usually an operator, causing
the device to temporarily cease normal operatio...
INNER MARKER
Innermost marker beacon on an ILS
INS
Inertial Navigation System
INSTRUMENT
means a device using an internal mechanism to
show visually or aurally the attitude, altitude, or
operation of an aircraft or aircraft part
INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULE (IFR)
A set of rules governing the conduct of flight under
instrument meteorological conditions.
INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM (ILS)
INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS(IMC)
Meteorological conditions expressed in terms of

visibility, distance from clouds, and ceiling less than
minima specified for visual meteorological con...
INSTRUMENT OPERATIONS
Arrivals or departures of an aircraft in accordance
with an IFR flight plan or special VFR procedures
or an operation where IFR separation between air...
INSTRUMENTATION
Hardware to measure and to monitor a system
INT
Interior
INTAKE
An air inlet on an aircraft. You can have a
carburetor intake, cooling intake, air conditioning
intake (on full-size aircraft), and so on. Named
becau...
INTEGRATE
To combine multiple systems; Also, to compute to
integral of;
INTEGRATED AVIONICS COMPUTER(IAC)
Central processor of a Honeywell integrated cockpit
system.
INTEGRATED AVIONICS PROCESSINGSYSTEM (IAPS)
Central processor of a colins integrated cockpit
system
INTEGRATOR
A function that integrates; Many types of integrators
exist; in fact, they constitute entire books. Avionics
software usually relies on rectangular, s...
INTERNATIONAL
INTERPOLATE
Function to determine intermediate values from two
or values in a table; usually linear but can be higher
order; endpoints are either extrapolated or ...
INTERROGATION
A request of data
INTERSTATE AIR TRANSPORTATION
property as a common carrier for compensation or
hire, or the carriage of mail by aircraft in
commerce: (...
INTLIM
Path integral limit
INTMAGLIM
Altitude integral limit
INTRASTATE AIR TRANSPORTATION

means the carriage of persons or property as a
common carrier for compensation or hire, by
turbojet-powered aircraft capable of carrying thirty
or mor...
INTVAL
Path integral value
INU
Inertial Navigation Unit
INVALID
An indication that data from a device is bad and
cannot be trusted
INVERTED
Flying upside down. Note that elevator and rudder
seem to work backward from the ground, as
elevator, aileron and rudder inputs are all based
upon the...
IPG
IPPL
National (ICAO) Private Pilots License (AOPA
internal abbreviation)
IR
Instrument Rating
IRE
Instrument Rating Examiner
ISA
ICAO Standard Atmosphere
ITC
Investment tax credit.
ITU
International Telephone Union, refers to certain HF
channels.
ITW
Initial Training Wing (Ground School)
IVSI
Instantaneous vertical speed indicator.
JAA
Joint Aviation Authorities (CAA of Europe)
JABO (JAGDBOMBER)
Bf 109s converted to carry 250Kg bombs and carry
out nuisance raids. A very effective tactic.
JAGD GESCHWADER
Luftwaffe day fighters
JAGDSCHLOSS
Rotating long range early warning radar
JAR
Joint Aviation Recommendation (as used in some
JAA documents, reported false!)
JAR-1
JAR on Definitions and abbreviations
JAR-145
JAR on Approved Maintenance Organizations
JAR-147
JAR on Maintenance Training
JAR-22
JAR on Sailplanes and Powered Sailplanes
JAR-25
JAR on Large Airplanes
JAR-36
JAR on Aircraft Noise
JAR-APU
JAR on Auxiliary Power Units
JAR-AWO
JAR on All Weather Operations
JAR-E
JAR on Engines
JAR-FCL
JAR on Flight Crew Licensing
JAR-MED
JAR on Medical
JAR-OPS
JAR on Flight Operations
JAR-P
JAR on Propellers
JAR-TSO
JAR on Technical Standard Orders
JAR-VLA
JAR on Very Light Airplanes
JERK
Rate of change of acceleration, either scalar or
vector, often with subscripts such as ENU or XYZ
to denote the coordinate frame; time derivative of
a...
JET PROP
Describes aircraft using turbine engines to drive
propellers.
JET STREAM
A migrating stream of high-speed winds present at
high altitudes.
JET-A1
Jet Fuel type A1
JOSTLE
British airborne jamming device to disrupt enemy
RT transmissions.
JPPL
JAR-FCL Private Pilots License (AOPA internal
abbreviation)
JSA
Joint Steering Assembly (JAA)
JUG
Nickname for the P-47
JURG
Joint User Requirement Group
K
Airspace Euro control Project Class K (all traffic
known)
KALMAN FILTER
A filter for putting together multiple data sources, of
different types, to return an estimate better than
any one source;
KALTINT
Altitude integral advantage.
KAMMHUBER-LI
RAF nickname for the zonal system of air defense
set up by General Joseph Kammhuber.
KAMPF GESHWADER;
Luftwaffe Bomber wing
KIAS
Knots Indicated Air Speed; IAS, in knots.
KINT
Path integral gain
KIT
A Kit is an unassembled aircraft, it arrives as
packages of parts it must be assembled, as
opposed to an ARF; Almost Ready to Fly, which is
mostly pre...
KITE
means a framework, covered with paper, cloth,
metal, or other material, intended to be flown at the
end of a rope or cable, and having as its only sup...
KLA
Reference Acceleration Gain.
KNICKEBEIN
German radio beam/beams used to guide bombers
to their targets.
KNOT
One nautical mile/hour, which is about 1.15 stature
miles/hour.
KNOWN ICING
FAA certified to fly into icing conditions.
KORFU
(FuG 351) German ground radar often used to
produce fixes on the bombers H2S equipment.
KOSIF
knots Indicated Air Speed.
KPH
Kilometers/hour
KPI
Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
KT(S)
knots true air speed (KT)
KTAE
Track angle error gain (KTAE)
KTAS
Knots True Air Speed (KTAS). TAS, in knots.
KVSF
Velocity error scale factor (KVSF)
KXTKD
Cross track deviation gain (KXTKD)
KXTKR
Cross track deviation rate gain (KXTKR)
KZSF
Altitude error scale factor (KZSF)
L-BAND
A radio frequency between 890 and 1550 MHz.
LAAS
Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS)
LAHSO
Land And Hold Short Operation. (to cross
intersecting runway).
LANDING GEAR (LG)
The assemblies this includes the wheels and the
wheel struts.
LANDING GEAR EXTENDED SPEED
the maximum speed an aircraft can be safely flown
while the landing gear is extended
LANDING GEAR OPERATION SPEED
the maximum speed at which landing gear can be
extended or retracted safely.
LANDING SKID
The rail type landing equipment used aircrafts
which have no wheels.
LAPLACE TRANSFORM
A mathematical relationship to model. A continuing
function in the complex frequency domain (Splane). Laplace transforms are usually used by
systems ...
LARGE AIRCRAFT
Aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds. Maximum
certificated takeoff weight
LASER IRS
An inertial reference system getting angular rate
information by measuring doppler shift between
two counter-rotating light beams.
LASER OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE/TERRAINAVOIDANCE SENSOR (OA/TA)

A sensor that warns for long, thin objects (IE: like
wires); it has at least a 20deg x 30deg FOV. Itis
both velocity tracked and pitch stabilized; it ...
LAT
Latitude
LATERAL
Related to latitude; across an aircraft left to right
LATERAL AXIS
The axis about which an aircraft pitches, extending
out along each wing.
LATERAL CONTROL
The ability to make an airplane roll, or turn around
its long axis, according to its pilot`s wishes
LATERAL CUE
A cue to control heading; lateral cyclic cue See
Also: wheel cue,
LATERAL CYCLIC
A flight control operated by moving left or right with
hand in rotary-wing aircraft, primarily to control roll
(heading); controls differential pitch ...
LATERAL CYCLIC CUE
A lateral flight director cue for rotary-wing aircraft,
primarily to control heading, by changing roll;
Compare: wheel cue; Symbols: Gamma sub "LAT";
...
LATERAL GUIDANCE
Calculations for the lateral axis of the appropriate
guidance modes. The control law lateral axis input
data are: Cross Track Deviation, Cross Track D...
LATERAL STABILITY
Stability about an airplane`s longitudinal (nose to
tail) axis.
LATITUDE
Position on earth, north or south of the equator;
See Also: astronomical latitude, geocentric latitude,
geodetic latitude; Symbols: Phi; Typical Units...
LBA
Luftfahrt-Bundes-Amt (German CAA)
LBST
Pounds of static thrust
LCD
Liquid-crystal display.
LDA
Landing Distance Available
LDG
Landing
LEADING AND TRAILING EDGES
The foremost and rearmost edges of a wing.
LEADING EDGE (LE)
The very front edge of the wing or stabilizer. This is
the edge that hits the air first.
LEAN
Refers to carburetor setting. When an engine is run
too lean it will overheat, causing damage, and likely
an in flight engine failure. Tuning a carbur...
LEAN RUN
This happens when an engine develops a lean
condition. Possible causes are improper tuning,
improper fuel choice, fuel foaming due to excessive
vibrat...
LED
Light-emitting diode.
LEG
A segment of a flight plan; flight path between two
waypoints
LEO
Low Earth Orbit
LF ADF
Low Frequency Automatic Direction Finding
LFR
low-frequency radio range.
LH
Left-hand
LI-R5
LI=Italy, R5=Restricted Area No. 5
LICHTENSTEIN
(FuG 212) German air interception radar
LICHTENSTEIN SN-2
(FuG 220) AI search radar effective at 2 miles
LIFT
Force created by an airfoil moving through
atmosphere, perpendicular to the direction of
motion.
LIGHTER-THAN-AIR AIRCRAFT
aircraft that can rise and remain suspended by
using contained gas weighing less than the air that
is displaced by the gas
LIMITER
A filter that passes the input to the output, except
that the output is limited to a minimum value and a
maximum value; Compare: rate limiter;
LIRL
Low Intensity Runway Lights
LLWAS
Low Level Wind Shear Alert System
LLZ
Localizer (approach system)
LMB
Light marker beacon.
LMM
compass locator at middle marker

