Aviation Abbreviations

ATC – Air Traffic Control

Air Traffic Control is a critical ground-based service responsible for managing and directing aircraft both on the ground and in controlled airspace. ATC ensures the safe, orderly, and efficient flow of air traffic, preventing collisions and coordinating takeoffs, landings, and en-route navigation through radio communication and radar systems.

IFR – Instrument Flight Rules

IFR refers to a set of regulations that govern aircraft operations when pilots must rely primarily on cockpit instruments due to poor visibility (e.g., clouds, fog, heavy rain). Flying under IFR requires special training, certification, and adherence to a flight plan filed with ATC. This system allows for precise navigation and safe operations even in challenging weather.

VFR – Visual Flight Rules

VFR is a set of aviation regulations that apply when weather conditions allow a pilot to operate an aircraft with sufficient visibility to navigate visually. Pilots flying under VFR are responsible for maintaining separation from terrain, obstacles, and other aircraft without relying on instruments or ATC guidance (though they may still be in communication).

ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival

ETA is the predicted time that an aircraft is expected to arrive at its destination, based on its flight path, current speed, and meteorological conditions. It is used for scheduling, coordination with ground services, and passenger information.

ETD – Estimated Time of Departure

ETD refers to the anticipated time an aircraft is scheduled to depart from an airport. It considers factors such as boarding, fueling, weather, and ATC clearance. Any deviations from the ETD are typically communicated through airline operations or ATC.

ATIS – Automatic Terminal Information Service

ATIS provides a continuous broadcast of essential airport information, including current weather (temperature, wind, visibility), active runways, available approaches, and notices such as construction or closed taxiways. Pilots typically listen to the ATIS broadcast before contacting ATC for departure or arrival clearance.

TCAS – Traffic Collision Avoidance System

TCAS is an onboard safety system that monitors the airspace around an aircraft for other transponder-equipped aircraft. It warns pilots of potential mid-air collision threats and, when necessary, issues real-time resolution advisories to instruct pilots on immediate vertical maneuvers to avoid danger.

ILS – Instrument Landing System

The ILS is a precision landing aid that provides both lateral and vertical guidance to aircraft during final approach, particularly useful in low visibility conditions such as fog or rain. Ground-based transmitters work in conjunction with aircraft receivers to align the aircraft precisely with the runway centerline and proper descent angle.

AGL – Above Ground Level

AGL measures an aircraft’s altitude relative to the ground directly beneath it. This is different from MSL (Mean Sea Level), and is particularly important in terrain awareness, obstacle clearance, and for operations such as drone flying or low-altitude approaches.

MSL – Mean Sea Level

MSL is the standard reference for altitude, based on the average sea level. Aircraft altitudes reported to ATC are typically measured in feet above MSL. This allows for consistent altitude separation, regardless of the local terrain elevation.

ALT – Altitude

Altitude refers to the vertical distance of an aircraft above a given reference point—commonly MSL or AGL. Maintaining correct altitude is essential for terrain avoidance, fuel efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

FBO – Fixed Base Operator

An FBO is a commercial entity at an airport that provides services to general aviation aircraft. Services may include fuel supply, aircraft maintenance, hangar space, flight instruction, ground transportation, and passenger amenities. FBOs vary widely in size and offerings depending on the airport.

APU – Auxiliary Power Unit

The APU is a small engine typically located in the tail section of an aircraft. It supplies electrical power and air conditioning to the aircraft when the main engines are shut down, usually during ground operations. The APU also assists in starting the main engines.

MEL – Minimum Equipment List

The MEL outlines specific instruments and equipment that must be operational for a particular aircraft to be legally airworthy. If a piece of equipment listed in the MEL is inoperative, the aircraft may not be dispatched until the issue is resolved or officially deferred under specified conditions.

VOR – VHF Omnidirectional Range

VOR is a ground-based radio navigation system that enables aircraft to determine their position and maintain a desired course. It works by transmitting a VHF radio composite signal, including a reference phase and a variable phase signal, which the aircraft interprets to determine bearing from the station.

GPS – Global Positioning System

GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that provides accurate three-dimensional position data (latitude, longitude, altitude) and time information globally. In aviation, GPS enhances navigation precision, especially in remote areas or for approaches where ground-based aids are not available.

ADF – Automatic Direction Finder

ADF is a navigation system that uses radio signals transmitted by Non-Directional Beacons (NDBs). It provides the bearing to the station, enabling pilots to determine direction and follow a course toward or away from the beacon. Though considered older technology, ADF is still used in some regions.

PIREP – Pilot Report

A PIREP is a weather report voluntarily submitted by a pilot during a flight. It provides real-time information on conditions such as turbulence, icing, visibility, and cloud tops. PIREPs are essential for other pilots and meteorologists in updating forecasts and ensuring flight safety.

METAR – Meteorological Aerodrome Report

METARs are routine aviation weather reports issued at regular intervals, typically every hour. They contain detailed information on current weather at an airport, including wind speed and direction, visibility, sky conditions, temperature, dew point, and barometric pressure. Pilots use METARs for pre-flight and in-flight decision-making.

NOTAM – Notice to Airmen

A NOTAM is an official advisory that communicates temporary changes or hazards affecting flight operations. These include runway closures, changes to navigation aids, airspace restrictions, and scheduled maintenance. NOTAMs are essential for pre-flight planning and ensuring situational awareness.

Vanshita Thakor
Aviation Operations Intern
Asiatic International Crop
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