GEN 2.2  Abbreviations used in AIS publications


Abbreviations marked by an asterisk (*) are either different from or not contained in ICAO Doc 8400
† When radiotelephony is used, the abbreviations and terms are transmitted as spoken words.
‡ When radiotelephony is used, the abbreviations and terms are transmitted using the individual letters in non-phonetic form
** Signal is also available for use in communicating with stations of the maritime mobile service
# Signal for use in the teletypewriter service only

A - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
AAmber
*AFRA arrival connecting point
AAA(or AAB, AAC...etc., in sequence) Amended meteorological message
(message type designator)
A/AAir-to-air
AAD Assigned altitude deviation
AAIMAircraft autonomous integrity monitoring
AALAbove aerodrome level
ABIAdvance boundary information
ABMAbeam
ABNAerodrome beacon
ABTAbout
ABVAbove
ACAltocumulus
ACARS(to be pronounced _AY-CARS_) Aircraft communication addressing and reporting system †
ACASAirborne collision avoidance system †
ACCArea control centre or area control ‡
ACCIDNotification of an aircraft accident
ACFTAircraft
ACKAcknowledge
ACLAltimeter check location
ACNAircraft classification number
ACPAcceptance (message type designator)
ACPTAccept or accepted
ACTActive or activated or activity
ADAerodrome
ADAAdvisory area
ADCAerodrome chart
ADDNAddition or additional
ADFAutomatic direction finding equipment ‡
ADIZ(to be pronounced _AY-DIZ_) Air defence identification zone †
ADJAdjacent
ADRAdvisory route
ADSThe address (to be used in AFS as a procedure signal) *
ADS-BAutomatic dependent surveillance-broadcast ‡
ADS-CAutomatic dependent surveillance-contact ‡
ADSUAutomatic dependent surveillance unit
ADVSAdvisory service
ADZAdvise
AESAircraft earth station
AFILFlight plan filed in the air
AFISAerodrome flight information service
AFMYes or affirm or affirmative or that is correct
AFSAeronautical fixed service
AFTAfter...(time or place)
AFTNAeronautical fixed telecommunication network ‡
A/GAir-to-ground
AGAAerodrome, air routes and ground aids
AGLAbove ground level
AGNAgain
AICAeronautical information circular
AIDCAir traffic services interfacility data communications
AIPAeronautical information publication
AIRACAeronautical information regulation and control
AIREPAir-report †
AIRMETInformation concerning en-route weather phenomena which may affect the safety of low-level aircraft operations †
AISAeronautical information services
ALAAlighting area
ALERFAAlert phase †
ALRAlerting (message type designator)
ALRSAlerting service
ALSApproach lighting system
ALTAltitude
ALTNAlternate or alternating (light alternates in colour)
ALTNAlternate (aerodrome)
*ALTRVAltitude reservation
AMAArea minimum altitude
*AMCAirspace Management Cell
AMDAmend or amended (used to indicate amended meteorological message; message type designator)
AMDTAmendment (AIP amendment)
AMSAeronautical mobile service
AMSLAbove mean sea level
AMSSAerodrome mobile satellite service
ANCAeronautical chart 1:500 000 (followed by name/title)
ANCSAeronautical navigation chart-small scale (followed by name/title and scale)
ANSAnswer
AOCAerodrome obstacle chart
*AoRArea of Responsibility
*AOWIRAircraft operator WHAT-IF reroute
APAirport
APAPI(to be pronounced _AY-PAPI_) Abbreviated precision approach path indicator
APCHApproach
APDCAircraft parking/docking chart (followed by name/title)
APNApron
APPApproach control office or approach control or approach control service
APRApril
APRXApproximate or approximately
APSGAfter passing
APVApprove or approved or approval
*APVApproach procedure with vertical guidance
ARCArea chart
*ARFORArea forecast (in aeronautical meteorological code)
ARNGArrange
AROAir traffic services reporting office
ARPAerodrome reference point
ARPAir-report (message type designator)
ARQAutomatic error correction
ARRArrive or arrival
ARRArrival (message type designator)
ARSSpecial air-report (message type designator)
