Glossary of Aviation Terms
Common abbreviations and terms you'll meet on the path to a commercial cockpit.
Licences & Ratings
- ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License)
- The highest level of aircraft pilot certification, required to command large commercial aircraft.
- CB-IR (Competency-Based Instrument Rating)
- A more flexible route to obtaining an Instrument Rating, often used by modular students.
- CPL (Commercial Pilot License)
- Allows you to act as a pilot-in-command of an aircraft for compensation.
- CRI (Class Rating Instructor)
- An instructor certified to instruct on a particular class of aeroplane.
- fATPL (frozen) Airline Transport Pilot Licence)
- fATPL stands for 'frozen' Airline Transport Pilot Licence. It indicates you have passed all theoretical ATPL exams but still need flight hours for full ATPL.
- FI (Flight Instructor)
- An instructor certified to instruct on a particular class of aeroplane.
- IR (Instrument Rating)
- Qualification required to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), essential for commercial operations.
- JOC (Jet Orientation Course)
- A bridge course to prepare pilots for transitioning from propeller to jet aircraft.
- LAPL (Light Aircraft Pilot Licence)
- A more restricted version of the PPL, allowing pilots to fly smaller aircraft.
- MCC (Multi‑Crew Cooperation)
- Training for pilots to work effectively in a multi‑pilot flight deck environment.
- ME (Multi-Engine Rating)
- Allows a pilot to fly aircraft with more than one engine.
- MEP (Multi Engine Piston)
- Class rating for multi‑engine piston aircraft.
- PPL (Private Pilot License)
- Allows you to fly as a pilot-in-command for non-commercial purposes.
- RT (Radio Telephony)
- Qualification required for pilots to operate an aircraft radio.
- SEP (Single Engine Piston)
- Class rating for single‑engine piston aircraft.
- SPL (Sailplane Pilot Licence)
- Qualification required for pilots to operate a glider/sailplane.
- TRE (Type Rated Examiner)
- An examiner certified to examine on a particular class of aeroplane.
- TRI (Type Rated Instructor)
- An instructor certified to instruct on a particular class of aeroplane.
Flight Operations
- ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast)
- A surveillance system where an aircraft broadcasts its identity, position and other data so other aircraft and ground systems can see it.
- AIC (Aeronautical Information Circular)
- A notice published by an AIS provider to circulate operational, administrative or legal information that does not qualify as an AIP amendment or NOTAM.
- AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication)
- The state's official publication of lasting aeronautical information essential to air navigation (airspace, aerodromes, procedures and services).
- AIS (Aeronautical Information Service)
- The service that collects, processes and distributes aeronautical data and information needed for flight planning and operations (in the UK, delivered via NATS AIS).
- ATC (Air Traffic Control)
- The service that prevents collisions and maintains an orderly flow of air traffic by issuing clearances and instructions.
- ATIS (Automa tic Terminal Information Service)
- A continuous broadcast of meteorological and operational information to aircraft.
- ATS (Air Traffic Service)
- A generic term for flight information, alerting, air traffic advisory and air traffic control services.
- ATSU (Air Traffic Service Unit)
- A unit providing an air traffic service, such as an approach, area or aerodrome control unit, or a flight information service unit.
- ATZ (Aerodrome Traffic Zone)
- Airspace established around an aerodrome to protect aerodrome traffic, with specific entry and communication rules.
- AUPRT (Air Upset Prevention and Recovery Training)
- Training that teaches pilots how to prevent and recover from aircraft upset situations.
- CAS (Controlled Airspace)
- Airspace of defined dimensions where an air traffic control service is provided under the airspace classification in force.
- EC (Electronic Conspicuity)
- Technology that helps airspace users detect and be detected electronically (for example Mode S, ADS-B or dedicated EC devices), supporting see-and-avoid.
- FIR (Flight Information Region)
- Large areas of airspace, typically 200-400 nautical miles across (and can be bigger or smaller depending on traffic density), each monitored by an air traffic control unit.
