Glossary of Aviation-related Abbreviations

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z 
 
A  Amber
A/A  Air-to-air
A/G  Air to ground
AAA  (or AAB, AAC ... etc in sequence) Amended meteorological message
AAD  Assigned altitude deviation
AAL  Above aerodrome level
AAW  Aviation area wind
ABI  Advance boundary information
ABM  Abeam
ABN  Aerodrome beacon
ABT  About
ABV  Above
AC  Altocumulus
ACARS  Aircraft communication addressing and reporting system (pronounced "AY-CARS")
ACAS  Airborne collision avoidance system (pronounced "AY-CASS")
ACC  Area control centre or area control
ACCID  Notification of an aircraft accident
ACFT  Aircraft
ACK  Acknowledge
ACL  Altimeter check location
ACN  Aircraft classification number
ACNZ  Airways Corporation of New Zealand Limited
ACPT  Accept or accepted
ACT  Active or activated or activity
AD  Airworthiness Directive
ADA  Advisory area
ADC  Aerodrome chart
ADDN  Addition or additional
ADEP  Aerodrome of Departure
ADES  Aerodrome of Destination
ADF  Automatic direction-finding equipment or automatic direction-finder
ADIZ  Air defence identification zone (pronounced "AY-DIZ")
ADJ  Adjacent
ADO  Aerodrome office (specify service)
ADR  Advisory route
ADS-B  Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast
ADS-C  Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Contract
ADSU  Automatic dependent surveillance unit
ADVS  Advisory service
ADZ  Advise
AES  Aircraft earth station
AFFF  Aqueous film forming foam
AFIL  Flight plan filed in the air
AFIS  Aerodrome flight information service
AFM  Yes or affirm or affirmative or that is correct
AFRU  Aerodrome frequency response unit
AFS  Aeronautical fixed service
AFT  After ... (time or place)
AFTN  Aeronautical fixed telecommunications network
AGA  Aerodromes, air routes and ground aids
AGL  Above ground level
AGN  Again
AGNIS  Azimuth guidance for nose-in stands
AIC  Aeronautical information circular
AIDC  Air traffic services inter-facility data communication
AIP  Aeronautical information publication
AIPNZ  Aeronautical information publication of New Zealand
AIRAC  Aeronautical information regulation and control
AIREP  Air report
AIRMET  Information concerning enroute weather phenomena which may affect the safety of low-level aircraft operations
AIS  Aeronautical information services
ALA  Alighting area
ALERFA  Alert phase
ALRS  Alerting service
ALS  Approach lighting system
ALT  Altitude
ALTN  Alternate (aerodrome)
AMA  Area minimum altitude
AMD  Amend
AMDT  Amendment (AIP Amendment)
AMS  Aeronautical mobile service
AMSL  Above mean sea level
AMSS  Aeronautical mobile satellite service
ANC  Aeronautical chart 1:500 000 (followed by name/title)
ANS  Answer
AOC  Aerodrome obstacle chart (followed by type and name/title)
AP  Airport
APAPI  Abbreviated precision approach path indicator (pronounced "AY-PAPI")
APCH  Approach
APDC  Aircraft parking/docking chart (followed by name/title)
APIS  Aircraft parking information system
APN  Apron
APP  Approach control office or Approach control or Approach control service
APR  April
APRX  Approximate or approximately
APSG  After passing
APV  Approve or approved or approval
ARC  Aerodrome reference code
ARFL  Aerodrome reference field length
ARFOR  Area forecast (in aeronautical meteorological code)
ARNG  Arrange
ARO  Air traffic services reporting office
ARP  Aerodrome reference point
ARQ  Automatic error correction
ARR  Arrive or arrival
ARST  Arresting [specify (part of) aircraft arresting equipment]
AS  Altostratus
ASC  Ascend to or Ascending to
ASDA  Accelerate-stop distance available
ASE  Altimetry system error
ASPH  Asphalt
AT-VASIS  Abbreviated T visual approach slope indicator system (pronounced "AY-TEE-VASIS")
AT...  At (followed by time at which weather change is forecast to occur)
ATA  Actual time of arrival
ATC  Air traffic control (in general)
ATCC  Air Traffic Control Centre
ATD  Actual time of departure or Along Track Distance
ATFM  Air traffic flow management
ATIS  Automatic terminal information service
ATM  Air traffic management
ATN  Aeronautical telecommunication network
ATP  At ... (time or place)
ATS  Air traffic services
ATSC  Air Traffic Services Centre
ATTN  Attention
AUG  August
AUTH   Authorised or Authorisation
AUW  All up weight
AUX   Auxiliary
AVASIS  Abbreviated visual approach slope indicator system (pronounced "AY-VASIS")
AVBL  Available or Availability
AVG  Average
AVGAS  Aviation gasoline
AWIB  Aerodrome and weather information broadcast
AWS  Automatic weather station
AWTA  Advise at what time able
AWY  Airway
AZM  Azimuth
 