ARSTArresting (specify (part of) aircraft arresting equipment)
ASAltostratus
*ASAPAs soon as possible
ASCAscent to or ascending to
ASDAAccelerate stop distance available
ASEAltimetry system error
ASPHAsphalt
AT...At (followed by time at which weather change is forecast to occur)
ATAActual time of arrival ‡
ATCAir traffic control (in general) ‡
ATCCAir traffic control centre
ATDActual time of departure ‡
*ATFCMAir Traffic Flow and Capacity Management
ATFMAir traffic flow management
*ATFMXATFM measures exemption
ATISAutomatic terminal information service †
ATMAir traffic management
ATNAeronautical telecommunication network
*ATOActual time over significant point
ATPAt...(time or place)
ATSAir traffic services
ATTNAttention
AT-VASIS(to be pronounced _AY-TEE-VASIS_) Abbreviated T visual approach slope indicator system †
ATZAerodrome traffic zone
AUGAugust
*AUPAirspace Usage Plan
AUTHAuthorized or authorization
AUWAll up weight
AUXAuxiliary
AVBLAvailable or availability
AVGAverage
AVGASAviation gasoline †
AWTAAdvise at what time able
AWYAirway
AZMAzimuth
B - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
BBlue
*B2BBusiness to business
BABraking action
*BAMBosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark
BARO-VNAV(to be pronounced _BAA-RO-VEE-NAV_)
Barometric vertical navigation †
BASECloud base †
BCFGFog patches
BCNBeacon (aeronautical ground light)
BCSTBroadcast
BDRYBoundary
BECMGBecoming
BFRBefore
*BHACCBosnia and Herzegovina Area Control Centre
*BHANSABosnia and Herzegovina Air Navigation Services Agency
*BHDCABosnia and Herzegovina Directorate of Civil
Aviation
BKNBroken
BL...Blowing (followed by DU= dust, SA= sand or
SN= snow)
BLDGBuilding
BLOBelow clouds
BLWBelow
*BMCTBeginning of morning civil twilight
BOMBBombing
BRMist
BRFShort (used to indicate the type of approach desired or required)
BRGBearing
BRKGBraking
BSCommercial broadcasting station
BTLBetween layers
BTNBetween
BUFRBinary universal form for the representation of meteorological data
C - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
CCentre (runway identification)
CDegrees Celsius (Centigrade)
CACourse to an altitude
CAACivil Aviation Authority
CATCategory
CATClear air turbulence
CAVOK(to be pronounced _KAV-OH-KAY_) visibility, cloud and present weather better than prescribed values or conditions †
CB(to be pronounced _CEE BEE_) Cumulonimbus ‡
CCCirrocumulus
CCA(or CCB, CCC....etc.. in sequence) corrected meteorological message
(message type designator)
CDCandela
CDNCo-ordination (message type designator)
CFChange frequency to ...
CFMConfirm or I confirm (to be used in AFS as a procedure signal) *
CGLCircling guidance light(s)
CHChannel
CHEMChemical
CHGModification (message type designator)
CICirrus
CIDINCommon ICAO data interchange network †
CITNear or over large towns
CIVCivil
CKCheck
CLCentre line
CLAClear type of ice formation
CLBRCalibration
CLDCloud
CLGCalling
CLIMB-OUTClimb-out area
CLRClear(s) or cleared to... or clearance
CLRDRunway(s) cleared (used in METAR/SPECI)
CLSDClose or closed or complete
CMCentimetre
CMBClimb to or climbing to
CMPLCompletion or completed or complete
CNLCancel or cancelled
CNLFlight plan cancellation message
(message type designator)
CNSCommunication, navigation and surveillance
COMCommunications
CONCConcrete
CONDCondition
CONSContinuous
CONSTConstruction or constructed
CONTContinue(s) or continued
COORCo-ordinate or coordination
COPChange-over point
COORDCoordinates
CORCorrect or correction or corrected
(used to indicate corrected meteorological message; message type designator)
COTAt the coast
COVCover or covered or covering
CPDLCController-pilot data link communications ‡
*CPDLCXNon CPDLC
CPLCurrent flight plan (message type designator)
CRCCyclic redundancy check
CRMCollision risk model
CRZCruise
CSCall sign
CSCirrostratus
CTAControl area
CTAMClimb to and maintain
CTCContact
CTLControl
CTNCaution
*CTOTCalculated Take-Off Time