LNAV
Lateral navigation guidance.
LOAD FACTOR
The ratio of a specified load to the total weight of
the aircraft. The specified load is expressed in
terms of any of the following: aerodynamic force...
LOADING
a.k.a wing loading. The load placed on the airfoil of
a flying machine. In the case of an aircraft, this
would be wing loading. Typically found by div...
LOC
Localizer receiver and indicator.
LOCALIZER (LOC)
Part of ILS that provides lateral deviations from a
preset course;
LOGBOOK
A pilot`s record of his flying achievements,
including flight time, takeoffs, landings, and
maneuvers mastered.
LOM
compass locator at outer marker.
LONG
Lateral Navigation (GLS)
LONGITUDE
Position on earth, east or west of the prime
meridian; Symbols: lambda; Typical Units: rad, deg;
LONGITUDINAL
Related to longitude; lengthwise along the center
line of an aircraft forward
LONGITUDINAL AXIS
The axis about which an aircraft rolls, extending
from nose to tail.
LONGITUDINAL CUE
A cue to control pitch; longitudinal cyclic cue See
Also: throttle cue,
LONGITUDINAL CYCLIC
A flight control operated by moving fore or aft with
hand in rotary-wing aircraft, primarily to control
pitch (speed); controls differential pitch of ...
LONGITUDINAL CYCLIC CUE
A longitudinal flight director cue for rotary-wing
aircraft, primarily to control speed, by changing
pitch; Compare: throttle cue; Symbols: Gamma sub
...
LONGITUDINAL GUIDANCE
Calculations for the longitudinal axis of the

guidance modes. The control law longitudinal axis
input data are: Reference Acceleration, Reference
Acce...
LONGITUDINAL STABILITY
The characteristic of returning to the trimmed angle
of attack after a displacement.
LOOKS PER MINUTE
Scanning or sweep rate of a weather radar
antenna.
LOOP
A vertical circle in the air. The plane noses up,
keeps rotating until it`s on its back, and then comes
down and around to describe a vertical circle ...
LOP
Line of position.
LORAN
LOng RANge version of GEE
LORAN(-C)
Long Range Navigation
LORAN-C
Hyperbolic grid navigation system based upon
measured time differences (TD) from pulse
transmissions.
LOW FREQUENCY AUTOMATIC DIRECTIONFINDING (LF ADF)
Equipment that determines bearing to a radio
station on a low frequency band, usually the
standard AM band;
LOW-PASS FILTER (LPF)
A filter that allows frequencies below a cutoff
frequency to pass while attenuating frequencies
above the cutoff frequency; See Also: first-order
filt...
LPF
Low-pass filter
LRT
Long range fuel tanks.
LRU
Line replaceable unit
LS-D12
LS=Switzerland, D12=Danger Area No. 12
LSC
Local Signaling Channel (VDL-4)
LT
Local Time
LTE
Long Term Exception (JAR-FCL)
LUBRICANT
The agent used to aid in the reduction of friction

between two parts. This term is used for many
substances, which in turn are used in many
different ...
LUFTWAFFE-HELFERINNEN
. "BLITZ MAIDENS";. German female radar
plotters.
LYC
Avco-Lycoming (Engine mfr.)
M
means mach number.
M$
Mega dollars (1`000`000 US dollars)
MAA
maximum authorized IFR altitude.
MAC
Mean Aerodynamic Chord
MACH NUMBER
Ratio of airspeed to the local speed of sound
(Mach 1 is the speed of sound under current
atmospheric conditions); Symbols: M;
MAGNETIC VARIATION (MVAR, MAGVAR)
Difference between true north and magnetic north,
varying with position; magnetic variation drifts with
time; Symbols: nu; Typical Units: rad, deg;
MAGNETING HEADING
Heading of the aircraft relative to magnetic north; A
Magnetic Heading Sensor provides this heading
data. Symbols: psi sub M; Typical Units: rad, deg;...
MAGVAR
Magnetic variation
MAHMOUD
RAF night fighter operation conducted against
Luftwaffe night fighters with a single mosquito
joining the landing pattern
MAHWP
Missed Approach Holding Waypoint
MAIN GEAR
Also Main Landing Gear. The large, heavy-duty
landing gear struts and wheels that support most of
the weight of the airplane. They are usually under
t...
MAINTENANCE
Indicates device is in a maintenance mode; Values:
non-maintenance, calibration, alignment, bore sight
MALS
medium intensity approach light system.
MALSR
medium intensity approach light system with

runway alignment indicator lights
MAMMUT
MAMMOTH. German long range radar with a range
of up to 300Km.
MANDREL
Airborne radar jamming device operating in the 85135 MHz waveband to counter the Freya early
warning system.
MAP
Equipment that produces a map image; See Also:
Digital Map Generator
MARKER BEACON (MB)
Part of Instrument Landing System that signals
crew members of distance to runway, consisting of
three markers:. inner, middle, and outer;
MAS
Map section of AIP
MAS UAC
Maastricht Upper Airspace Center
MASP
Minimum Aviation System Performance
MASSAGED
Filtered, estimated, or derived, or some
combination of the three
MASTER CAUTION
A signal which indicates that one or more caution
lights has been activated (from MIL-STD-1472D);
MASTER WARNING
A signal which indicates that one or more warning
lights has been activated (from MIL-STD-1472D);
MATSE
ECAC Transport Ministers Meeting on the Air
Traffic System in Europe
MATTSCHEIBE
FOCUSING SCREEN. German name for the glow
in the sky from searchlights, flares and fires against
which the bombers were silhouetted.
MATZ
Military ATZ
MAUW
Maximum All-Up Weight
MAWP
Missed Approach Waypoint
MAXIMUM PAYLOAD
Maximum Zero Fuel Weight - (minus) Basic
Operating Weight
MAYDAY
The international radiotelephony distress signal.

When repeated three times, it indicates imminent
and grave danger and that immediate assistance is
r...
MB
Marker Beacon
MC
Mission computer
MCA
Minimum Controllable Airspeed. The speed below
which your control surfaces do not generate
sufficient lift to control the aircraft.
MCC
Millibar (replaced by hPa)
MCI
Mobile Communication Infrastructure
MCTR
Military CTR
MCU
Minimum configuration unit.
MD
Medical Doctor
MDA
Minimum Descent Altitude
MDAU
Maintenance data acquisition unit.
MDF
demonstrated flight diving speed.
MDH
Major damage history.
ME
Multi Engine
MEA
Minimum Enroute Altitude
MEAN SEA LEVEL (MSL)
The average height of the surface of the sea for all
stages of tide; used as a reference for elevations
throughout the U.S.
MEASURED
Raw data converted to standard units; Compare:
derived, estimated, filtered, raw, selected,
smoothed
MEL
Minimum Equipment List
MEO
Medium Earth Orbit
MEP
Member of Parliament
MERIDIAN RADIUS OF CURVATURE
Radius of the earth in the east/west direction at a

given position; Synonyms: earth radius north/south;
Symbols: rho sub M; Typical Units: ft; Dimensi...
MET
Multi Engine Piston
METAR
Meteorological Actual Report (current weather)
MFD
Multi Function Display
MH
Magnetic Heading
MHP
Mental Health Professional (or: psychologist)
MHZ
Megahertz (1`000 kHz)
MICROLINE
Trade name owned by Collins.
MIDDLE MARKET
Marker beacon located where the center of the
glide slope is 200ft above the runway
MIDRANGE
The power band of an engine between idle and full
throttle.
MIL
Military
MILES FLOWN
The miles (computed in airport-to-airport distances)
for each inter-airport hop actually completed in
domestic and international revenue services, sch...
MILK RUN
Nuisance sorties over Berlin undertaken by
Mosquitoes to activate the German air defense
system
MILLENNIUM
Codename for the first 1000 bomber raid on
Cologne 30-31 May 1942.
MISSION COMPUTER (MC)
Mission processor;
MISSION OBJECTIVES
Goals to be accomplished during a specific
mission, including flight plan, NRPs, legs, and a
plan on how to accomplish these objectives; plan
includes...
MISSION PROCESSOR (MP)
A general purpose computer to host avionics
software. Synonyms: mission computer;
MIXING
Radios with mixing will take two or more controls

and mix their output in relation to stick input. The
number of channels that can be mixed, and the p...
MIXING ARM
A specialized lever which has three or more pivots.
The length between pivots will determine the
proportion of the mix between two or more
linkages.
MIXTURE
Fuel to air mixture is determined by the needle
valve on the engine carburetor.
MLS
Microwave Landing System
MLW
MM
Middle Marker
MMI
Man-Machine Interface (see HMI)
MMO
maximum operating limit speed.
MMR
Multi-Mode Receiver
MNPS
Minimum navigational performance specifications.
MOCA
Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude
MOD
Moderate
MODE
MODE-A
A transponder which does not give the controllers
altitude information
MODE-C
A transponder and encoding altimeter which
together give air traffic controllers altitude
information
MODE-S
A transponder which features unique identification
per unit, the potential for low-speed up and down
data links, and "selective interrogation" trigger...
MODIFIED EVEREST
MODING CURSOR
A symbol on a display, moved by an operator much
like arrow keys for menu selection, to select one of
several options
MOGAS
Motor Gasoline (Auto-Gas)
MOH
Major overhaul
MON
Motor Octane Number (aviation fuel rating)
MONICA
RAF tail fighter-warning device effective up to 4
miles
MOONSHINE
Radio jamming device used by RAF to deceive the
Freya radars by returning their own signal in an
amplified form giving the impression of a larger
forc...
MOPS
Minimum operational performance standard
(RTCA)
MOT
Ministry of Transport
MOTOR
Any electric motor used in the aircraft. Examples
are the servo motors, which move the servo arms,
and thus the control surfaces. There are also kits ...
MP
Mission processor
MPA
Multi-Pilot Airplane
MPH
Speed in Miles Per Hour. Like RPM, MPH is both
singular and plural. You can go 1 MPH or 100
MPH. You do not go 100 MPH`s.
MRA
minimum reception altitude.
MRVA
Multi-Pilot Helicopter
MRW
Maximum Ramp Weight
MSA
Minimum Safe Altitude
MSG
Message
MSL
Mean sea level
MSP
Maintenance Service Program. (Garret engine)
MT
Mean Sea Level
MTOM
Maximum Take-Off Mass
MTOW
Maximum Take-Off Weight

MULTI-MODE RADAR (MMR)
A Multi-Mode Radar is used for Terrain Following
(TF) and Terrain Avoidance (TA), Ground Mapping
(GM) and Air-to Ground Ranging (AGR). The TF
mode sup...
MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY (MFD)
The third or fifth tube in an EFIS, it replaces the
weather radar screen and displays radar data,
navigation maps, checklists and other information.
MVA
Minimum Vectoring Altitude
MVAR
Magnetic variation
MZFW
Maximum Zero-Fuel Weight
N
Airspace Euro control project Class N (managed
traffic only)
N(....)
Country identifier for aircraft registered in USA
N/A
not available or not applicable
NAA
National Aviation Authority (generic term within
JAA)
NABS
Navigation Augmentation Broadcast Service (ICAO
for GBAS)
NACELLE
An enclosure on an aircraft.
NAP-OF-THE-EARTH FLIGHT
Flight with a goal to remain close to the earth,
usually below the height of surrounding trees and
less than 100 ft above the terrain; Compare:
terrai...
NARA
professional trade association of 54 reputable
business companies organized to promote the
growth and public understanding of the aircraft
resale indu...
NASA
National Aeronautics and Space Agency (USA)
NAT
North Atlantic Tracks.
NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM (NAS)
The common network of US airspace; air
navigation facilities, equipment and services,
airports or landing areas; aeronautical charts,
information and ...
NATO
North Atlantic
NATS
National Air Traffic Service (UK)
NATURAL FREQUENCY
Standard engineering term See Also: second-order
filter; Symbols: omega sub n; Typical Units: rad/s,
Hz; Dimensions: 1/Time;
NAUTICAL MILE
Measurement of distance. Equals 1.15 statute
miles.
NAV
Navigation Receivers
NAV/COM
Navigation and communication radios combined in
a single unit.
NAVAID
Navigation Aid (Ground Radio Station for
Navigation)
NAVIGABLE AIRSPACE
airspace at and above the minimum flight altitudes
prescribed by or under this chapter, including
airspace needed for safe takeoff and landing
NAVIGATION
A system, usually software, in which the primary
purpose is to generate position relative to a
coordinate frame, usually fixed earth frame, such
as la...
NAVIGATION AID
A device or process to help with navigation, such
as a VOR station or a position update;
NAVIGATION REFERENCE POINT (NRP)
A point, usually fixed in earth coordinates but
possibly moving; Also, a basic guidance mode,
providing lateral guidance to an NRP, either by
course o...
NAXOS
(FuG 227) German ground radar which produced
fixes on H2S.
NAXOS 2
Airborne version of NAXOS.
NBAA IFR FUEL RESERVES
Fuel for go-around at destination airport
NDB
Navigation
NEAN
North European ADS-B Network
NEAR MIDAIR COLLISION (NMAC)
An incident associated with the operation of an