B  Bitumen
BA  Braking action
BASE  Cloud base
BCFG  Fog patches
BCN  Beacon (Aeronautical ground light)
BCST  Broadcast
BDRY  Boundary
BECMG  Becoming
BFR  Before
BI  Bi-directional
BKN  Broken
BL...  Blowing (followed by DU=dust, SA=sand or SN=snow)
BLDG  Building
BLO  Below clouds
BLW  Below ...
BOMB  Bombing
BR  Mist
BRF  Short (used to indicate the type of approach desired or required)
BRG  Bearing
BRKG  Braking
BRNAV  Basic area navigation (pronounced "BEE-AR-NAV")
BS  Commercial broadcasting station
BTL  Between layers
BTN  Between
BWR  Basic Weather Report
 
C  Degrees Celsius (Centigrade)
CAA  NZ Civil Aviation Authority
CAM  Collaborative Arrival Manager
CAR  NZ Civil Aviation Rules
CAT  Clear air turbulence
CAVOK  Visibility, cloud and present weather better than prescribed values or conditions (pronounced "KAV-OH-KAY")
CB  Cumulonimbus (pronounced "CEE BEE")
CC  Cirrocumulus
CCA  (or CCB, CCC ... etc in sequence) Corrected meteorological message
CD  Candela(s)
CF  Course Fix (used with GNSS approaches - often equivalent to IF)
CFM  Confirm or I confirm
CFZ  Common Frequency Zone
CGL  Circling guidance light(s)
CH  Channel
CI  Cirrus
CIDIN  Common ICAO interchange network
CIT  Near or over large town(s)
CIV  Civil
CK  Check
CL  Centre line
CLA  Clear type of ice formation
CLBR  Calibration
CLD  Cloud
CLG  Calling
CLIAS  Climbing indicated speed
CLR  Cleared or Cleared to ... or Clearance
CLSD  Close or Closed or Closing
CM  Centimetre
CMB  Climb to or Climbing to
CMPL  Completion or Completed or Complete
CMSD  Commissioned
CNL  Cancel or Cancelled
CNS  Communications, navigation and surveillance
COL  Column
COM  Communications
CONC  Concrete
COND  Condition(s)
CONS  Continuous
CONST  Construction or Constructed
CONT    Continue or Continued
COOR  Coordinate or Coordination
COORD  Coordinates
COP  Change-over point
COR  Correct or Corrected
COT  At the coast
COV  Cover or Covered or Covering
CPDLC  Controller-pilot data link communications
CRC  Cyclic redundancy check
CRZ  Cruise
CS  Cirrostratus
CTA  Control area
CTAM  Climb to and maintain
CTC  Contact
CTL  Control
CTN  Caution
CTOT  Calculated Time of Departure (pronounced "SEE TOT")
CTR  Control zone
CU  Cumulus
CUF  Cumuliform
CUST  Customs
CVFR  Controlled VFR
CVR  Cockpit voice recorder
CW  Continuous wave
CWY  Clearway
 
D  Downward (tendency in RVR during previous 10 minutes)
D-ATIS  Data link automatic terminal information service (pronounced "DEE-ATIS")
D-VOLMET  Data link VOLMET
D...  Danger area (followed by identification)
DA  Decision altitude
DCA  Director of Civil Aviation
DCD  Double channel duplex
DCKG  Docking
DCL  Digital Clearance Delivery
DCMSD   Decommissioned
DCPC  Direct controller-pilot communications
DCS  Double channel simplex
DCT  Direct (in relation to flight plan clearances and type of approach)
DEC  December
DEG  Degrees
DEP  Depart or Departure
DES  Descend to or Descending to
DEST  Destination
DETRESFA  Distress phase
DEV  Deviation or Deviating
DF  Direction finding
DFDR  Digital flight data recorder
DFTI  Distance from touchdown indicator
DH  Decision height
DIF  Diffuse
DISP  Displaced
DIST  Distance
DIV  Divert or Diverting or Diversion
DLA  Delay or Delayed
DLIC  Data link initiation capability
DLV  Delivery
DLY  Daily
DME  Distance measuring equipment
DNG  Danger or Dangerous
DOM  Domestic
DP  Dewpoint temperature
DPT  Depth
DR  Dead reckoning
DR...  Low drifting (followed by DU=dust, SA=sand or SN=snow)
DRG  During
DS  Duststorm
DSB  Double sideband
DTAM  Descend to and maintain
DTG  Date–time group
DTHR  Displaced runway threshold
DTRT  Deteriorate or Deteriorating
DTW  Dual tandem wheels
DU  Dust
DUC  Dense upper cloud
DUR  Duration
DVOR  Doppler VOR
DW  Dual wheels
DZ  Drizzle
d  Day
 