CTRControl zone
CUCumulus
CUFCumuliform
CUSTCustoms
CVRCockpit voice recorder
CWContinuous wave
CWYClearway
D - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
D...Danger area (followed by identification)
DDownward (tendency in RVR during previous 10 minutes)
*DFRA Departure connecting point
DADecision altitude
D-ATIS(to be pronounced _DEE-ATIS_)
Data link automatic terminal information service †
DCDDouble channel duplex
DCKGDocking
DCPDatum crossing point
DCPCDirect controller-pilot communications
DCSDouble channel simplex
DCTDirect (in relation to flight plan clearances and type of approach)
DEFrom (used to precede the call sign of the calling station)
(to be used in AFS as a procedure signal) *
DECDecember
DEGDegrees
DEPDepart or departure
DEPDeparture (message type designator)
DEPODeposition
DERDeparture end of the runway
DESDescend to or descending to
DESTDestination
DETRESFADistress phase
DEVDeviation or deviating
DFDirection finding
DFDRDigital flight data recorder
*D-FISData link flight information service
DFTIDistances from touch down indicator
DHDecision height
DIFDiffuse
DISTDistance
DIVDivert or diverting
DLADelay (message type designator)
DLADelay or delayed
*DLEEn-route delay or holding
DLICData link initiation capability
DMEDistance measuring equipment ‡
DNGDanger or dangerous
DOFDate of flight
DOMDomestic
DPDew point temperature
DPTDepth
DRDead reckoning
DR...Low drifting (followed by DU= dust, SA= sand or SN = snow)
DRGDuring
DSDust storm
DSBDouble sideband
DTAMDescend to and maintain
DTGDate-time group
DTHRDisplaced runway threshold
DTRTDeteriorate or deteriorating
DTWDual tandem wheels
DUDust
DUCDense upper cloud
DUPEThis is a duplicate message (to be used in AFS as a procedure signal) #
DURDuration
D-VOLMETData link VOLMET
DVORDoppler VOR
DWDual wheels
DZDrizzle
E - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
EEast or eastern longitude
*EFRA horizontal entry point
*EADEuropean AIS Database
*EASAEuropean Aviation Safety Agency
EATExpected approach time
EBEastbound
*ECITEAD Client Interface Terminal
EDAElevation different area
EEEError (to be used in AFS as a procedure signal) #
*EECTEnd of evening civil twilight
EETEstimated elapsed time
EFCExpect further clearance
EFIS(to be pronounced _EE-FIS_) Electronic flight instrument system †
EGNOS(to be pronounced _EGG-NOS_) European geostationary navigation overlay service †
EHFExtremely high frequency (30 000 to 300 000 MHz)
ELBAEmergency location beacon-aircraft †
ELEVElevation
ELRExtra long range
ELTEmergency locator transmitter
EMEmission
EMBDEmbedded in a layer (to indicate cumulonimbus embedded in layers of other clouds)
EMERGEmergency
ENDStop-end (related to RVR)
ENEEast north east
ENGEngine
ENREn route
ENRCEn route chart (followed by name/title)
EOBTEstimated off-block time
EQPTEquipment
ERHere...or herewith *
ESEEast south east
ESTEstimate or estimated or estimate (as message type designator)
ETAEstimated time of arrival or estimating arrival *‡
ETDEstimated time of departure or estimating
departure ‡
ETOEstimated time over significant point
EUREuropean regional OPMET data
EVEvery
EXCExcept
EXERExercises or exercising or to exercise
EXPExpect or expected or expecting
EXTDExtend or extending
F - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
FFixed
FACourse from a fix to an altitude
FACFacilities
FAFFinal approach fix
FALFacilitation of international air transport
*FANSFuture air navigation system
FAPFinal approach point
FASFinal approach segment
FATOFinal approach and take-off area
FAXFacsimile transmission
FBLLight (used to indicate the intensity of weather phenomena, interference or static reports, e.g. FBL RA = light rain)
FCFunnel cloud (tornado or water spout)
FCSTForecast
FCTFriction coefficient
FDPSFlight data processing system
FEBFebruary
FEWFew
FGFog
FICFlight information centre
FIRFlight information region ‡
FISFlight information service
FISAAutomated flight information service