- FIS (Flight Information Service)
- A service providing advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights. In the UK, CAP 774 defines the UK Flight Information Services suite (including Basic and Traffic Service).
- FISO (Flight Information Service Officer)
- A person licensed to provide a flight information service at a notified aerodrome or area unit (RTF suffix Information).
- FMC (Frequency Monitoring Code)
- A UK SSR code (listening squawk) that shows you are monitoring a specific ATC frequency near controlled airspace. It is not a clearance or an air traffic service.
- IFR (Instrument Flight Rules)
- Regulations for flying by reference to cockpit instruments.
- LARS (Lower Airspace Radar Service)
- A UK radar-based air traffic service available to flights in lower airspace outside controlled airspace, typically on request from participating units.
- MAVIS (Met Office Aeronautical Visualisation Service)
- The Met Office integrated platform for regulated UK aviation weather products, charts and map layers.
- METAR (METeorological Aerodrome Report)
- A coded weather report for a particular airport or weather station.
- Mode-A (SSR identity code)
- The four-digit code a secondary surveillance radar transponder replies with so ATC can identify the aircraft (the squawk).
- Mode-C (SSR altitude reporting)
- Transponder altitude reporting that sends the aircraft's pressure altitude to ATC and collision-avoidance systems.
- Mode-C/S (SSR altitude reporting)
- Shorthand for altitude reporting via Mode C or Mode S. Use ALT / altitude reporting when equipped.
- Mode-S (SSR selective interrogation)
- A secondary surveillance radar mode that supports selective interrogation and, when equipped, altitude and enhanced data useful to ATC and ACAS/TCAS.
- NOTAM (Notice to Aviators)
- A notice filed with an aviation authority to alert pilots of potential hazards or restrictions along an air route or at a destination.
- OFP (Operational Flight Plan)
- The flight plan for a flight, including details such as route, altitude, and fuel.
- OPC (Operator Proficiency Check)
- A proficiency check conducted by an operator to ensure pilots maintain the required standards of flying and competence.
- PPR (Prior Permission Required)
- A requirement to obtain permission from an aerodrome or operator before arrival or departure.
- RMZ (Radio Mandatory Zone)
- Airspace where you must establish two-way radio contact (and meet the published RMZ requirements) before entry.
- RT (Radio Telephony)
- Qualification required for pilots to operate an aircraft radio.
- SID (Standard Instrument Departure)
- A published instrument flight procedure by which aircraft departing from an aerodrome are guided to an en route navigation facility.
- SSR (Secondary Surveillance Radar)
- A radar system that interrogates aircraft transponders and displays identity and, when Mode C/S is used, altitude.
- STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route)
- A published instrument flight procedure by which aircraft arriving from en route are guided to an initial approach fix for an approach procedure.
- TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)
- A coded weather forecast for a particular airport or weather station.
- TEM (Threat and Error Management)
- A practical safety method: identify threats and likely errors before and during the flight, then put barriers in place.
- TMZ (Transponder Mandatory Zone)
- Airspace where an operable SSR transponder (to the published standard) is required for entry.
- UPRT (Upset Prevention and Recovery Training)
- Specialised training to recognise and recover from unusual aircraft attitudes.
- VFR (Visual Flight Rules)
- Regulations for flying by visual reference to the ground.
Navigation Aids
- ACAS (Airborne Collision Avoidance System)
- An aircraft system that detects nearby transponder-equipped traffic and can issue traffic advisories or resolution advisories. TCAS is a common implementation.
- ADF (Automatic Direction Finder)
- Equipment that points to a non‑directional radio beacon; less common on modern aircraft.
- DME (Distance Measuring Equipment)
- Radio navigation system that determines distance from a ground station.
- GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)
- Satellite‑based radio‑navigation system used to determine an aircraft's position. It includes GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou.