E  East or Eastern longitude
EAT  Expected approach time
EB  Eastbound
ECT  Evening civil twilight
EET  Estimated elapsed time
EFC  Expect further clearance
EGPWS  Enhanced ground proximity warning system
EHF  Extremely high frequency [30 000 to 300 000 MHz]
ELBA  Emergency locator beacon - aircraft
ELEV  Elevation
ELR  Extra long range
ELT  Emergency locator transmitter
EM  Emission
EMBD  Embedded in a layer (to indicate cumulonimbus embedded in layers of other clouds)
EMERG  Emergency
END  Stop-end (related to RVR)
ENDC  Endurance
ENE  East north-east
ENG  Engine
ENR  Enroute
ENRC  Enroute chart (followed by name/title)
EOBT  Estimated off-blocks time
EOL  Effective operational length
EPIRB  Emergency position indicating radio beacon
EQPT  Equipment
ER  Here ... or Herewith
ESE  East south-east
EST  Estimate or Estimated
ESWL  Equivalent single wheel load
ETA  Estimated time of arrival or estimating arrival
ETD  Estimated time of departure or estimating departure
ETO  Estimated time over a significant point
ETOPS   Extended-range twin-engine operations
EV  Every
EXC   Except
EXER  Exercises or Exercising or to Exercise
EXP  Expect or Expected or Expecting
EXTD  Extend or Extending
 
F  Fixed
FAC  Facilities
FAF  Final approach fix
FAL  Facilitation of international air transport
FAP  Final approach point
FATO  Final approach and take-off area
FAX  Facsimile transmission
FBL  Light (used to indicate the intensity of weather phenomena, interference or static reports, e.g. FBL RA=light rain)
FC  Funnel cloud
FCST  Forecast
FCT  Friction coefficient
FDPS  Flight data processing system
FEB  February
FG  Fog
FIC  Flight information centre
FIR  Flight information region
FIS  Flight information service
FISA  Automated flight information service
FISB  Flight information service broadcasts
FL  Flight level
FLD  Field
FLG  Flashing
FLR  Flares
FLT  Flight
FLTCK  Flight check
FLUC  Fluctuating or Fluctuation or Fluctuated
FLW  Follow(s) or Following
FLY  Fly or Flying
FM  From
FM...  From (followed by time weather change is forecast to begin)
FMS  Flight management system
FMU  Flow management unit
FNA  Final approach
FPD  Flight plan designator
FPM  Feet per minute
FPR  Flight plan route
FR  Fuel remaining
FREQ  Frequency
FRI  Friday
FRNG  Firing
FRONT  Front (relating to weather)
FRQ  Frequent
FS  Flight service
FSL  Full stop landing
FSS  Flight service station
FST  First
FU  Smoke
FZ  Freezing
FZDZ  Freezing drizzle
FZFG  Freezing fog
FZL  Freezing level
FZRA  Freezing rain
ft  Feet (dimensional unit)
 
G  Indicator for variations from the mean wind speed (gusts) (used in the METAR/SPECI and TAF code forms)
G/A  Ground-to-air
G/A/G  Ground-to-air and air-to-ground
GA  General aviation
GAA  General aviation area (applies to airspace)
GAMET  Area forecast for low-level flights
GEN  General
GEO  Geographic or true
GES  Ground earth station
GG  Whole hours UTC
GLD  Glider
GLONASS  Global orbiting navigation satellite system (pronounced "GLO-NASS")
GMC  Ground movement chart (followed by name/title)
GND  Ground
GNDCK  Ground check
GNSS  Global navigation satellite system
GNZSIGWX  Graphical NZ Significant Weather (chart)
GP  Glide path
GPS  Global Positioning System
GPWS  Ground proximity warning system
GR  Hail or soft hail
GRAFOR  Graphical Area Forecast (chart)
GRASS  Grass landing area
GRIB  Processed meteorological data in the form of grid values (in aeronautical meteorological code)
GRVL  Gravel
GS  Ground speed
GSM  Graphical SIGMET Monitor (chart)
GUND  Geoid undulation
Gp  Group
Gr  Grass
Gr(f)  Firm grass
Gr(s)  Soft grass
 