FLFlight level
FLDField
FLGFlashing
*FLOSFlight level orientation scheme
FLRFlares
FLTFlight
FLTCKFlight check
FLUCFluctuating or fluctuation or fluctuated
FLWFollow(s) or following
FLYFly or flying
FMFrom
FM...From (followed by time weather change is
forecast to begin)
FMCourse from a fix to manual termination
(used in navigation database coding)
FMCFlight management computer
FMSFlight management system ‡
FMUFlow management unit
FNAFinal approach
FPAPFlight path alignment point
FPLFiled flight plan (message type designator)
FPMFeet per minute
FPRFlight plan route
FRFuel remaining
*FRAFree Route Airspace
FREQFrequency
FRIFriday
FRNGFiring
FRONTFront (relating to weather) †
FROSTFrost (used in aerodrome warnings) †
FRQFrequent
FSLFull stop landing
FSSFlight service
FSTFirst
FTFeet (dimensional unit)
FTEFlight technical error
FTPFlight threshold point
FTTFlight technical tolerance
FUSmoke
FZFreezing
FZDZFreezing drizzle
FZFGFreezing fog
FZRAFreezing rain
G - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
GGreen
GVariations from the mean wind (gusts)
(followed by figures in METAR/SPECI and TAF)
GAGeneral aviation
GAGo ahead, resume sending (to be used in AFS as a procedure signal)
G/AGround-to-air
G/A/GGround-to-air and air-to-ground
GAGANGPS and geostationary earth orbit augmented navigation †
GAINAirspeed or headwind gain
GAMETArea forecast for low-level operations
*GATGeneral air traffic
GBAS(to be pronounced _GEE-BAS_) Ground-based augmentation system †
GCAGround controlled approach system or ground controlled approach ‡
GENGeneral
GEOGeographic or true
GESGround earth station
GLDGlider
GLONASS(to be pronounced _GLO-NAS_) Global-based navigation satellite system
GLSGBAS landing system
GMCGround movement chart (followed by name/title)
GNDGround
GNDCKGround check
GNSSGlobal navigation satellite system ‡
GPGlide path
GPAGlide path angle
GPIPGlide path intercept point
GPSGlobal positioning system
*GPUGround power unit
GPWSGround proximity warning system ‡
GRHail
GRAS(to be pronounced _GRASS_)
Ground-based regional augmentation system †
GRASSGrass landing area
GRIBProcessed meteorological data in the form of grid point values (aeronautical meteorological code)
GRVLGravel
GSGround speed
GSSmall hail and/or snow pellets
GUNDGeoid undulation
H - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
HHigh pressure area or the centre of pressure
H24Continuous day and night service
HAHolding/racetrack to an altitude
HAPIHelicopter approach path indicator
*HAZMATHazardous material
HBNHazard beacon
HDFHigh frequency direction-finding station
HDGHeading
*HEADHead of State
HELHelicopter
HFHigh frequency (3 000 to 30 000 kHz) ‡
HFHolding/racetrack to a fix
*HFDLHigh frequency data link
HGTheight or height above
HJSunrise to sunset
HLDGHolding
HMHolding/racetrack to a manual
HNSunset to sunrise
HOService available to meet operational
requirements
HOLHoliday
HOSPHospital aircraft
HPAHectopascal
HRHours
HSService available during hours of scheduled
operations
HUDHead-up display
*HUMHumanitarian mission
HURCNHurricane
HVDFHigh and very high frequency direction finding stations (at the same location)
HVYHeavy
HVYHeavy (used to indicate the intensity of weather phenomena, e.g. HVY RA = heavy rain)
HXNo specific working hours
HYRHigher
HZHaze
HZHertz (cycle per second)
I - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
*IFRA Intermediate point
IACInstrument approach chart
IAFInitial approach fix
IAOIn and out of clouds
IARIntersection of air routes
IASIndicated air speed
IBNIdentification beacon
ICDiamond dust (very small ice crystals in suspension, also known as diamond dust)
ICAOInternational Civil Aviation Organization
ICEIcing
IDIdentifier or identify
IDENTIdentification †
IFIntermediate approach fix
IFFIdentification friend/foe
IFPSIntegrated initial flight plan processing system
IFPZIntegrated initial flight plan processing system zone
IFRInstrument flight rules ‡