aircraft in which the possibility of a collision occurs
as a result of proximity of less than 500 feet...
NEEDLE VALVE
This is used to tune the fuel to air mixture on the
engine carburetor. On most engines, the needle is
turned clockwise to lean the mixture, and counte...
NELS
Northwest Europe Loran Steering Committee
NEPTUN
(FuG 216-217-218) German warning device fro
attack from the rear or alternatively, a night-fighter
search radar.
NICAD (OR NICD)
Nickel Cadmium battery. Rechargeable batteries
which are typically used as power for radio
transmitters and receivers.
NICKELLING
Codename for leaflet dropping
NIGHT
the time between the end of evening civil twilight
and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as
published in the American Air Almanac, converted
to...
NIL
Nothing, no information
NIMBY
"Not In My Back-Yard"-Syndrome: "We need an
airport but not here"
NITRO
Abbreviation for nitro methane. The addition of nitro
methane in fuel provides more power, and a
smoother idle, thus making the engine easier to
tune....
NITRO METHANE
The addition of nitro methane in fuel provides more
power, and a smoother idle, thus making the
engine easier to tune. The nitro also makes an
engine ...
NM
Nautical Miles. One nautical mile = 1.15 statute
miles = 6,080 feet.
NM, NMI
Nautical Mile (1.852 km)
NMS
Navigation management system.
NMU
Navigation management unit.
NOISE
Part of received data that is undesired, consisting

of random sinusoidal terms added to a signal;
Compare: offset, signal;
NON-DIRECTONAL BEACON (NDB)
An L/MF or UHF radio beacon transmitting non
directional signals whereby the pilot of an aircraft
equipped with direction finding equipment can
determ...
NON-SCHEDULED SERVICE
Revenue flights, such as charter flights, that are not
operated in regular scheduled service and all non
revenue flights incident to such flights.
NONPRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURE
a standard instrument approach procedure in which
no electronic glide slope is provided
NOPT
no procedure turn required.
NORMALIZER
Function to restrict input to a specific range, such
as restricting an angle alpha in radians so that -pi
le alpha le +pi; angles usually require norm...
NOSAR
No Search and Rescue required (Australia)
NOSE
The front portion of a aircraft`s fuselage.
NOSE GEAR
The strut and wheel that`s under the nose of some
aircraft.
NOTAM
Notice to Airmen
NOTAR
No Tail Rotor
NPA
Non-Precision Approach
NPO
Non-Profit Organization
NPPL
National (ICAO) Private Pilots License (AOPA
internally used: IPPL)
NPRM
Notice of Proposed Rule-Making (USA)
NRP
Navigation reference point
NTSB
National Transportation Safety Board. Investigates
airplane accidents. Plays at most an advisory role
in flightworthiness accreditation.
NVFR
Night VFR
NVM
Nonvolatile memory. Digital memory that retains

information through system shutdown.
NW
North-west
O/R
on request
OA
Obstacle avoidance
OACI
Organisation de lÀviation Civile Internationale (voir
ICAO)
OAT
Outside Air Temperature
OBERKOMMANDO WEHRMACHT (OKW)
German Army General Staff HQ
OBOE
RAF target-finding bombing aid using two
transmitting stations CAT and MOUSE.
OBS
Omni bearing Selector - part of a VOR receiver
system, which allows the pilot to select a course to
or from a VOR station
OBST
Obstacle, obstruction
OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE (OA)
Outside Air Temperature
OCD
Operational Concept Document
ODIAC
Operational Development of Initial Air/ground Data
Communications
ODT
Operational Requirements and Data Processing
Systems Team
OEI
one engine inoperative.
OFAC
Office Fdrale de lÀviation Civile (Swiss CAA voir BAZL)
OFF
Device is powered off (power switch is off; no
response to communications) - no data and
function is available.
OFFSET
Part of received data that is undesired, consisting
of a random, time-invariant term added to a signal;
Synonyms: bias; Compare: noise, signal
OH
Overhaul
OM
Outer Marker
OMEGA
A very-low-frequency navigation system
OMS
Outer Marker Substitute (sort of a virtual OM)
ONC
Operational Navigation Chart
OPERATE
to use or authorize to use aircraft, for the purpose
(except as provided in Sec. 91.13 of this chapter)
of air navigation including the piloting of ai...
OPERATIONAL CONTROL
with respect to a flight, means the exercise of
authority over initiating, conducting or terminating a
flight.
OPERATIONAL DEVIATION (OD)
An occurrence where applicable separation
minima, as referenced in the operational error
definition below were maintained, but: (1) less than
the appl...
OPERATIONAL ERROR (OE)
An occurrence attributable to an element of the air
traffic control system which results in less than the
applicable separation minima between two or ...
OPERATIONS
How well is equipment operating; Values:
operational (all function and data is available),
degraded (equipment has partially failed with some
function...
OPS
Operations (or Operating hours)
OPTICAL DIGITIZER
Any device using a photo sensor that can convert
analog information to digital code
ORD
Operational Requirements Document
ORIENTATION
Direction in reference to a coordinate frame
OUT
Operational Training Unit
OUTER MARKER
Marker beacon located 5-7mi from the end of the
runway; See Also: marker beacon
OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE (OAT)
The temperature just outside the aircraft; Symbols:
T; Typical Units: deg; Dimensions: Temperature
OVER-THE-TOP
above the layer of clouds or other obscuring

phenomena forming the ceiling
OVERIDE
To alter selection made automatically by software
OVERSEAS AIR COMMERCE
the carriage by aircraft of persons or property for
compensation or hire, or the carriage of mail by
aircraft, or the operation or navigation of aircr...
OVERSEAS AIR TRANSPORTATION
the carriage by aircraft of persons or property as a
common carrier for compensation or hire, or the
carriage of mail by aircraft, in commerce: (1) Be...
OXY
Oxygen system for passengers and crew
P/P
per person, per passenger
PAN-PAN
The international radio-telephony urgency signal.
When repeated three times, indicates uncertainty
or alert followed by the nature of the urgency.
PANS
Procedures for Air Navigation Services (ICAO)
PAPI
Precision Approach Path Indicator
PAR
Precision Approach Radar - a ground-radar based
instrument approach which provides both
horizontal and vertical guidance
PARACHUTE
a device used or intended to be used to retard the
fall of a body or object through the air
PART
Precision Approach Radar
PAST STATUS WORDS
Status words that are logically combined over time
(such as "and "ing or "or "ing) to provide history of
what has been set in the past
PATH INTEGRAL GAIN (KINT)
the lateral guidance modes;
PATH INTEGRAL LIMIT (INTLIM)
the lateral guidance modes; Typical Units: rad;
PATH INTEGRAL VALUE (INTVAL)
the lateral guidance modes; Typical Units: ft;
Dimensions: Length
PAX
Passenger (s)
PAYLOAD WITH FULL FUEL
Useful Load - (minus) Usable Fuel
PBH
Power by the Hour. (Rolls Royce engines)
PBIT
Periodic built-in-test
PC
Positive Control. (Trade name for Mooney Aircraft
wing leveler)
PCL
Pilot Controlled Lighting (RWY Lights operated by
Microphone)
PCM
Pulse Code Modulation. A modified FM signal used
in high end radios. The signal is coded by the
transmitter, resulting in a cleaner signal.
PEAK
This is the point at which a battery will no longer
accept a charge, and converts the energy to heat.
This is damaging to the battery pack, and potent...
PEAK CHARGER
This type of charger will eliminate the guesswork.
When the battery has reached peak, the charger
reverts to a maintenance charge rate, which will
not...
PEAK POWER OUTPUT
The maximum transmitter power output measured
over a short time; usually used to rate pulse
transmissions.
PED
Personal Electronic Devices (e.g. Walkman, Handy
etc.)
PEDAL
A flight control operated by pushing with feet,
primarily to control yaw via the rudder in fixed-wing
aircraft or thrust to tail rotor in rotary-wing ...
PEP
Peak envelope power. A standard electronic rating
of any AC source, including a radio transmitter
PERFECTOS
RAF airborne radar used to home on the IFF
equipment carried by the German night fighters.
PERIOD
Time of a periodic process; 1/f where f is the
sampling frequency; Symbols: T; Typical Units: s;
Dimensions: Time.
PERIODIC
A process that executes at a fixed rate; Compare: a

periodic;
PERIODIC BUILT-IN-TEST (PBIT)
Self tests running internal to a device as part of
normal operation; Compare: initiated built-in-test;
PERSON
an individual, firm, partnership, corporation,
company, association, joint-stock association, or
governmental entity. It includes a trustee,
receiver,...
PERSONNEL LOCATING SYSTEM (PLS)
to a PLS transmitter from range and bearing inputs.
Equipment that determines range and bearing to
a...
PETAL
Preliminary Euro control Trial Air/ground Data Link
PFCS
Primary flight control system
PFF
PATHFINDER FORCE. Small group of aircraft
which, after finding the target, put down flares to
guide the following bombers.
PGL
Parlamentarische Gruppe fr Luftfahrt
PHYSICAL DEVICE
A piece of equipment, a subsystem; Synonyms:
device
PIC
Pilot in Command
PILOT DEVIATION (PD)
The actions of a pilot which result in the violation of
a Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) or a North
American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
Air ...
PILOT IN COMMAND (PIC)
The pilot responsible for the operation and safety
of an aircraft during flight time.
PILOTAGE
Navigation by visual reference to landmarks.
PILOTED LIMULATION
Real-time engineering simulation
PIPERACK
British airborne jamming device
PIREP
Pilot (weather) Report
PITCH
Describes the fore and aft attitude of the aircraft.