H  High pressure area or the centre of high pressure
H , h  Depth of flexible pavement
H24  Continuous day and night service
HAPI  Helicopter approach path indicator
HBN  Hazard beacon
HDF  High frequency direction-finding station
HDG  Heading
HEL  Helicopter
HEL-H  Heavy helicopter (radius of action in excess of 100 NM and capacity for evacuating 2–5 persons)
HEL-L  Light helicopter (radius of action of 50 NM and capacity for evacuating one person)
HEL-M  Medium helicopter (radius of action of 50 to 100 NM and capacity for evacuating 2–5 persons)
HF  High frequency [3 000 to 30 000 kHz]
HGT   Height or Height above
HJ  Sunrise to sunset
HLDG  Holding
HN  Sunset to sunrise
HO  Service available to meet operational requirements
HOL  Holiday
HOSP  Hospital aircraft
HR   Hours
HS  Service available during hours of scheduled operations
HUMS  Health and usage monitoring system
HURCN  Hurricane
HVDF  High and very high frequency direction-finding stations (at the same location)
HVY  Heavy (used to indicate the intensity of weather phenomena, e.g. HVY RA=heavy rain)
HX  No specific working hours
HYR  Higher
HZ  Dust haze
Hz  Hertz (cycles per second)
hPa  Hectopascal
 
IAC  Instrument approach chart
IAF  Initial approach fix
IAO  In and out of clouds
IAR  Intersection of air routes
IAS  Indicated air speed
IBN  Identification beacon
IC  Ice crystals (very small ice crystals in suspension - also known as diamond dust)
ICAO  International Civil Aviation Organisation
ICE  Icing
ID  Identifier or Identify
IDENT  Identification
IDF  Initial Departure Fix
IF  Intermediate approach fix
IFF  Identification friend/foe
IFIS  Internet Flight Information Service
IFR  Instrument flight rules
IFT  Instrument Flight Test (Initial Issue)
IGA  International general aviation
ILS  Instrument landing system
IM  Inner marker
IMC  Instrument meteorological conditions
IMG  Immigration
IMPR  Improve or improving
IMT  Immediate or Immediately
INA  Initial approach
INBD  Inbound
INC  In cloud
INCERFA  Uncertainty phase
INFO  Information
INOP  Inoperative
INP  If not possible
INPR  In progress
INS  Inertial navigation system
INSTL  Install or Installed or Installation
INSTR  Instrument
INT  Intersection
INTL  International
INTRG  Interrogator
INTRP  Interrupt or Interruption or Interrupted
INTSF  Intensify or Intensifying
INTST  Intensity
IR  Ice on runway
ISA  International standard atmosphere
ISB  Independent sideband
ISOL  Isolated
 
JAN  January
JTST  Jet stream
JUL  July
JUN  June
 
kHz  Kilohertz
kPa  KiloPascal/s
kW  Kilowatt/s
kg  Kilogram/s
km  Kilometre/s
kmh  Kilometres per hour
kt  Knot/s
 
L  Low pressure area or the centre of low pressure
L , l  Radius of relative stiffness of rigid pavement
LAN  Inland
LAT  Latitude
LCA  Local or Locally or Location or Located
LDA  Landing distance available
LDAH  Landing distance available, helicopter
LDG  Landing
LDI  Landing direction indicator
LEN  Length
LF  Low frequency [30 to 300 kHz]
LFZ  Low flying zone
LGT  Light or Lighting
LGTD  Lighted
LIH  Light intensity high
LIL  Light intensity low
LIM  Light intensity medium
LL  Lower limit(s)
LL CA  Lower limit of controlled airspace
LM  Locator, middle
LMT  Local mean time
LNAV  Lateral navigation
LNG  Long (used to indicate the type of approach desired or required)
LO  Locator, outer
LOA  Length overall
LOC  Localiser
LONG  Longitude
LORAN  Long range air navigation system
LRG  Long range
LRNS  Long range navigation system
LTD  Limited
LTT  Landline teletypewriter
LV  Light and variable (relating to wind)
LVE  Leave or Leaving
LVL  Level
LVP  Low Visibility Procedures
LYR  Layer or Layered
 