- GPS (Global Positioning System)
- GNSS satellite‑based radio‑navigation system used to determine an aircraft's position.
- GPWS / TAWS (Ground Proximity Warning System / Terrain Awareness and Warning System)
- Systems that warn pilots of potential terrain hazards.
- ILS (Instrument Landing System)
- Landing system that uses radio signals to guide aircraft to the runway
- NDB (Non-Directional Beacon)
- Ground-based radio navigation aid for aircraft.
- RA (Radio Altimeter)
- Radio detection and ranging; used for weather detection and terrain avoidance.
- RNP (Required Navigation Performance)
- RNAV with the added requirement for onboard performance monitoring and alerting.
- SBAS (Space-Based Augmentation System)
- Satellite‑based radio‑navigation system that augments GNSS accuracy, integrity, and availability. Examples include WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS.
- TCAS (Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System)
- Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System; detects and alerts pilots to potential collisions with other aircraft.
- VOR (VHF Omni‑directional Range)
- Ground‑based radio navigation aid for aircraft.
Pilot Logbook
- P1 (Commander)
- The pilot in command of the aircraft.
- P2 (Second Pilot in a multi‑pilot flightdeck)
- Pilot assisting the Pilot in Command.
- PIC (Pilot in Command)
- The pilot responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft during flight.
- PUT (Pilot Under Training)
- Pilot currently undertaking training towards a licence.
- SNY (Supernummary Crew Member)
- Crew member not essential for aircraft operation, and the flight is recorded but no flying hours have been logged (for example jumpseat or back seat flights where the flight is recorded for information only).
Other aviation terms
- AIM (Aeronautical Information Manual)
- The FAA handbook of fundamental flight information and ATC procedures for operating in the US National Airspace System.
- AOC (Airline Operator Certificate)
- Certificate allowing an airline to operate commercial flights.
- ATO (Approved Training Organisation)
- A flight training organisation approved by the competent authority to deliver a defined set of courses and ratings.
- B1 (Mechanical Certifying Engineer)
- Mechanical certifying engineer designation.
- B2 (Avionics Certifying Engineer)
- Avionics certifying engineer designation.
- CAA (Civil Aviation Authority (UK))
- The UK's independent aerospace regulator, which protects people and enables aviation.
- CAP (Civil Aviation Publication)
- A UK Civil Aviation Authority numbered publication (for example CAP 774 UK Flight Information Services).
- CAT (Clear Air Turbulence)
- Turbulence that occurs in cloudless skies, where pilots do not have visible weather cues to detect it.
- CO (Carbon Monoxide)
- A colourless, odourless gas in piston-engine exhaust that can poison pilots and passengers. Active detectors are strongly recommended.
- DTO (Declared Training Organisation)
- A flight training organisation that has declared to the competent authority to deliver defined courses within the declared scope.
- EASA-FCL (European Union Aviation Safety Agency - Flight Crew Licensing)
- Regulatory framework for flight‑crew licensing in the EU.
- fATPL (frozen) Airline Transport Pilot Licence)
- Duplicate entry kept for completeness; see Licences section.
- GA (General Aviation)
- Civil flying outside airline and military operations. Includes private, recreational, club, and many training flights.
- IATA (International Air Transport Association)
- Industry body that represents airlines and sets global standards for air transport.
- ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)
- Specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for coordinating the principles and practices of international air navigation and fostering the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth.
- JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities)
- An associated body of the European Civil Aviation Conference representing the civil aviation regulatory authorities of a number of European States who had agreed to co-operate in developing and implementing common safety regulatory standards and procedures from 1970-2009.
- NATS (NATS)
- The main UK air navigation service provider. NATS AIS publishes the UK AIP, NOTAM briefing and related aeronautical information.
- POH (Pilot Operating Handbook)
- Aircraft’s operating handbook.
- SOP (Standard Operating Procedure)
- Set of instructions describing how to perform a specific task.
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