IGAInternational general aviation
ILSInstrument landing system ‡
IMInner marker
IMCInstrument meteorological conditions ‡
IMGImmigration
IMIInterrogation sign (question mark) (to be used in AFS as a procedure signal) *
IMPRImprove or improving
IMTImmediate or immediately
INAInitial approach
INBDInbound
INCIn cloud
INCERFAUncertainty phase †
INFOInformation †
INOPInoperative
INPIf not possible
INPRIn progress
INSInertial navigation system
INSTLInstall or installed or installation
INSTRInstrument
INTIntersection
INTLInternational
INTRGInterrogator
INTRPInterrupt or interruption or interrupted
INTSFintensify or intensifying
INTSTIntensity
IRIce on runway
IRSInertial reference system
ISAInternational standard atmosphere
ISBIndependent sideband
ISOLIsolated
J - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
JANJanuary
JTSTJet stream
JULJuly
JUNJune
K - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
KGKilograms
KHZKilohertz
KIASKnots indicated airspeed
KMKilometres
KMHKilometres per hour
KPAKilopascal
KTKnots
KWKilowatts
L - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
LLeft (preceded by runway designation number to identify a parallel runway)
LLitre
LLocator (see LM, LO)
LLow pressure area or the centre of low pressure
*LALLowest Available Level
LAMLogical acknowledgement (message type designator)
LANInland
LATLatitude
LCALocal or locally or location or located
LDALanding distance available
LDAHLanding distance available, helicopter
LDGLanding
LDILanding direction indicator
LENLength
LFLow frequency (30 to 300 kHz)
LGTLight or lighting
LGTDLighted
LIHLight intensity high
LILLight intensity low
LIMLight intensity medium
LINELine (used in SIGMET)
LMLocator middle
LMTLocal mean time
LNAV(to be pronounced _EL-NAV_)
Lateral navigation†
LNGLong (used to indicate the type of approach desired or required)
LOLocator, outer
LOCLocalizer
LONGLongitude
LORANLORAN (long range air navigation system) †
LOSSAirspeed or headwind loss
LPVLocalizer performance with vertical guidance
LRThe last message received by me was...
(to be used in AFS as a procedure signal)
LRGLong range
LSThe last message sent by me was... or Last message was...
(to be used in AFS as a procedure signal)
LTDLimited
LTPLanding threshold point
LVLight and variable (relating to wind)
LVELeave or leaving
LVLLevel
LYRLayer or layered
M - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
MMach number (followed by figures)
MMetres (preceded by figures)
MMinimum value of runway visual range (followed by figures in METAR/SPECI)
MAAMaximum authorized altitude
MAGMagnetic
MAHFMissed approach holding fix
MAINTMaintenance
MAPAeronautical maps and charts
MAPTMissed approach point
MARMarch
MARAt sea
*MARSAMilitary assumes responsibility for separation of aircraft
MATFMissed approach turning fix
MAXMaximum
MAYMay
MBSTMicroburst
MCAMinimum crossing altitude
MCWModulated continuous wave
MDAMinimum descent altitude
MDFMedium frequency direction-finding station
MDHMinimum descent height
MEAMinimum en-route altitude
*MEDEVACMedical evacuation
MEHTMinimum eye height over threshold (for visual approach slope indicator system)
METMeteorological or meteorology †
METARAviation routine weather report (in aeronautical meteorological code) †
MET REPORTLocal routine meteorological report
(in abbreviated plain language)
MFMedium frequency (300 kHz to 3 000 kHz)
MHDFMedium and high frequency direction-finding station (at the same location)
MHVDFMedium, high and very high frequency direction-finding station (at the same location)
MHZMegahertz
MIDMid-point (related to RVR)
MIFGShallow fog
MILMilitary
MINMinutes *
MISMissing... (transmission identification)
(to be used in AFS as a procedure signal)
MKRMarker radio beacon
MLSMicrowave landing system ‡
MMMiddle marker
MNMMinimum
MNPSMinimum navigation performance specifications
MNTMonitor or monitoring or monitored
MNTNMaintain
MOAMilitary operating area