(Nose high or low in comparison to the ground.)
Controlled by the elevator (s).
PITCH AXIS
The airplane axis controlled by the elevator. Pitch is
illustrated by holding the airplane at each wingtip.
Raising or lowering the nose is the pitch ...
PITCH CUE
Flight director cue to control pitch; in fixed-wing
aircraft, a yoke cue; in rotary-wing aircraft, a
longitudinal cyclic cue
PITCH RATE
Rate of change of pitch; time derivative of pitch;
Symbols: p; Symbols: theta dot; Typical Units:
rad/s, deg/s; Dimensions: 1/Time;
PITCH SETTING
the propeller blade setting as determined by the
blade angle measured in a manner, and at a
radius, specified by the instruction manual for the
propel...
PITOT PRESSURE
Total pressure
PLS
Personnel Locating System
PLY
Plywood
PNR
Prior Notice Required
PNT
Paint
POB
Persons on Board
PONTOONS
See Floats.
PORT
Nautical usage adopted in aviation. The left side,
as determined by an observer in the vehicle, when
vehicle and observer are right side up, and obser...
POSITION
Location, usually in fixed earth coordinates such
latitude and longitude; location, either scalar or
vector, often with subscripts such as ENU or
XYZ ...
POSITION UPDATE
To cause navigation sensors, devices, or
algorithms to reset position to value known to be
more accurate due to inaccuracies and drift in the
devices ...
POSITIVE CONTROL
The separation of all air traffic within designated

airspace by air traffic control.
POST KLYSTRON
German jamming device to counter H2S
POWER PANEL
12-volt distribution panel that provides correct
voltage for accessories like glow-plug clips, fuel
pumps and electric starters. Usually mounted on
a ...
PP(L)
Private Pilots License (general)
PPL A
Private Pilots License Airplane
PPL H
Private Pilots License Helicopter
PPL/IR
Association of PPL holders with Instrument Rating
PPM
Pulse Position Modulation. Another term for FM.
PPO
Parts Per Million
PPP
Public Private Partnership
PPR
Prior Permission Required
PRC
Performance Review Commission (Euro control)
PRECISION
Measure of exactness, possibly expressed in
number of digits, for example, computed to the
nearest millimeter; Compare: accuracy
PRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURE
means a standard instrument approach procedure
in which an electronic glide slope is provided, such
as ILS and PAR.
PRESENT STATUS WORDS
Most recently reported status words
PRESSURE
Barometric pressure
PRESSURE ALTITUDE
Barometric altitude
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
means simple or minor preservation operations and
the replacement of small standard parts not
involving complex assembly operations. Prohibited
area. ...
PRIMARY FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM(PFCS)
The most basic part of the flight controls operated

by a pilot, including wheel (fixed wing), yoke (fixed
wing), cyclic (rotary wing), pedals (fixed w...
PRIMARY UNITS
A standard set of four units to which all units can be
resolved; primary units are Mass (M), Length (L),
Time (theta), and Temperature (T); for exampl...
PRIME RADIUS OF CURVATURE
Radius of the earth in the east/west direction at a
given position; Synonyms: earth radius east/west;
Symbols: rho sub P; Typical Units: ft; Dimension...
PRK
Photo Refractory Keratomy (eye surgery)
PRNAV
Precision RNAV (RNP-1 or less compliant)
PROP BALANCER
Device designed to aid in the balancing of aircraft
airplane propellers.
PROPELLER
means a device for propelling an aircraft that has
blades on an engine-driven shaft and that, when
rotated, produces by its action on the air, a thrus...
PRR
Performance Review Report
PSG
Program Steering Group
PSI
Pounds per square inch.
PSIA
Pounds per square inch
PT
Procedure Turn
PTT
Push-to-talk (switch)
PULL-PULL
A linkage set up using two rods or wires. One is
pulled for one direction, the other is pulled for the
other.
PULSE
A transmission of very brief duration used to carry
information by using time measurement or as a
series of pulses representing code.
PUSH-PULL
A linkage set up using two rods. One rod pushes,
while the other pulls.
PVT
Private (pilot certificate)
PW
Pratt
QDM
(Q-Code) for Homing Track to a Station
QDR
private
QFE
(Q-Code) for Air Pressure in hPa on Ground
(airport elevation)
QGO
(Q-Code) for Airport Closed
QNH
(Q-Code) for Air Pressure in hPa calculated to MSL
QUAMGO
Quasi-Monopoly Government Organization
QUATERNION
A system of representing attitude by measuring
angle of aircraft center line with respect to three
orthogonal axes plus rotation about centerline;
qua...
R
Rating
R
Research and Development
RA
(1) Radio altitude; (2) Resolution advisory (TCAS)
RADAL
Radio Altimeter
RADALT
Radar Altimeter.
RADAR
On-board weather radar.
RADAR ALTIMETER
Device that senses aircraft`s height above the
terrain. Different from normal (barometric) altimeter.
RADAR ALTIMETER (RADALT)
Measures height above terrain. The altitude is
monitored to provide a low altitude warning during
TF operations and landing operations. It can also
be...
RADAR ALTITUDE
Height with respect to the terrain below (distance
above closest dirt); Synonyms: above ground level;
Symbols: h sub r; Typical Units: ft; Dimensions:...
RADAR ALTITUDE SELECT (RALTSEL)
to an operator selected radar altitude;
RADAR APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY(RAPCON)

A terminal ATC facility that uses radar and non
radar capabilities to provide approach control
services to aircraft arriving, departing, or
transiting...
RADIAL ERROR PROBABILITY (REP)
A probability that a percentage of one-dimension
measurements will lie on a radial (line) of given
length, with the origin centered at truth or mean o...
RADIO MAGNETIC INDICATOR (RMI)
An ADF-like display with a pair of pointers which
might be attached to either VOR or ADF receivers
RADIO NAVIGATION
Navigation relative to radio station, providing, for
example, of relative bearing, range, lateral
deviation, and glide slope; Examples include VOR,
TA...
RADOME
A detachable nose cone made of plastic-type
material, used to cover and protect an airplane`s
radar antenna.
RAF
Resolution Advisory (TCAS)
RAIL
runway alignment indicator light system.
RAIM
Receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (GPS)
RALT SEL
Radar altitude select
RAM
Random Access Memory
RAMJET
A type of jet engine with very few moving parts
which consists of a specially shaped tube open at
both ends.
RAMP
An airfield parking lot for aircraft.
RAMROD
A tactical bombing mission with fighter escort
RANGE (RNG)
Standard aviation term Synonyms: distance;
Symbols: r; Typical Units: ft, nmi - method of
measurement dependent on use; Dimensions:
Length;
RANGER
Similar to Circus but usually a deep penetration
operation
RANGING
Act of determining a range

RATE LIMITER
A filter that passes the input as the output, except
that rate of change of the output is limited to a
maximum absolute value; Compare: limiter;
RATE OF CLIMB (ROC)
The speed at which an aircraft is gaining (or losing)
altitude, usually measured in hundreds or
thousands of FPM.
RATE OF ROLL
A measure of the speed with which an airplane can
turn around its long axis, or roll.
RATED 2 1/2 -MINUTE OEI POWER
with respect to rotorcraft turbine engines, means
the approved brake horsepower developed under
static conditions at specified altitudes and
temperatu...
RATED 30-MINUTE OEI POWER
temperatu...
RATED CONTINUOUS OEI POWER
temperatu...
RATED MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS AUGMENTEDTHRUST
with respect to turbojet engine type certification,
means the approved jet thrust that is developed
statically or in flight, in standard atmosphere at...
RATED MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS POWER
with respect to reciprocating, turbo propeller, and
turbo shaft engines, means the approved brake
horsepower that is developed statically or in flight...
RATED MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS THRUST
statically or in flight, in standard atmosphere at...
RATED TAKEOFF AUGMENTED THRUST
statically under standard sea level conditions, wi...
RATED TAKEOFF POWER
with respect to reciprocating, turbo propeller, and

turbo shaft engine type certification, means the
approved brake horsepower that is developed
stati...
RATED TAKEOFF THRUST
statically under standard sea level conditions, wi...
RATING
means a statement that, as a part of a certificate,
sets forth special conditions, privileges, or
limitations
RAW
Data taken directly from the sensor; Compare:
derived, estimated, filtered, measured, selected,
smoothed
RAYON
; Ground-based interference of KNICKEBEIN in
night fighter control
RAZZLE
Phosphorous coated wooden strips transported in
water Razzles were designed to fire crops and
forests but with negligible effect.
RB
Relative Bearing (NAV)
RBAS
Receiver Based Augmentation System
(DGNSS/DGPS)
RBN
radio beacon.
RCA
Avionics mfr.
RCLM
runway centerline marking.
RCLS
runway centerline light system.
RCU
Radio control unit.
RDF
Radio Direction Finding. A name first used for what
became Radar
RDX
Powerful explosive first used in the Barnes Wallis
bouncing bomb
REA
Recommended Crossing Altitude
REAL TIME
Time in a computational process which runs at the

same rate as a physical process; for example,
algorithms designed to run a fixed period t (filter ti...
REAL-TIME ENGINEERING SIMULATION(RTES)
A simulator designed to test avionics algorithms
with a pilot in the loop, consisting of a simulated
cockpit, an aircraft model, sensor models, and al...
REASONABLENESS
A test to determine if data is reasonable, for
example, radar altitude must be positive, and two
devices should return similar data within known
limit...
REBECCA
The airborne interrogator end of a two-part system
using a ground beacon called EUREKA. Designed
as a homing system for the identification of ground
f...
RECEIVE
To absorb rf energy
RECEIVER (RX)
The radio unit in the airplane which receives the
transmitter signal and relays the control to the
servos. This is somewhat similar to the radio you
m...
REDLINE
For a given airplane, the airspeed above which it is
unsafe to fly. Redlining the plane may over stress
or even damage structural elements in the plan...
REFACC
Reference acceleration
REFERENCE
What must be achieved in order to match a plan;
Synonyms: desired;
REFERENCE ACCELERATION (REFACC)
the longitudinal guidance modes; Typical Units: ft/ssquared, g; Dimensions: Length / Time-squared
REFERENCE ACCELERATION GAIN(KLA)
the longitudinal guidance modes; Typical Units: s;
Dimensions: Time.
REFLEX
If a wing has an airfoil that curves down from the
high point, and then curves back up, it`s said to be
"reflexed". Reflex is the size of that reverse...
REIL
Runway End Identifier Lights

REJECT
To disallow a position update, usually by an
operator; Compare: accept
RELATIVE
Applies to measurements, in a non-standard,
moving reference, as opposed to fixed reference;
Compare: absolute;
RELATIVE BEARING
Angle from aircraft center line to bearing of the
destination; Symbols: B sub R; Typical Units: rad,
deg;
REMOTE TERMINAL (RT)
Term defining role of a device on a MIL-STD-1553
bus as being a slave; Compare: bus controller;
REMOTE TERMINAL UNIT
Signal Data Converter;
RENDEZVOUS
To meet with another aircraft in the air, for refueling
or other mission objectives
RENDEZVOUS APPROACH
To approach a planned rendezvous point
REP
Radial error probability
REPORTED
Data from a device
REPORTING POINT
means a geographical location in relation to which
the position of an aircraft is reported. Restricted
area. A restricted area is airspace designated ...
RESONANCE
This is the vibration frequency of a rotating or
moving object. When the resonance of many parts
of a machine are in synch, the whole machine will
vib...
RETRACT SERVO
Specifically used for mechanical retracts. It is a
non-proportional servo which only moves 180
degrees. That is to say this servo is either "off"
(gea...
RETRACTS
Short for retractable landing gear. Wheels and
struts that fold up into the airplane to get them out
of the air stream and present less resistance to ...
REVENUE
Pertaining to activities for which remuneration is
received by the carrier.
REVERSERS
System for braking aircraft during landing roll.