M  Indicator for minimum value of runway visual range (used in the METAR/SPECI code forms)
MAA  Maximum authorised altitude
MAG  Magnetic
MAINT  Maintenance
MAP  Aeronautical maps and charts
MAPt  Missed approach point
MAR  At sea
MAUW  Maximum all-up weight
MAX  Maximum
MAY  May
MBZ  Mandatory Broadcast Zone
MCA  Minimum crossing altitude
MCT  Morning civil twilight
MCTOW  Maximum certificated take-off weight
MCW  Modulated continuous wave
MDA  Minimum descent altitude
MDF  Medium frequency direction-finding station
MDH  Minimum descent height
MEA  Minimum enroute altitude
MED  Medical
MEHT  Minimum eye height over threshold (for visual approach slope indicator systems)
MEL  Minimum equipment list
MET  Meteorological or Meteorology
MET REPORT  Local routine meteorological report (in abbreviated plain language)
METAR  Aviation routine weather report (in aeronautical meteorological code)
MF  Medium frequency [300 to 3 000 kHz]
MFA  Minimum flight altitude
MHDF  Medium and high frequency direction-finding stations (at the same location)
MHVDF  Medium, High and Very High frequency direction-finding stations (at the same location)
MHz   Megahertz
MID  Mid-point (related to RVR)
MIFG  Shallow fog
MIL  Military
MKR   Marker radio beacon
MLAT   Multilateration
MLFZ  Military low flying zone
MLS  Microwave landing system
MM  Middle marker
MNM  Minimum
MNPS  Minimum navigation performance specifications
MNT  Monitor or Monitoring or Monitored
MNTN  Maintain
MOA  Military operating area
MOC  Minimum obstacle clearance (required)
MOD  Moderate (used to indicate the intensity of weather phenomena, interference or static reports, e.g. MOD RA=moderate rain.)
MON  Monday
MOPS  Minimum operational performance standards
MOV  Move or Moving or Movement
MPS  Metres per second
MRA  Minimum reception altitudes
MRG  Medium range
MRP  ATS/MET reporting point
MS  Minus
MSA  Minimum safe altitude (non-ICAO usage, based on Civil Aviation Rule 91.423)
MSA 25 NM  Minimum sector altitude (ICAO definition based on 25 NM obstacle clearance)
MSAW  Minimum safe altitude warning
MSG  Message
MSL  Mean sea level
MSSR  Monopulse secondary surveillance radar
MT  Mountain
MTOW  Maximum take-off weight
MTP  Maximum tyre pressure
MTU  Metric units
MTW  Mountain waves
MVDF  Medium and very high frequency direction-finding stations (at the same location)
MWARA  Major world air route area
MWO  Meteorological watch office
MX  Mixed type of ice formation (white and clear)
m  Metre/s (preceded by figures)
min  Minute/s
 
N  North or Northern latitude
NA  Not authorised
NASC  National AIS system centre
NAV  Navigation
NB  Northbound
NBFR  Not before
NC  No change
NDB  Non-directional radio beacon
NDT  Non-destructive testing
NE  North-east
NEB  North-eastbound
NEG  No or Negative or Permission not granted or That is not correct
NGT  Night
NIL  None or I have nothing to send you
NM  Nautical miles
NML  Normal
NNE  North north-east
NNW  North north-west
NOF  International NOTAM office
NORDO  Non-radio equipped
NOSIG  No significant change (used in trend-type landing forecasts)
NOTAM  A notice containing information concerning the establishment, condition or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedure or hazard, the timely knowledge of which is essential to personnel concerned with flight operations
NOV  November
NOZ  Normal operating zone
NPA  Non-precision approach
NR  Number
NRCC  National Rescue Coordination Centre
NRH  No reply heard
NS  Nimbostratus
NSC  Nil significant cloud
NSW  Nil significant weather
NTL  National
NTZ  No transgression zone
NU  Not usable
NW  North-west
NWB  North-westbound
NWFC  National weather forecasting centre
NXT  Next
NZ  New Zealand
NZA...  Controlled Airspace (followed by identification)
NZB...  Mandatory Broadcast Zone (followed by identification)
NZC...  Common Frequency Zone (followed by identification)
NZD...  Danger area (followed by identification)
NZDT  New Zealand daylight time (UTC plus 13 hours)
NZG...  General Aviation Area (followed by identification)
NZL...  Low Flying Zone (followed by identification)
NZM...  Military Operating Area (followed by identification)
NZMS...  New Zealand Mapping Service map series number (followed by identification)
NZP...  Parachute Landing Area (followed by identification)
NZR...  Restricted area (followed by identification)
NZST  New Zealand standard time (UTC plus 12 hours)
NZT...  VFR Transit Lane (followed by identification)
NZV...  Volcanic Hazard Zone (followed by identification)
 
O/R  On request
OAC  Oceanic area control centre
OAS  Obstacle assessment surface
OBS  Observe or Observed or Observation
OBSC  Obscure or Obscured or Obscuring
OBST  Obstacle
OCA  Oceanic control area
OCC  Occulting (light)
OCH  Obstacle clearance height
OCNL  Occasional or Occasionally
OCR  Oceanic Radar Sector
OCS  Obstacle clearance surface
OCT  October
OEI  One engine inoperative
OFIS  Operational flight information service broadcasts
OFZ  Obstacle free zone
OHD  Overhead
OKTA  Eighths of sky cover
OL  Overland
OLDI  On-line data interchange
OM  Outer marker
OMNI  Omni-directional
OPA  Opaque, white type of ice formation
OPC  The control indicated is operational control
OPMET  Operational meteorological (information)
OPN   Open or Opening or Opened
OPR  Operator or Operate or Operative or Operating or Operational
OPS  Operations
ORD  Indication of an order
OSV  Ocean station vehicle
OTLK  Outlook (used in SIGMET messages for volcanic ash and tropical cyclones)
OTP  On top
OUBD  Outbound
OVC  Overcast
OW  Over water
 