MOCMinimum obstacle clearance (required)
MOCAMinimum obstacle clearance
MODmoderate (used to indicate the intensity of weather phenomena, interference or static reports e.g. MOD RA = moderate rain)
MONAbove mountains
MONMonday
MOVMove or moving or movement
MPSMetres per second
MRAMinimum reception altitude
MRGMedium range
MRPATS/MET reporting point
MSMinus
MSAMinimum sector altitude
MSAWMinimum safe altitude warning
MSGMessage
MSLMean sea level
MSRMessage... (transmission has been)
MSSR Mono pulse secondary surveillance radar
MTMountain
*MTOWMaximum take-off weight
MTUMetric units
MTWMountain waves
MVDFMedium and very high frequency direction-finding station (at the same location)
*MWOMeteorological watch office
*MXMixed type of ice formation (white and clear)
N - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
NNorth or northern latitude
NNo distinct tendency (in RVR during previous 10 minutes)
NASCNational AIS system centre †
NATNorth Atlantic
*NAUPNational Airspace Usage Plan
NAVNavigation
NBNorth bound
NBFRNot before
NCNo change
NDBNon-directional radio beacon ‡
NENorth-east
NEBNorth-eastbound
NEGNo or negative or permission not granted or that is not correct
NGTNight
NILNone or I have nothing to send to you *†
NMNautical miles
NMLNormal
NNNo name, unnamed
NNENorth north east
NNWNorth north west
NOFInternational NOTAM office
*NONRVSMNon-RVSM capable flight
NOSIGNo significant change (used in trend-type landing forecasts) †
NOTAMA 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 †
NOVNovember
NOZNormal operating zone
NPANon-precision approach
*NPZNo planning zone
NRNumber
NRHNo reply heard
NSNimbostratus
NSCNil significant cloud
NSWNil significant weather
NTLNational
NTZNo transgression zone ‡
*NUUPNational Updated Usage Plan
NWNorth-west
NWBNorth-westbound
NXTNext
O - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
OACOceanic area control centre
OASObstacle assessment surface
*OATOperational air traffic
OBSObserve or observed or observation
OBSCObserve or obscured or obscuring
OBSTObstacle
OCAObstacle clearance altitude
OCAOceanic control area
OCCOcculting (light)
OCHObstacle clearance height
OCNLOccasional or occasionally
OCSObstacle clearance surface
OCTOctober
OFZObstacle free zone
OGNOriginate (to be used in AFS as a procedure signal)
OHDOverhead
OISObstacle identification surface
OKWe agree or It is correct (to be used in AFS as a procedure signal) *
OLDIOn-line data interchange †
OMOut marker
OPAOpaque, white type of ice formation
OPCThe control indicated is operational control
OPMETOperational meteorological (information) †
OPNOpen or opening or opened
OPROperator or operate or operative or operating or operational
OPSOperations †
O/ROn request
ORDIndication of an order
OSVOcean station vessel
OTPOn top
OTSOrganized track system
OUBDOut-bound
OVCOvercast
P - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
P...Maximum value of wind speed or runway visual range (followed by figures in METAR/SPECI and TAF)
P...Prohibited area (followed by identification)
PAPrecision approach
PALSPrecision approach lighting system (specify category)
PANSProcedures for air navigation services
PAPIPrecision approach path indicator †
PARPrecision approach radar ‡
PARLParallel
PATC...Precision approach terrain chart (followed by name/title)
PAXPassenger(s)
PBNPerformance-based navigation
PCDProceed or proceeding
PCLPilot-controlled lighting
PCNPavement classification number
PDCPre-departure clearance ‡
PDGProcedure design gradient
PERPerformance
PERMPermanent
PIBPre-flight information bulletin
PJEParachute jumping exercise
PLIce pellets
PLAPractice low approach
PLNFlight plan
PLVLPresent level
PNPrior notice required
PNRPoint of no return
PODust devils
POBPersons on board
POSSPossible
PPIPlan position indicator
PPRPrior permission required
PPSNPresent position
PRFGAerodrome partially covered by fog
PRIPrimary
PRKGParking
PROBProbability †
PROCProcedure
PROVProvisional