RF
Radio Frequency
RFI
Request For Improvement Message (slot)
RFP
Reglement ber die Ausweise fr das Flugpersonal
RFU
Radio frequency unit.
RG
Retractable landing gear.
RH
Right-hand
RHUBARB
Low-level tactical operation from cloud cover.
RIA
Regulatory Impact Assessment
RIGHT THRUST
Right yaw angle of the engine relative to the
centerline of the airplane. Right thrust helps
overcome the normal yaw tendency caused by the
torque of ...
RIMS
Remote Integrity Monitoring Station (?)
RING-LASER GYRO (RLG)
A gyroscope based on a laser beam instead of a
rotating mass, providing to same data as a
gyroscope;
RINGED
An engine which uses a piston with a piston ring.
Compare to ABC or ABN. Best used in dusty
environments, a ringed engine is less susceptible
to damag...
RLG
Ring-laser gyro
RM
Regional Meeting
RMI
Radio Magnetic Indicator
RMK
Remark (s)
RMS
Root mean square;
RNAV
Area navigation device.
RNAV WAY POINT (W/P)
a predetermined geographical position used for
route or instrument approach definition or progress
reporting purposes that is defined relative to a
VO...
RNG
Range
RNP
Required navigation performance.
RNP-N
Area Navigation
RNSS
Radio Navigation Satellite Services
ROADSTEAD
Anti-shipping strike by fighters. Codenamed
ROVER in Coastal Command.
ROC
Rate of Climb
ROCKET
an aircraft propelled by ejected expanding gases
generated in the engine from self-contained
propellants and not dependent on the intake of
outside su...
RODEO
A general fighter sweep over occupied territory.
RODERICH
German jamming device to counter H2S
ROLL AXIS
The airplane axis controlled by the ailerons. Roll is
illustrated by holding the airplane by the nose and
tail. Dropping either wingtip is the roll mo...
ROLL CUE
Flight director cue to control roll; in fixed-wing
aircraft, a wheel cue; in rotary-wing aircraft, a
lateral cyclic cue
ROLL RATE
Rate of change of roll; time derivative of roll;
Symbols: q; Symbols: phi dot; Typical Units: rad/s,
deg/s; Dimensions: 1/Time;
ROM
Read-only memory.
RON
Research Octane Number (Auto fuel rating)
ROOT MEAN SQUARE (RMS)
A statistical measure of data; the root of the mean
of the square; for variables with mean of zero, the
standard deviation is equal to the rms; Compar...
ROOT SUM SQUARE (RSS)
A statistical measure of data; the root of the sum of
the square; for a vector, its length is equal to the
rss of its scalar elements; Compare: root m...
ROTARY WING
A helicopter;
ROTATIONS PER MINUTE (RPM)
A unit of measure for such things as engine speed.

ROTORCRAFT
A heavier-than-air aircraft that depends principally
for its support in flight on the lift generated by one
or more rotors. Includes helicopters and g...
ROTORCRAFT-LOAD COMBINATION
the combination of a rotorcraft and an externalload, including the external-load attaching mea
ROUTE SEGMENT
a part of a route.
RPL
Repetitive Flight Plan
RPM
Revolutions Per Minute. How fast something turns.
It is both singular and plural. An engine can turn
one RPM, or 10,000 RPM, NEVER 10,000 RPM`s.
RPN
Revolutions per Minute
RPPL
Restricted PPL
RR
Rolls Royce
RSO
Route per State Over flown
RSS
Root sum square;
RT
Receiver-transmitter combined in a single linereplaceable unit.
RTA
Remote Terminal Access (CFMU)
RTCA
(formerly) Radio Technical Commission for
Aeronautics, now RTCA Inc. RT(F), R/T Radio
Telephony
RTCA, INC.
An association of U.S. governmental and industry
aeronautical organizations dedicated to advancing
aeronautics through consensus and
recommendations.
RTES
Remote terminal
RTU
Remote Terminal Unit
RUDDER
The moveable portion of the vertical tail surface.

The rudder controls the airplane around the yaw
axis. Also used as a verb, meaning to angle the
rud...
RUNWAY INCURSION
Any occurrence at an airport involving an aircraft,
vehicle, person, or object on the ground that
creates a collision hazard or results in loss of sep...
RUNWAY XX
Runways are numbered after magnetic compass
points, minus the 1`s column (where North is 0,
and 360, degrees).
RUSC
RVSM User Support Cell
RVR
Runway Visual Range
RVSM
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum
RW, RWY
Runway
RXTX
Receiver-Transmitter
S-PLANE
Continuous complex frequency plane; S-plane is
used in control systems engineering in the design
of control laws See Also: Laplace transform;
S/N
Signal-to-noise ratio
SALS
short approach light system.
SAMPLING FREQUENCY
Rate of a periodic process; 1/T where T is the
period; Symbols: f sub s; Typical Units: Hz;
Dimensions: 1/Time.
SAR
Search and rescue.
SARP
serial number
SAT
Search and Rescue
SATCOM
Satellite communications system.
SATNAV
Satellite Navigation (generic)
SB
Service Bulletin
SBAS
Space (or Satellite) Based Augmentation System
(DGNSS/DGPS/WAAS/EGNOS)
SC
Stratocumulus
SCARECROWS
Flares which British aircrews believed were being
used by the Germans to deceive them into
believing they were bombers in flames. In fact they
were st...
SCHEDULED SERVICE
Transport service operated pursuant to published
flight schedules, including extra sections and
related non revenue flights.
SCHRGE-MUSIK
SLANTED MUSIC. Upward firing 20mm cannons
used in German night fighters.
SDC
Signal Data Converter
SDU
Satellite data unit.
SE
Single-Engine
SEA LEVEL ENGINE
a reciprocating aircraft engine having a rated
takeoff power that is producible only at sea level
SEALION (SEELWE)
the planned invasion of Britain in September 1940
SEAPLANE
An airplane that has floats, or pontoons, attached
to allow it to land on water.
SEARCH PATTERN
Basic guidance mode; provides lateral steering
guidance to fly an expanding square search
pattern, creeping line search pattern, or sector
search patt...
SECOND IN COMMAND
a pilot who is designated to be second in command
of an aircraft during flight time
SECOND-ORDER FILTER.
A smoothing filter in which the output follows the
input, only more slowly; It is usually implemented in
software as a difference equation of period T...
SECTOR SEARCH
A pattern of concentric arcs followed for searching
the ground from an aircraft; Compare: creeping line
search, expanding square search;
SEEBURG TISCH
SEEBURG TABLE; Glass screen on which the
German night fighter controllers plotted the course
of the raid
SEL
Single-Engine Land
SELCAL
Selective Calling system (used primarily with HF)
SELECTED
Measured data picked from one of many sensors;
Selecting is the process of choosing the "best"
parameter from multiple copies of that parameter,
from ...
SELF TEST
A test internal to a device
SEMI-CIRCLE
A measure of angle, 1 semi-circle = pi rad = 180
deg; angles from physical devices are often
reported in semi-circles in order to compress data
SENSOR
A device that measures, receives, or generates
data, for example, an INS, a FLIR, a map. See
Also: Data Source Object
SENSOR FUSION/CORRELATION (SFC)
Measure of convergence of sensor data
SEP
Spherical error probability
SEPARATION MINIMA
The minimum longitudinal, lateral, or vertical
distances by which aircraft are spaced through the
application of air traffic control procedures.
SERRATE
; RAF airborne radar used to home on the German
night fighters` Lichtenstein bomber detection
equipment.
SERVICE CEILING
The altitude above sea level beyond which an
airplane can no longer climb more than 30 m(100
ft) per minute.
SERVO
The radio component which does the work of
moving a control surface.
SERVO OUTPUT ARM
The removable arm or wheel which bolts to the
output shaft of a servo and connects to the
pushrod.
SFC
Sensor Fusion/Correlation
SFE
Single-Engine Piston
SFTS
Service Flying Training School
SG
Sub-Group (of Euro control Working Groups)
SHIVER
An airborne transmitter used to jam Wrzburg radar
SHOT DOWN
A "hit" that results in a crash landing. Sometimes
caused by radios miles away.
SHOW
unless the context otherwise requires, means to
show to the satisfaction of the Administrator
SHP
Shaft horsepower. (refers to turbine engines.)
SHUTDOWN
To cease normal operations
SI
Surveillance Identity (Code) - (Mode S
Transponder)
SID
Standard Instrument Departure
SIDESLIP ANGLE
Symbols: beta; Typical Units: rad, deg;
SIGMET
Significant Meteo (hazardous weather warning)
SIGNAL
Part of received data that is desired; Compare:
noise, offset
SIGNAL DATA CONVERTER (SDC)
A device that converts unique signals to a standard
protocol, usually MIL-STD-1553B; Synonyms:
Remote Terminal Unit;
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO (SNR,S/N)
A ratio of magnitude of a desired signal to the
magnitude of the noise received with it; Typical
Units: dB;
SIL
Sachplan Infrastruktur Luftfahrt
SILVER CROWN
Trade name owned by King Radio.
SIM
Simulator
SIMPLEX
Single frequency for both transmitting and receiving
in communications; generally implies a push-to-talk
function and verbal procedures.
SIMULATOR
A computer program which uses a modified radio
transmitter, and a graphic depiction of a aircraft and
flying area. This is used to give aircraft pilot...
SINGLE SIDEBAND (SSB)
A highly efficient form of radio transmission wherein

information is carried on a sideband instead of the
center carrier in order to gain range perfor...
SIP
Slot Improvement Proposal Message
SIRO
Simultaneous Intersecting Runway Operation
SITA
Socit Internationale de Tlcommunication
Aronautique
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
Situational awareness provides the pilots with
information relative to the current surroundings,
such as other aircraft or threats in the immediate
ar...
SL
Sea Level
SLANT RANGE
Direct line distance, not along the ground;
SLATS
Moveable surfaces on the leading edge of the wing
that help airflow in low-speed flight. They enable
the wing to fly at lower airspeeds than without t...
SLAVED COMPASS
North-seeking gyro-stabilized compass system.
Technically superior to DG.
SLIP
A maneuver where the airplane`s controls are used
to make the fuselage fly at an angle to the line of
flight. This causes a tremendous increase in dra...
SLOP
Slop occurs when a control surfaces movement
does not move the servo. Common cause is a worn
linkage point or poor linkage setup.
SLOT
A specially-shaped slot in the wing just behind the
leading edge. This directs airflow from below to the
top of the wing, and helps low-speed flight b...
SLOW ROLL
A very slow version of the roll.
SLP
Speed Limit Point
SM
Statute Mile (1.609 km - ACHTUNG: Nicht SeeMeile!)
SMALL AIRCRAFT
aircraft of 12,500 pounds or less, maximum

certificated takeoff weight
SMEL
Single/Multi Engine Land
SMGCS
Surface Movement Guidance and Control System
SMGS
Surface Movement Guidance System
SMM
Slot Missed Message
SMOH
Since major overhaul.
SMOOTHED
Data that is the result of conditioning a signal with a
simple filter; Compare: derived, estimated, filtered,
measured, raw, selected; smoothing is us...
SMOOTHING FILTER
A filter to reduce quick changes of a signal by
attenuating high frequencies; See Also: first-order
filter, second-order filter, wash-out filter;
SMPI
Time Since Major Periodic Inspection
SMS
Short Message System (Mobile Telephone Feature)
SN
Serial Number
SNAP ROLL
A type of rolling maneuver that is very quick and
violent. It`s basically a spin where the flight path is
in any direction chosen by the pilot. Improp...
SNR
Signal-to-noise ratio
SOLO
Your first totally unassisted flight that results in a
controlled landing.
SOUTH AMERICAN
SP
Single Pilot
SPA
Single Pilot Airplane
SPAN, ALSO "WINGSPAN"
The widest straight-line distance between the two
wingtips.
SPAR
A principal section of the wing structure of an
airplane, going from tip to tip.
SPECI
Special Report (Meteo)

SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE (SUA)
Airspace of defined dimensions identified by an
area on the surface of the earth wherein activities
must be confined because of their nature and/or
wh...
SPECIAL VFR CONDITIONS
meteorological conditions that are less than those
required for basic VFR flight in controlled airspace
and in which some aircraft are permitted fight...
SPECIAL VFR OPERATIONS
aircraft operating in accordance with clearances
within controlled airspace in meteorological
conditions less than the basic VFR weather
minima. Such ...
SPEED
Scalar velocity;
SPEED BRAKES
Large panels that fold out of the aircraft structure to
provide a lot of extra drag to the air. They are not
part of the wing structure, but are usual...
SPEED CUE
Flight director cue to control speed; in fixed-wing
aircraft, a throttle cue; in rotary-wing aircraft, a
longitudinal cyclic cue
SPEED ERROR
indicating the difference between actual speed and
desired speed; Symbols: DELTA V; Typical Units:
ft...
SPERRY
Avionics mfr
SPH
Single Pilot Helicopter
SPHERICAL ERROR PROBABILITY(SEP)
A probability that a percentage of three-dimension
measurements will lie within a sphere of given
radius, with the sphere centered at truth or mean
of...
SPIC
Student Pilot in Command (JAR-FCL)
SPIN
A maneuver where one wing is stalled and the
other is still flying. This causes the airplane to
rotate around its middle while it descends at a high
r...
SPINNER
The bullet-shaped fairing on the nose of the

airplane around the propeller. This smoothes the
airflow around the propeller hub and also makes
the airp...
SPLIT-S
Basically a reverse Immelmann. The airplane rolls
onto its back, and then the nose comes down to
finish a 1/2-loop. The direction of flight is
changed...
SPOH
Since prop overhaul.
SPOILER
A control surface on fixed-wing aircraft, usually
mounted to the wings, that provides roll control and
lift; Symbols: delta sub S; Typical Units: rad,...
SPOILER(S)
Control surfaces on the wing that destroy lift. They
"spoil" it. They are used on sail-planes because
they can steepen the very flat glide of the airc...
SQUAWK
A 4-digit (actually 4-octal-digit SQUITTER
The transmission of a specified reply format at a
minimum rate without the need to be interrogated
(transponders)
SR
Sunrise
SRJ
Slot Improvement Proposal Rejection Message
SRR
Slot Revision Request Message
SRS
Standard Routing Scheme (ARN)
SS
Sunset
SSALS
simplified short approach light system.
SSALSR
simplified short approach light system with runway
alignment indicator lights.
SSCVR
Solid state cockpit voice recorder.
SST
Slot Start Time
STA
Scheduled Time of Arrival
STAB
Horizontal stabilizer, "smaller wing"
STABILITY COORDINATES
Coordinates referenced to the air mass; Compare:

body coordinates, earth coordinates;
STABILIZER
A surface which increases the stability of a aircraft.
Most aircraft have two stabilizers, the horizontal
(stab) and vertical (fin), which are mounted...
STAFFEL
Luftwaffe equivalent to a squadron.
STAGNATION PRESSURE
Total pressure
STALL
When the air flowing over the wing cannot produce
enough lift to support the weight of the aircraft, it`s
called a "stall". This can happen if the air...
STALL TURN
The maneuver in which the aircraft is flown to a
point at which the main wing is vertical, stalls, then
is turned about the yaw axis to continue in a ...
STANDARD ATMOSPHERE
the atmosphere defined in U.S. Standard
Atmosphere, 1962 (Geopotential altitude tables)
STANDARD RATE TURN
A turn of three degrees compass heading per
second.
STANDARD UNITS
Units commonly encountered for a particular
quantity;
STAR
Standard Arrival
STARBOARD
Nautical usage adopted in aviation. The right side,
as determined by an observer in the vehicle, when
vehicle and observer are right side up, and obse...
STATE DATA
Data that defines aircraft parameters, such as
position, velocity, attitude; Some standard terms for
state data include: Groundspeed vector, wind
spee...
STATE-SPACE MODEL
A mathematical relationship of a system in time
using state variables, inputs, outputs, and
constants; The state-space model is composed of
n state va...
STATIC PRESSURE
A measure of barometric pressure as if the sensor

were not moving with respect to the air; Compare:
total pressure; Symbols: p sub s; Typical Units: p...
STATION
A structure on the ground, perhaps containing VOR
or TACAN
STATUS
An indicator of how well a system or subsystem is
working
STATUS INDICATOR
An binary indicator of a particular aspect of a
device; status indicators are independent of each
other; status indicators listed in this dictionary a...
STATUS WORDS
Data words reported by devices to indicate status;
Each bit is defined on a device-by-device basis.
The number of words vary from device to device.
St...
STC
(1) Supplemental Type Certificate. (2) Sensitivitytime compensation. In weather radar, a technique
and circuit for calibrating a display.
STD
Supplemental Type Certificate
STDMA
Self-Organizing Time Division Multiple Access
(VDL)
STICK
A control in the cockpit which controls the elevators
(forward/back axis) and the ailerons (left/right axis).
STOL
Short takeoff and landing ability.
STOP WAY
an area beyond the takeoff runway, no less wide
than the runway and centered upon the extended
centerline of the runway, able to support the
airplane ...
STRAP DOWN INERTIAL SENSOR
Accelerometers mounted to a platform fixed to the
aircraft; Compare: gimbaled inertial sensor
STRUT
Basically this is a supporting member. A wing strut
supports the wing, and goes from the fuselage to
the wing. Cabane struts are on biplanes, and
supp...
SUA
Special Use Airspace (USA)
SUB-TRIM
This is a trim function on many computer radios,

allowing trim function during set-up, and still
allowing the full trim function in flight.
SUMPS
Points underneath each fuel tank to test for
contamination like water or other debris.
SUN
Sunday (MON-TUE-WED-THU-FRI-SAT-SUNHOL)
SUPERCHARGED
Method for increasing engine power.
SURFACE
Related to surface of water;
SURVIVABILITY
A survivability subsystem detects and counters
hostile actions.
SVFR
Special VFR
SWASH PLATE
A device to control the pitch of rotors; on rotarywing aircraft, the swash plate is controlled by a
collective and a cyclic; Surface Wind Wave
Motion...
SWC
Significant Weather Chart
SWEPT-WING
A wing in which both the leading and trailing edges
are slanted backward, to reduce air resistance at
high speed.
SWM
SIP Wanted Message
SYNCH
Engine Fan Synchronizer
SYNCHRO
Any device capable of converting mechanical
position into an analog electronic signal.
SYNTHESIZER
Frequency synthesizer, an electronic circuit
capable of generating multiple frequencies from a
single crystal oscillator.
SYSTEM
Applied to measurements, means the best value
that the system can determine.
T/T
tonne
T/O
take-off
T/RS
Thrust Reversers
TA
Traffic advisory (TCAS)
TACAN
Terrain avoidance
TACAN POINT-TO-POINT (TCNP)
to a point relative to a TACAN station by specified
range and bearing;
TACHOMETER
An optical sensor designed specifically to count
light impulses through a turning propeller and read
out the engine RPM.
TACT
Transition Altitude
TACTICAL AIR NAVIGATION (TACAN)
to a TACAN station; Equipment that determines
range and bearing to a radio station with a TACAN
tran...
TAE
Track angle error
TAF
Terminal Area Forecast (weather forecast)
TAIL DRAGGER
The nickname of an airplane that sits on its tail with
the two main wheels in front and a tail wheel in the
rear.
TAIL WHEEL
The small wheel at the tail of the airplane. This is
found on the type of airplane that has the two large
wheels in the front, and the small one in th...
TAILSKID
On old World War I type aircraft, or pioneer-type
aircraft, there was no tail wheel. A wooden skid was
used to support the tail of the airplane. While...
TAKEOFF POWER
(1) With respect to reciprocating engines, means
the brake horsepower that is developed under
standard sea level conditions, and under the
maximum con...
TAKEOFF SAFETY SPEED
a referenced airspeed obtained after lift-off at
which the required one-engine-inoperative climb
performance can be achieved
TAKEOFF THRUST
"", with respect to turbine engines, means the jet
thrust that is developed under static conditions at a
specific altitude and atmospheric temperature...
TARGET
Object or point pointed by FLIR or radar
TARGET CURSOR
A symbol on a display, moved by a track handle or
similar device, to select objects on the display
TAS
True airspeed
TAUT LINE
Basic guidance mode; provides vertical guidance to
maintain a taut line for a dipping sonar, or other
such device.
TAWS
Terrain Awareness and Warning System
TAXI
The movement of an airplane under its own power
on the surface of an airport.
TAXIWAY
A road leading from the airplane parking area to the
runway; always marked with yellow lines.
TBO
Time between overhaul
TC
True Course
TCAS
Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System
TCH
Threshold Crossing Height
TCN
Tacan
TCNP
Tacan Point-to-Point
TDMA
Time Division Multiple Access (VDL)
TDZL
touchdown zone lights.
TECHNICAL STANDARD ORDER (TSO)
A performance specification and production
compliance criteria applied to avionics and defined
by FARs and the RTCA.
TERMINAL RADAR SERVICE AREA(TRSA)
Airspace surrounding designated airports wherein
ATC provides radar vectoring, sequencing, and
separation on a full-time basis for all IFR and
partici...
TERRAIN
The contour of the earth;
TERRAIN AVOIDANCE (TA)
Flight such that the aircraft maintains a constant
barometric altitude but flies around obstacles;
Compare: obstacle avoidance, threat avoidance;
TERRAIN FOLLOWING (TF)