P  Indicator for maximum value of wind speed or runway visual range (used in the METAR/SPECI and TAF code forms)
P...  Prohibited area (followed by identification)
PAL  Pilot activated lighting
PALS  Precision approach lighting system (specify category)
PANS  Procedures for air navigation services
PAPI  Precision approach path indicator
PAR  Precision approach radar
PARL  Parallel
PATC  Precision approach terrain chart (followed by name/title)
PAX  Passenger(s)
PBN  Performance-based navigation
PCD  Proceed or Proceeding
PCL  Pilot-controlled lighting
PCN  Pavement classification number
PDC  Pre-departure clearance
PDG  Procedure design gradient
PER  Performance
PERM  Permanent
PIB  Pre-flight information bulletin
PIREP  Pilot’s report
PJE  Parachute jumping exercise
PL  Ice pellets
PLA  Parachute landing area
PLN  Flight plan
PLVL  Present level
PN  Prior notice required
PNR  Point of no return
PO  Dust/sand whirls (dust devils)
POB  Persons on board
POSS  Possible
PPI  Plan position indicator
PPR  Prior permission required
PPSN  Present position
PRFG  Aerodrome partially covered by fog
PRI  Primary
PRKG  Parking
PROB  Probability
PROC  Procedure
PROV  Provisional
PS  Plus
PSG  Passing
PSN  Position
PSR  Primary surveillance radar
PSYS  Pressure system
PTN  Procedure turn
PTS  Polar track structure
PVT  Private
PWR  Power
 
QDM  Magnetic heading (zero wind)
QDR  Magnetic heading
QFE  Atmospheric pressure at aerodrome level (or at runway threshold)
QFU  Magnetic orientation of runway
QNH  An altimeter sub-scale setting to obtain elevation when on the ground
QTE  True bearing
QUAD  Quadrant
 
R  Right (runway identification)
R...  VOR Radial, e.g. R345
RA  Rain
RAFC  Regional area forecast centre
RAG  Ragged
RAI  Runway alignment indicator
RAIM  Receiver autonomous integrity monitoring
RASC  Regional AIS system centre
RB  Rescue boat
RCA  Reach cruising altitude
RCC  Rescue Coordination Centre
RCH  Reach or Reaching
RCL  Runway centre line
RCLL  Runway centre line light(s)
RCLR  Recleared
RDARA  Regional and Domestic air route area
RDH  Reference datum height
RDL  Radial
RDO  Radio
RDPS  radar data processing system
RE  Rolled earth
RE...  Recent (used to qualify weather phenomena, e.g. RERA=recent rain)
REC  Receive or Receiver
REDL  Runway edge light(s)
REF  Reference to ... or Refer to ...
REG  Registration
REIL  Runway end identifier lights
RENL  Runway end light(s)
REP  Report or Reporting or Reporting point
REQ  Request or Requested
RERTE  Re-route
RESA  Runway end safety area
RESTR  Restriction(s)
RF  Constant radius arc to a fix
RFDPS  radar and flight data processing system
RFS  Rescue fire service
RG  Range (lights)
RHC  Right-hand circuit
RIF  Re-clearance in flight
RITE  Right (direction of turn)
RL  Reporting leaving
RLA  Relay to
RLCE  Request level change enroute
RLLS  Runway lead-in lighting system
RLNA  Request level not available
RMK  Remark(s)
RNAV  Area navigation (pronounced "AR-NAV")
RNG  Radio range
RNP  Required navigation performance
RNZAF  Royal New Zealand Air Force
ROBEX  Routine OPMET Bulletin Exchange (scheme)
ROC  Rate of climb
ROD  Rate of descent
ROFOR  Route forecast
ROL  Route operating limitation
RON  Receiving only
RPA  Remotely piloted aircraft
RPAS  Remotely piloted aircraft system
RPI  Radar position indicator
RPL  Repetitive flight plan
RPLC  Replace or Replaced
RPM  Revolutions per minute
RPS  Radar position symbol
RQMNTS  Requirements
RR  Report reaching
RSC  Rescue sub-centre
RSCD  Runway surface condition
RSP  Responder beacon
RSR  Enroute surveillance radar
RTE  Route
RTF  Radio telephone
RTG  Radiotelegraph
RTHL  Runway threshold light(s)
RTN  Return or Returned or Returning
RTODAH  Rejected take-off distance available, helicopter
RTS  Return to service
RTT  Radio teletypewriter
RTZL  Runway touchdown zone light(s)
RUT  Standard regional route transmitting frequencies
RV  Rescue vessel
RVR  Runway visual range
RVSM  Reduced vertical separation minimum
RWY  Runway
 