PRPPoint-in-space reference point
PSPlus
PSGPassing
PSNPosition
PSPPierced steel plank
PSRPrimary surveillance radar ‡
PTNProcedure turn
PTSPolar track structure
PWRPower
Q - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
QDLDo you intend to ask me for a series or bearings? or I intend to ask you for a series of bearings (to be used in radio telegraphy as a Q Code)
QDMMagnetic heading (zero wind) ‡
QDRMagnetic bearing
QFEAtmospheric pressure at aerodrome elevation (or at runway threshold) ‡
QFUMagnetic orientation of runway
QGEWhat is my distance to your station? or Your distance to my station is (distance figures and units) (to be used in radiotelegraphy as a Q Code)
QJHShall I run my test tape/a test sentence? or Run your test tape/a test sentence (to be used in AFS as a Q Code)
QNHAltimeter sub-scale setting to obtain elevation when on the ground ‡
QSPWill you relay to... free of charge? or I will relay
to... free of charge
(to be used in AFS as a Q Code)
QTAShall I cancel telegram number...? or Cancel telegram number...(to be used in AFS as a Q Code)
QTETrue bearing
QTFWill you give me the position of my station according to the bearings taken by D/F stations which you control? or The position of your station according to the bearings taken by the D/F stations that I control was...latitude... longitude (or other indication of position), class...at...hours (to be used in radiotelegraphy as a Q Code)
QUADQuadrant
QUJWill you indicate the TRUE track to reach you?
or The TRUE track to reach me is...degrees at. hours (to be used in radiotelegraphy as a Q Code)
R - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
RRate of turn
R... Radial from VOR (followed by three figures)
RReceived (acknowledgment of receipt) (to be used in AFS as a procedure signal) *
RRed
R...Restricted area (followed by identification)
RRight (preceded by runway designation number to identify a parallel runway)
RARain
RAResolution advisory
RACRules or the air and air traffic services
*RADRoute availability document
RAFCRegional area forecast centre
RAGRagged
RAGRunway arresting gear
RAIRunway alignment indicator
RAIMReceiver autonomous integrity monitoring †
RASSRemote altimeter setting source
RBRescue boat
RCAReach cruising altitude
RCCRescue co-ordination centre
RCFRadio communication failure
(message type designator)
RCHReach or reaching
RCLRunway centre line
RCLLRunway centre line light(s)
RCLRRecleared
RCPRequired communication performance ‡
RDHReference datum height (for ILS)
RDLRadial
RDORadio
RDOACTRadioactive
RE...Recent (used to qualify weather phenomena e.g. RERA - recent rain)
RECReceive or receiver
REDLRunway edge light(s)
REFReference to... or refer to...
REGRegistration
RENLRunway end light(s)
REPReport or reporting or reporting point
REQRequest or requested
RERTEReroute
*RFPReplacement flight plan procedure
RESARunway end safety area
RFConstant radius arc to a fix
RFFSRescue and fire fighting services
RGRange (lights)
RHCRight-hand circuit
RIFRe clearance in flight
RIMERime (used in aerodrome warnings) †
RLReport leaving
RLARelay to
RLCERequest level change en-route
RLLSRunway lead-in lighting system
RLNARequested level not available
RMKRemark
RNAV(to be pronounced _AR-NAV_) Area navigation †
*RNAVINOPRNAV inoperable
RNGRadio range
RNPRequired navigation performance ‡
ROBEXRegional OPMET bulletin exchange (scheme) †
ROCRate of climb
RODRate of descent
RONReceiving only
RPIRadar position indicator ‡
RPLRepetitive flight plan
RPLCReplace or replaced
*RPMRevolutions per minute
RPSRadar position symbol
RPTRepeat or I repeat (to be used in AFS as a procedure signal) *
RQRequest (to be used in AFS as a procedure signal) *
RQMNTSRequirements
RQPRequest flight plan (message type designator)
RQSRequest supplementary flight plan (message type designator)
RRReport reaching
RRA(or RRB, RRC....etc in sequence) Delayed meteorological message (message type designator)
RSCRescue sub-centre