to maintain an operator selected radar altitude
above the terrain. Flight such that the aircraft tr...
TERRAIN REFERENCED NAVIGATION(TRN)
A navigation mode based on comparison of
barometric altitude and radar altitude with a map;
Kalman filters correlate the terrain data and the
altitude...
TEST STATUS WORDS
Status words reported at the conclusion of a test.
Values: test in progress, not tested, normal,
redundant, degraded, failed;
TF
Terrain following;
TGL
Task Force
TH
True Heading
THA
Threat avoidance
THR
Threshold
THREAT AVOIDANCE (THA)
Flight cues designed to avoid enemy threats, such
as anti-aircraft artillery and aircraft; Compare:
obstacle avoidance, terrain avoidance;
THROTTLE
The control that allows the pilot to change the
speed of the engine. In a car, the "gas pedal" is
actually the throttle control for the car.
THROTTLE CUE
A longitudinal flight director cue for fixed-wing
aircraft, primarily to control speed, by changing
power; Compare: longitudinal cyclic cue;
Symbols: ...
THRUST
The forward force provided by the airplane`s
engine. This is the force that drives the airplane
forward
TILT ROTOR
An aircraft with tilting rotors for fixed-wing flight or
rotary-wing flight;
TIM
Time (Euro control, everybody else is able to add
an "e")
TIME CONSTANT
Constant for a first-order filter determining time at
which the output of the filter reaches nearly 0.6321
percent of a step input; Symbols: tau; Typi...
TIME IN SERVICE
with respect to maintenance time records, means
the time from the moment an aircraft leaves the
surface of the earth until it touches it at the next p...
TINSEL
RAF airborne jamming device used by wireless
operators to transmit engine noise over the
German night fighter control frequencies
TIS-B
Traffic Information System-Broadcast
TKE
Track error
TKOF
Take-Off
TLS
Transponder Landing System
TMA
Terminal (Control) Area
TMG
Touring Motor Glider
TNC
Tactical Navigation Chart
TOLERANCES
Allowed error in measurements
TORQUE
The force which tends to cause rotation.
TOTAL PRESSURE
A measure of barometric pressure in the moving
air; Synonyms: dynamic pressure, Pitot pressure,
stagnation pressure; Compare: static pressure;
Symbols...
TOWER
A terminal facility that uses air/ground
communications, visual signaling, and other
devices to provide ATC services to aircraft
operating in the vici...
TPC
Tactical Piloting Chart
TPIA
Transition Plan for Implementation of Airspace
Strategy
TR
Abbreviation for Torque Roll, a 3D maneuver which
begins as a hover and the torque of the
engine/propeller rotates the aircraft in a
counterclockwise ...
TRACK (TRK)
to an operator selected ground track;
TRACK ANGLE ERROR (TAE)

the lateral guidance modes; Typical Units: rad;
TRACK ANGLE ERROR GAIN (KTAE)
the lateral guidance modes;
TRACK HANDLE
A device to move a cursor in two axes on a display,
much like a mouse
TRACKING
Tracking is performed by the TRN
TRAFFIC COLLISION AVOIDANCESYSTEM (TCAS)
TCAS-I provides warnings (TAs) of other nearby
aircraft; TCAS II provides warnings and resolutions
advisories (RAs), and coordinates RAs with other
TC...
TRAFFIC PATTERN
The traffic flow that is prescribed for aircraft landing
at, taxiing on, or taking off from, an airfield.
TRAILING EDGE (TE)
The rearmost edge of the wing or stabilizer
TRAINER AIRPLANE
A aircraft designed to be inherently stable and fly at
low speeds, to give first-time air crafters time to
think and react as they learn to fly.
TRANSCEIVER
Type Rating
TRANSCEIVERS
A device that receives and transmits
TRANSIENT-FREE SWITCH
A switch with a wash-out filter so that the output
contains no transients (steps) at switch time
TRANSMIT
To radiate RF energy
TRANSMITTER
A device that transmits
TRANSMITTER (TX)
The hand-held radio controller. This is the unit that
sends out the commands that you input.
TRANSPONDER
Transmitter-Responder
TRANSPONDER (TX)
A receiver/transmitter which will generate a reply
signal upon proper interrogation; the interrogation
and reply being on different frequencies.
TRE
Type Rating Examiner
TREND MONITORING
Continuous computerized observation of turbine

engine performance. Used to detect early sings of
wear.
TRI
Type Rating Instructor
TRICYCLE GEAR
The landing gear arrangement where the airplane
has main gear and a nose gear.
TRIM
To adjust an aircraft`s trim tabs and thereby relieve
the pressure required on the controls to keep the
nose in the desired position.
TRIM TAB
A secondary control surface, usually mounted to
primary control surface such as aileron, elevator,
rudder, or stabilizer, that controls the position o...
TRK
Track
TRN
Terrain Referenced Navigation;
TRN-INS
TRN with INS
TRTO
Type Rating Training Organization
TRUE
Best available estimate, such as true airspeed;
referenced to true north, such as true heading;
TRUE AIRSPEED
the airspeed of an aircraft relative to undisturbed
air. True airspeed is equal to equivalent airspeed
multiplied by (0/)1/2.
TRUE AIRSPEED (TAS)
The airspeed of an aircraft relative to undisturbed
air.
TRUE BEARING
Symbols: B sub T; Typical Units: rad, deg;
TRUE HEADING
Heading of the aircraft relative to true north;
Symbols: psi sub T; Typical Units: rad, deg;
TRUE TRACK
Ground track angle; Symbols: T sub T; Typical
Units: rad, deg;
TSC
Total Time Since CORE
TSMO
Time since major overhaul
TSN
Time Since New (also TTSN)
TSO
Technical Standard Order
TT
Total Time Airframe
TTG, TTS OR TTW
Time to go, time to station, time to waypoint.
TUBA
a jamming device for Freya radar operating in the
70-200 MHz range
TUNE
To set the operating frequency or channel for a
device
TURBO PROP
Is said of an airplane powered by a type of jet
engine, the turbo prop, equipped with a turbinedriven propeller.
TURBOJET AIRCRAFT
An aircraft having a jet engine in which the energy
of the jet operates a turbine which in turn operates
the air compressor.
TURBOPROP AIRCRAFT
An aircraft having a jet engine in which the energy
of the jet operates a turbine which drives the
propeller.
TURBULENCE MODE
Flight control system mode in which a "softer"
response to gust upsets is programmed.
TVOR
very high frequency terminal omni range station.
TWR
Tower (Control Tower)
TYPE
(1) As used with respect to the certification, ratings,
privileges, and limitations of airmen, means a
specific make and basic model of aircraft, incl...
U
Airspace Euro control project Class U (unknown
traffic)
U/S
unserviceable
U/V ADF
UHF/VHF Automatic Direction Finding
UAT
Universal Access Transceiver
UAV
Unmanned (or Uninhabited) Aeronautical (or Aerial)
Vehicle
UFN
Until Further Notice
UFO
Unidentified Flying Object
UHF
Ultra High Frequencies (300 MHz-30 GHz)

UHF/VHF AUTOMATIC DIRECTIONFINDING (U/V ADF)
An Automatic Direction Finder that determines
relative bearing to a transmitter to which it is tuned,
in either the UHF band or VHF band;
UL
Ultra light, Ultra-lger motoris
ULM
Ultra light, Ultra-lger motoris
ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE
An aeronautical vehicle operated for sport or
recreational purposes which does not require FAA
registration, an airworthiness certificate, nor pilot
c...
UMAS
Unmanaged Air Space (Euro control Definition)
UNDER CAMBER
This means that the lower surface of the wing has
a hollow curve when observed from front to back. A
thin wing with a high camber will be under
camber...
UNDERCARRIAGE STRUT
A part of an airplane`s structure, designed to resist
distortion, which supports the landing gear.
UNIT FUNCTIONS
A collection of functions used as standard test
cases in control systems engineering; The primary
unit functions of interest in avionics are the unit ...
UNIT IMPULSE
A function used as a standard test case in control
systems engineering; a spike of "area" one at time t
= 0; Synonyms: impulse; See Also: unit functio...
UNIT LESS
No units, such as ratios; a quantity with standard
units of 1; a quantity with primary units of 1;
Synonyms: dimensionless;
UNIT RAMP
systems engineering; a line of slope 1 starting at
zero at time t = 0; Synonyms: ramp; See Also: un...
UNIT STEP
systems engineering; a step from zero to one at
time t = 0; Synonyms: step; See Also: unit
function...
UNITED STATES
in a geographical sense, means (1) the States, the

District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the
possessions, including the territorial waters, and (2)
t...
UNITED STATES AIR CARRIER
a citizen of the United States who undertakes
directly by lease, or other arrangement, to engage
in air transportation.
UNITS
A standard quantity, such as ft or mi; Synonyms:
dimension;
UNIVERSAL TRANSVERSE MERCATOR(UTM)
A system of fixed earth coordinates, sometimes
used instead of latitude and longitude, accurate
relative to others close by, such as ground troops;
UPDATE
A process by which position is reset with a known
better position; updates occur at the data source
level or at the physical device level, depending u...
UPKEEP
Codename for Barnes Wallis` bouncing bomb used
in the Dambusters` raid
URB
User Relations Bureau (CFMU)
USABLE FUEL (LBS)
Usable fuel (gallons) x 6.7 lbs/gallon
USAF
US Air Force
USEFUL LOAD
Maximum Ramp Weight - (minus) Basic Operating
Weight
USG (AL)
US-Gallon (3.78 Liter)
UTC
Universal Coordinated Time.
UTM
Universal Transverse Mercator
V
Universal Time Coordinated
V (X)
Speed for best angle of climb.
V (Y)
Speed for best rate of climb.
V1
speed for best angle of climb.
VA
Maneuvering Speed (max. structural speed allowed
for full control deflection)
VAC
Volts alternating current.

VAL
Visual Approach and Landing (Chart)
VAR
Variation
VASI
Visual Approach Slope Indicator
VAT
Value Added Tax
VB
design speed for maximum gust intensity.
VC
design cruising speed.
VD
Max. Dive Speed (for certification only)
VDB
VHF Data Broadcast
VDC
Volts direct current.
VDF
demonstrated flight diving speed.
VDL
VHF Data Link (-n = type n)
VEF
the speed at which the critical engine is assumed
to fail during takeoff.
VEHICLE/PEDESTRIAN DEVIATION(VPD)
An entry or movement on an airport movement
area by a vehicle operator or pedestrian that has
not been authorized by air traffic control (includes
air...
VELOCITY
Rate of change of location, either scalar or vector,
often with subscripts such as ENU or XYZ to
denote the coordinate frame; time derivative of
posit...
VELOCITY EAST
Aircraft velocity in true east direction; Symbols: V
sub E; Typical Units: kt, ft/s; Dimensions: Length /
Time;
VELOCITY ERROR SCALE FACTOR(KVSF)
the longitudinal guidance modes;
VELOCITY NORTH
Aircraft velocity in true north direction; Symbols: V
sub N; Typical Units: kt, ft/s; Dimensions: Length /
Time;
VENTRAL FIN
A small vertical surface on the bottom of the aft

fuselage. Usually a long, slim triangle that is narrow
at the front, and widens toward the rear. It ...
VERT SPD
Vertical speed hold
VERTICAL
Reference to earth radial, for example, vertical
velocity is velocity along earth radial; See Also:
East-North-Vertical;
VERTICAL ACCELERATION
Aircraft acceleration in earth vertical direction;
Symbols: A sub V; Typical Units: ft/s-squared, g;
VERTICAL CUE
A cue to control altitude; See Also: yoke cue,
collective cue;
VERTICAL GUIDANCE
Calculations for the vertical axis, rather than the
longitudinal axis. The control law vertical axis input
data are: Desired Altitude, Altitude Integr...
VERTICAL SPEED HOLD (VERT SPD)
to maintain an operator selected vertical speed;
VERTICAL SPEED INDICATOR (VSI)
An onboard instrument which gauges rate of climb
or descent, in feet per minute.
VERTICAL VELOCITY
Aircraft velocity in earth vertical direction; Symbols:
V sub V; Typical Units: ft/s; Dimensions: Length /
Time;
VF
design flap speed.
VFE
Max. Flaps Extended Speed
VFR
Visual Flight Rules ("good" weather operations
rules)
VFR OVER-THE-TOP
operation of an aircraft over-the-top under VFR
when it is not being operated on an IFR flight pl...
VH
maximum speed in level flight with maximum
continuous power.
VHF
Very High Frequency radio equipment.
VHF OMNI RANGE (VOR)
Equipment that determines bearing to a radio