S  South or Southern latitude
SA  Sand
SALS  Simple approach lighting system
SAN  Sanitary
SAP  As soon as possible
SAR  Search and rescue
SARPS  Standards and recommended practices [ICAO]
SAT  Saturday
SATCOM  Satellite communication
SB  Southbound
SC  Stratocumulus
SCT  Scattered
SDBY  Standby
SE  South-east
SEB  South-eastbound
SEC  Seconds
SECN  Section
SECT  Sector
SEIFR  Single-engined IFR
SELCAL  Selective calling system
SEP  September
SER  Service or Servicing or Serviced
SEV  Severe (used to qualify icing and turbulence reports)
SFC  Surface
SG  Snow grains
SGL  Signal
SH...  Showers (followed by RA=rain, SN=snow, PL=icepellets, GR=hail, GS=small hail and/or ice pellets or combinations thereof, e.g. SHRASN=showers of rain and snow)
SHF  Super high frequency [3 000 to 30 000 MHz]
SID  Standard instrument departure
SIF  Selective identification feature
SIG  Significant
SIGMET  Information concerning enroute weather phenomena which may affect the safety of aircraft operations
SIGWX  Significant weather
SIMUL  Simultaneous or Simultaneously
SIWL  Single isolated wheel load
SKC  Sky clear
SKED  Schedule or Scheduled
SLP  Speed limiting point
SLW  Slow
SMC  Surface movement control
SMR  Surface movement radar
SN  Snow
SNOCLO  Indicator for the aerodrome being closed due to snow on the runway (used in the METAR/SPECI code forms)
SNOWTAM  A special series NOTAM notifying the presence or removal of hazardous conditions due to snow, ice, slush or standing water associated with snow, slush and ice on the movement area, by means of a specific format
SOT  Start of take-off run available
SPECI  Aviation selected special weather report (in aeronautical meteorological code)
SPECIAL  Special meteorological report (in abbreviated plain language)
SPOC  SAR point of contact
SPOT  Spot wind
SQ  Squall
SQL  Squall line
SR  Sunrise
SRA  Surveillance radar approach
SRC  Standard Route Clearance
SRE  Surveillance radar element of a precision approach radar system
SRG  Short range
SRR  Search and rescue region
SRY  Secondary
SS  Sunset
SSB  Single sideband
SSE  South south-east
SSR  Secondary surveillance radar
SST  Supersonic transport
SSW  South south-west
ST  Stratus
STA  Straight-in approach
STAR  Standard instrument arrival
STD  Standard
STF  Stratiform
STN  Station
STNR  Stationary
STOL  Short take-off and landing
STS  Status
STWL  Stopway light(s)
SUA  Special Use Airspace
SUBJ  Subject to
SUN  Sunday
SUP  Supplement (AIP Supplement)
SUPPS  Regional supplementary procedures
SVC  Service message
SVCBL  Serviceable
SVFR  Special visual flight rules
SW  South-west
SWB  South-westbound
SWY  Stopway
St  Stabilised
s  Second/s
 
