Glossary of Aviation Abbreviations

This glossary provides a comprehensive list of abbreviations commonly used in aviation, particularly within Australian airspace and drone operations. Whether you're a student pilot, a drone operator, or an aviation enthusiast, this reference will help you navigate essential terminology and enhance your understanding of standard aviation communication.

Aviation

Abbreviation	Meaning
AC	Advisory Circular
AERIS	Automatic En Route Information Service
AGL	Above Ground Level
AIP	Aeronautical Information Package
AMD	Amend
AMSL	Above Mean Sea Level
AOPA	Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
AROC	Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate
AROF	Area Forecast
ATC	Air Traffic Control
ATIS	Air Traffic Systems
ATSB	Australian Transport Safety Bureau
AWIS	Aerodrome Weather Information Service
BKN	Broken
BOM	Bureau of Meteorology
BVLOS	Beyond Visual Line of Sight
CAO	Civil Aviation Orders
CASA	Civil Aviation Safety Authority
CASR	Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998
COG	Centre of Gravity
CRM	Crew Resource Management
CRP	Chief Remote Pilot
CTA	Control Area
CTAF	Common Traffic Advisory Frequency
CTR	Control Zone
DAP	Departure and Approach Procedures
DNG	Danger, Dangerous
DS	Dust Storm
DZ	Drizzle
EFB	Electronic Flight Bag
EMI	Electromagnetic Interference
ERC	En Route Chart
ERSA	En-Route Supplement Australia
ESC	Electronic Speed Controller
EVLOS	Extended Visual Line of Sight
FG	Fog
FIR	Flight Information Region
FPV	First Person View
FRQ	Frequency
FU	Smoke
FZ	Freezing
GAF	Graphical Area Forecasts
GDT	Ground Data Terminal
GMT	Greenwich Mean Time
GNSS	Global Navigation Satellite System
GPS	Global Positioning System
GPWT	Grid Point Wind and Temperature
GR	Hail
GR	Gravity
HF	High Frequency
HMI	Human Machine Interface
HPA	HectoPascals
HZ	Haze
ICAO	International Civil Aviation Organisation
IMSAFE	Illness Medication Stress Alcohol Fatigue Eating
IMU	Inertial Measurement Unit
IOC	Intelligent Orientation Control
IRM	Immediately Reportable Matters
JSA	Job Safety Analysis
KDR	Knowledge Deficiency Report
KM	Kilometre
KT	Knot
KV	Motor Velocity Constant (RPM Per Volt)
L	Lightning
M	Metres
MF	Medium Frequency
MOS	Manual of Standards
NAIPS	National Aeronautical Information Processing System
NM	Nautical Miles
NOSIG	No Significant Change Expected
NOTAM	Notice To Airmen
NSW	Nil Significant Weather
NVLOS	Night Vision Line of Sight
OVC	Overcast
PCA	Planning Chart Australia
PIC	Pilot-in-Command
PPE	Personal Protection Equipment
PRD	Prohibited, Restricted and Danger Areas
RA	Restricted Area
RAIM	Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring
RPA	Remotely Piloted Aircraft
RPAS	Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
RPM	Revolutions Per Minute
RPS	Remote Pilot Station
RTH	Return to Home
ReOC	Remote Operator's Certificate
RePL	Remote Pilot Licence
SCT	Scattered
SEV	Severe
SFC	Surface
SH	Showers
SIGMET	Significant Meteorological Information
SKC	Sky Clear
SOPs	Standard Operating Procedures
SQ	Squalls
SS	Sandstorm
STAR	Standard Arrival Route
TAC	Terminal Area Chart
TAF	Terminal Area Forecast
TEM	Threat and Error Management
TS	Thunderstorm
TURB	Turbulence
UAS	Unnamed Aerial System
UAV	Unnamed Aerial Vehicle
UHF	Ultra High Frequency
UNL	Unlimited Height
UTC	Coordinated Universal Time
V	Volt
VA	Volcanic Ash
VFR	Visual Flight Rules
VHF	Very High Frequency
VLOS	Visual Line Of Sight
VNC	Visual Navigational Chart
VRB	Variable
VTC	Visual Terminal Chart
VTOL	Vertical Take-off and Landing
WAC	World Aeronautical Chart
WHS	Workplace Health and Safety
mAh	Milliamp Hours

Familiarity with aviation abbreviations is crucial for maintaining effective communication, ensuring safety, and understanding regulatory documentation. Keeping this glossary handy will support both professionals and hobbyists in achieving safer and more informed flight operations.