station with a VOR transmitter; VOR transmitters
usually contain ILS transmitters in addition to VOR;
A b...
VILLAGE INN
A gun laying radar installed in the rear-turret of
some Lancaster bombers allowing blind-firing on
an "illuminated" target
VIS
Very High Frequency (30-300 MHz)
VISUAL FLIGHT RULE (VFR)
Rules that govern the procedures for conducting
flight under visual conditions (VMC). The term is
also used in the United States to indicate weather
c...
VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS(VMC)
Meteorological conditions expressed in terms of
visibility, distance from clouds, and ceiling equal to
or better than specified minima.
VJAR-FCL
Verordnung JAR-FCL (JAR-FCL transformed to
Swiss Law)
VLA
Very Light Aircraft (Aircraft certification category)
VLE
Max. Landing Gear Extended Speed
VLF
Very Low Frequency radio equipment
VLO
Max. Landing Gear Operation Speed
VLOF
lift-off speed.
VMC
Visual Meteo Conditions ("good" weather for VFR
or IFR)
VMO
maximum operating limit speed.
VMU
minimum unstick speed.
VNAV
Vertical navigation, or the capability to compute
pitch-axis maneuvers and altitude-related points in
space.
VNE
Never Exceed Speed
VNO
Max. Structural Cruising Speed
VOR
A ground-based electronic navigation aid

transmitting very high frequency navigation signals,
360 degrees in azimuth, oriented from magnetic
north. Us...
VOR/DME
Vertical Navigation (GLS)
VORTAC
VHF Omni range;
VR
Rotation Speed
VS
the stalling speed or the minimum steady flight
speed at which the airplane is controllable.
VS0
Stalling Speed Landing Config
VS1
Stalling Speed in a specified Config.
VSSE
Minimum Safe Single Engine Speed
VTOSS
takeoff safety speed for Category A rotorcraft.
VX
Best Angle of Climb Speed
VXSE
Best Angle of Climb Speed, 1 engine inoperative
VY
Best Rate of Climb Speed
VYSE
Best Rate of Climb Speed, 1 engine inoperative
WA
(IAOPA) World Assembly
WAAS
GNSS wide-area augmentation system.
WANGANUI
Colored flares dropped on H2S to sky mark a
target
WARNING
A signal which alerts the operator to a dangerous
condition requiring immediate action (from MILSTD-1472D); an annunciator that is the most
critical ...
WARNING, CAUTION, ADVISORY (WCA)
See: warning, caution, advisory, annunciator, alert;
WASH-OUT FILTER
A filter to smooth a transition due to change of
input source, such as when changing modes; See
Also: transient-free switch;
WASHOUT
The twist in an airfoil which causes less angle of

attack at the tips than the root. For airplanes, this
increases stability of the aircraft at slow s...
WASSERMANN
German long range radar with a range of up to 190
Km.
WAYPOINT
A predetermined geographical position used for
route/instrument approach definition, or progress
reporting purposes, that is defined relative to a
VOR...
WAYPOINT (WYPT)
A point on the ground, predefined as a point of
interest for the flight; a basic guidance mode,
providing lateral guidance to a waypoint, either by
co...
WAYPOINT APPROACH
To approach a waypoint
WCA
Warning, Caution, Advisory
WEATHERVANE
This describes the tendency to point into the wind.
Stabilizers on a aircraft result in its desire to
weathervane.
WEIGHT ON WHEELS (WOW)
Indication of whether the aircraft has weight on its
wheels, meaning airborne or on the ground; weight
on wheels can be detected by a sensor on the wh...
WET WINGS
Method for containing fuel in wings without using
rubber fuel cells.
WGS-84
Wide Area Augmentation System
WGS72
World Geodetic Survey 1972
WGS84
World Geodetic Survey 1984
WHEEL
A flight control operated by turning with hands in
fixed-wing aircraft, primarily to control roll (heading)
via the ailerons; wheel is connected to yo...
WHEEL CUE
A lateral flight director cue for fixed-wing aircraft,
primarily to control heading, by changing roll;
Compare: lateral cyclic cue; Symbols: Gamma
sub...
WHEEL PANTS
The large fairings used to streamline the wheels of

an aircraft that has non-retracting, or "fixed" landing
gear (so-called because it`s "fixed" in pl...
WHITE BOMBS
Nickname for propaganda leaflets.
WILDE SAU
WILD BOAR. German ground- controlled night
fighter system using twin engined aircraft
WIMPY
RAF nickname for the Vickers Wellington bomber.
The name came from J. Wellington Wimpy, a
character in the Popeye cartoon in the Daily Mirror
WIMS
System Wide Information Management
WIND BEARING
Symbols: B sub W; Typical Units: rad, deg;
WIND SPEED
Symbols: V sub W; Typical Units: kt, ft/s;
Dimensions: Length / Time;
WINDOW
Strips of silver paper dropped by British aircraft to
confuse the German ground radars
WINDSOCK
This can be used to describe a number of devices,
all of which give a visual clue to the direction and
speed of wind in a given location.
WING
The main lifting surface of an airplane.
WING FENCE
Term preferred by Airbus and McDonnell-Douglas
aircraft manufacturers for the vertical structures at
the outside ends of the wings of some of their je...
WING LOADING
This is the amount of weight per square foot that
has to be overcome to provide lift. It is normally
expressed in ounces per square foot. This specifi...
WING ROOT
The centerline of the wing, where the left and right
wing panels are joined.
WINGLET
A small vertical surface at the tips of the wings.
They help direct the turbulent airflow that all wings
have at the tips. They makes the wings more e...
WIP
Work in Progress
WMO
World Meteorological Organization

WORLD GEODETIC SURVEY 1972 (WGS72)
A standard model for computing earth data;
WORLD GEODETIC SURVEY 1984 (WGS84)
A standard model for computing earth data;
WOW
Weight on wheels
WP
Waypoint
WPT
Waypoint
WRAP TEST
A test to send data to a device having it sent back
unaltered
WWII
Waypoint
WX
Weather
WYPT
Waypoint
WRZBURG
German short (11 mile) range gun laying radar
capable of giving both height and range.
X-BAND
Frequency range in which most general aviation
weather radars operate.
X-BEAMS
German radio beams used to guide their bombers
to the target
XPDR
Transponder. Radar-enhancement/data link box for
ATC purposes.
XPOND
Transponder
XTK
Cross track; cross track error.
XTKD
Cross track deviation
XTKR
Cross track deviation rate
XYZ
A standard aircraft coordinate frame and sign
convention, where nose, right wing, and down are
positive X, Y, and Z, respectively; often used as
subsc...
Y-BEAMS
German radio beams used to guide their bombers
to the target
Y-SERVICE
British organization for the interception and

reporting of German wireless "chatter" for
intelligence purposes.
Y2K
Year-2000 (computer date problem) NOTE:
k=decimal kilo=1000 (1-1000); thus Y2k=2000
K=binary kilo=1024 (0-1023); thus Y2K=2047
YAW
The nose-left and nose-right movement of the
airplane. This is controlled by the rudder.
YAW AXIS
The airplane axis controlled by the rudder. Yaw is
illustrated by hanging the airplane level by a wire
located at the center of gravity. Left or right...
YAW RATE
The rate of movement about the vertical axis of a
aircraft.
YOKE CUE
A vertical flight director cue for fixed-wing aircraft,
primarily to control altitude, by changing pitch;
Compare: collective cue; Symbols: Gamma sub ...
Z
Infra-red identification equipment
Z TRANSFORM
A mathematical relationship to model a discrete
function in the complex frequency domain (Zplane); Z transforms are commonly used by
systems engineer...
Z-BEND
A type of linkage point using a bend in the control
rod which resemble a Z.
Z-PLANE
Discrete complex frequency plane; Z-plane is used
in control systems engineering in the design of
control laws See Also: Z transform;
ZAHME SAU
TAME BOAR. German "free lance" night fighter
system using single engined aircraft
ZERSTRER GESHWADER
Luftwaffe Destroyer Wings, composed of Bf110
Heavy fighters
ZOC
Zone of confusion
ZONE OF CONFUSION (ZOC)
A circular area centered at a TACAN station in
which bearing is extremely noisy;
ZULU
Greenwich Mean Time, also known as Universal
Coordinated Time.
0FUELWT
Zero (0) Fuel Weight.
360, 540 AND OTHER NUMBERS
Degrees in arc. 360 signifies one full turn through
an axis. A 360 turn is a flat turn; where the aircraft
does not roll its wings but instead just sl...
3D
Flight pattern noted by performance of particular
aerobatics below an airplane.
3F
Informal reference for flip flop flying. Similar to 3D,
except not as smooth.

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A

Aircraft (JAR - FCL License)

Air conditioner Unit

Aircraft Autonomous Integrity Monitor

Aircraft Based Augmenting System.

Advanced Bimetallic Liner. A Specialized form of

Aluminum-Brass-Nickel. The components used in

ABOVE GROUND LEVEL (AGL).

Distance between the aircraft and the ground

Fixed reference, as opposed to moving reference.

Airline Communication and Reporting System.

Airborne Collision Avoidance System

Area Control Center.

Rate of change of velocity, either scalar or vector,

Aircraft acceleration in true east direction; Symbols:

Aircraft acceleration in true north direction;

An inertial device for measuring acceleration,

To allow to proceed, for example with a position

Occurrence associated with the operation of an

Measure of exactness, possibly expressed in

ATM/CNS Consulting Group (Euro control)

Airport Council International

To begin reception of useful data

active, activated, activation message

To begin performing a mission objective, such as

Directive; Maintenance or modification ordered by

Architecture Description Document

Automatic Direction Finder

Attitude direction indicator

Automatic Direction Finder

Airborne Data Link Processor

means the Federal Aviation Administrator or any

Automatic dependent surveillance

Automatic Dependent Surveillance

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract

Yaw generated when the ailerons are used. The

Automatic Direction Finding

Association of European Airlines

Association of European Aerospace Industries

Acrobatic or stunt maneuvers in the air such as

means non-dimensional coefficients for

Aircraft Earth station

Automatic flight control system

Adaptive flight displays

Autopilot flight director system

Automated flight information system (AlliedSignal)

Airplane Flight Manual

Towards the rear. Used such as: "...with an aft

A lubricant designed to displace unburned fuel in

Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network

Aerodromes and Ground Aids (AIP)

Advanced General Aviation Transport Experiments

Air-Ground Data Link

Above Ground Level. Used in reference to altitude,

Above Ground Level

Automatic flight control Sys.

AGR SLANT RANGE

Straight-line distance from the aircraft to a point on

Attitude-heading reference system.

Aeronautical Information Circular

A process by which one or more sensors provide

A control surface on fixed-wing aircraft, usually

Hinged control surfaces on usually the wing which