T  True (bearing, heading, track)
T-VASIS  "T" visual approach slope indicator system (pronounced "TEE-VASIS")
TA  Transition altitude
TACAN  UHF tactical air navigation aid
TAF  Aerodrome forecast
TAIC  Transport Accident Investigation Commission
TAIL  Tailwind
TALO  Touchdown and lift-off area (located at a heliport)
TAR  Terminal area surveillance radar
TAS  True air speed
TAX  Taxiing or Taxi
TBA  To be advised
TC  Tropical cyclone
TCAD  Traffic alert and collision avoidance device
TCAS  Traffic alert and collision avoidance system
TCH  Threshold crossing height - ILS, PRA, PAPI and VASIS glide path (measured in feet above runway threshold)
TCU  Towering cumulus
TDO  Tornado
TDZ  Touchdown zone
TDZE  Touchdown zone elevation
TECR  Technical reason
TEL  Telephone
TEMPO  Temporary or Temporarily
TFC  Traffic
TGL  Touch-and-go landing
TGS  Taxiing guidance system
THR  Threshold
THRU  Through
THU  Thursday
TIBA  Traffic information broadcast by aircraft
TIL  Until
TIP  Until past ... (place)
TKOF  Take-off
TL...  Till (followed by the time by which weather change is forecast to end)
TLOF   Touchdown and lift-off area
TM  Transponder mandatory (used after text listing of airspace)
TN  Indicator for minimum temperature (used in the TAF code form)
TNA  Turn altitude
TNH  Turn height
TO  To ... (place)
TOC  Top of climb
TOD  Top of descent
TODA  Take-off distance available
TODAH  Take-off distance available, helicopter
TOP  Cloud top
TORA  Take-off run available
TP  Turning point
TR  Track
TRA  Temporary reserved airspace
TRANS  Transmits or Transmitter
TREND  Trend forecast
TRL  Transition level
TROP  Tropopause
TS  Thunderstorm (in aerodrome reports and forecasts, TS used alone means thunder heard but no precipitation at the aerodrome)
TS...  Thunderstorm (followed by RA=rain, SN=snow, PL=ice pellets, GR=hail, GS=small hail and/or snow pellets or combinations thereof, e.g. TSRASN=thunderstorm with rain and snow)
TSO  Technical standard order
TT  Teletypewriter
TUE  Tuesday
TURB  Turbulence
TVOR  Terminal VOR
TWR  Aerodrome control tower or Aerodrome control
TWY  Taxiway
TWYL  Taxiway-link
TX  Indicator for maximum temperature (used in the TAF code form)
TYP  Type of aircraft
TYPH  Typhoon
 
U  Upward (tendency in RVR during previous 10 minutes)
U/S  Unserviceable
UAB  Until advised by ...
UAC  Upper area control centre
UAR  Upper air route
UAS  Unmanned aircraft system
UAV  Unmanned aerial vehicle
UDF  Ultra high frequency direction-finding station
UFN  Until further notice
UHDT  Unable higher due traffic
UHF  Ultra high frequency [300 to 3 000 MHz]
UIC  Upper information centre
UIR  Upper flight information region
UL  Upper limit(s)
ULR  Ultra long range
UNA  Unable
UNAP  Unable to approve
UNICOM  Universal Communication Service
UNL  Unlimited
UNREL  Unreliable
UTC  Co-ordinated universal time
 
V  Indicator for variations from the mean wind direction (used in the METAR/SPECI code forms)
VA  Volcanic ash
VAAC  Volcanic ash advisory centre
VAC  Visual approach chart
VAL  In valleys
VAN  Runway control van
VAR  Magnetic variation
VASIS  Visual approach slope indicator system
VC  Vicinity of the aerodrome (followed by FG=fog, FC=funnel cloud, SH=showers, PO=dust/sand whirls, BLDU=blowing dust, BLSA=blowing sand or BLSN=blowing snow, e.g. VCFG=vicinity fog)
VCY  Vicinity
VDF  VHF direction-finding station
VER  Vertical
VFR  Visual flight rules
VHF  Very high frequency [30 to 300 MHz]
VHZ  Volcanic hazard zone
VIP  Very important person
VIS   Visibility
VLF  Very low frequency [3 to 30 kHz]
VLR  Very long range
VMC  Visual meteorological conditions
VNAV   Vertical navigation
VNC  Visual navigation chart
VOLMET  Meteorological information for aircraft in flight
VOR  VHF Omni-directional radio range
VORSEC   VOR/DME Minimum Sector Altitude Chart
VORTAC  VOR and TACAN combination
VOT  VOR airborne equipment test facility
VPA  Vertical path angle
VPC  Visual planning chart
VRB  Variable
VRP  Visual reporting point
VSA  By visual reference to the ground
VSM  Vertical separation minimum
VSP  Vertical speed
VSS  Visual segment surface
VTOL  Vertical take-off and landing
VV  Vertical visibility (used in the METAR/SPECI and TAF code forms)
 
W  White
WAC  World Aeronautical Chart - ICAO 1:1 000 000 (followed by name/title)
WAFC  World area forecast centre
WAFS  World area forecast system - ICAO
WB  Westbound
WBAR  Wing bar lights
WDI  Wind direction indicator
WDSPR  Widespread
WED  Wednesday
WEF  With effect from or effective from
WO  Without
WPT  Way-point
WRNG  Warning
WS  Wind shear
WSPD  Wind speed
WSW  West south-west
WT  Weight
WTSPT  Waterspout
WWW  Worldwide web
WX  Weather
 
X   Cross
XBAR  Crossbar (of approach lighting system)
XNG  Crossing
XS  Atmospherics
 
Y   Yellow
YCZ  Yellow caution zone (runway lighting)
YR  Your
 
Z  Coordinated universal time