RSCDRunway surface condition
RSPResponder beacon
RSPRequired surveillance performance ‡
RSREn-route surveillance radar
RTDDelayed (used to indicate delayed meteorological message) (message type designator)
RTERoute
RTFRadiotelephone
RTGRadiotelegraph
RTHLRunway threshold light(s)
RTNReturn or returned or returning
RTODAHRejected take-off distance available, helicopter
RTSReturn to service
RTTRadioteletypewriter
RTZLRunway touchdown zone light(s)
RUTStandard regional route transmitting frequencies
RVRescue vessel
RVARadar vectoring area
RVRRunway visual range ‡
RVSMReduced Vertical Separation Minimum ‡
RWYRunway
S - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
SSouth or southern latitude
SASand
SALSSimple approach lighting system
SANSanitary
SARSearch and rescue
SARPSStandards and recommended practices (ICAO)
SATSaturday
SATCOMSatellite communication †
SATVOICE Satellite voice communication
SBSouthbound
SBAS(to be pronounced _ESS-BAS_) Satellite-based augmentation system †
SCStratocumulus
SCTScattered
SDStandard deviation
SDBYStand by
SDFStep down fix
*SDOStatic data operations
SESouth-east
SEBSouth-eastbound
SECSeconds
SECNSection
*SESCISouth East Common Sky Initiative
*SECSI FRASouth East Common Sky Initiative Free Route Airspace
SECTSector
SELCALSelective calling system †
SEPSeptember
SERService or servicing or served
SEVSevere (used e.g. to qualify icing and turbulence reports)
SFCSurface
SGSnow grains
SGLSignal
SH...Showers (followed by RA = rain, SN = snow,
PE = ice pellets, GR = hail, GS = small hail and or snow pellets or combinations thereof, e.g. SHRASN = showers of rain and snow)
SHFSuper high frequency (3 000 to 30 000 MHz)
SIInternational system of units
SIDStandard instrument departure †
SIFSelective identification feature
SIGSignificant
SIGMETInformation concerning en-route weather phenomena which may affect the safety of operations †
*SIGWXSignificant weather
SIMULSimultaneous or simultaneously
SIWLSingle isolated wheel load
SKCSky clear
SKEDSchedule or scheduled
SLPSpeed limiting point
SLWSlow
SMCSurface movement control
SMRSurface movement radar
SNSnow
SNOCLOAerodrome closed due to snow (used in METAR/SPECI)
SNOWTAMSpecial 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 †
SOCStart of climb
SPECIAerodrome special meteorological report (in meteorological code) †
SPECIALSpecial meteorological report (in abbreviated plain language) †
SPISpecial position indicator
SPLSupplementary flight plan (message type designator)
SPOCSAR point in contact
SPOTSpot wind †
SQSquall
SQLSquall line
SRSunrise
SRASurveillance radar approach
SRESurveillance radar element of precision approach radar system
SRGShort range
SRRSearch and rescue region
SRYSecondary
SSSandstorm
SSSunset
SSBSingle sideband
SSESouth south east
SSRSecondary surveillance radar ‡
SSTSupersonic transport
SSWSouth southwest
STStratus
STAStraight-in approach
STARStandard instrument arrival †
STDStandard
STFStratiform
STNStation
STNRStationary
STOLShort take-off and landing
STSStatus
STWLStopway light(s)
SUBJSubject to
SUNSunday
SUPSupplement (AIP supplement)
SUPPSRegional supplementary procedures
SVCService (message type only)
SVCBLServiceable
SWSouth-west
SWBSouth-westbound
*SWCSignificant weather chart
SWYStopway
T - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
TTemperature
TTrue (preceded by a bearing to indicate reference to True North)
T-VASIS(to be pronounced _TEE-VASIS_)
T visual approach slope indicator system †
TATraffic advisory
TATransition altitude
TA/HTurn at an altitude/height
TAATerminal arrival altitude
TACANUHF tactical air navigation aid
TAFAerodrome forecast
TAILTail wind †
TARTerminal area surveillance radar
TASTrue airspeed
TAXTaxiing or taxi
TCTropical cyclone
TCUTowering cumulus
TCAS RA(to be pronounced _TEE-CAS-AR-AY_) Traffic alert and collision avoidance system resolution avoidance †
TCHThreshold crossing height
TDOTornado
TDZTouchdown zone
TECRTechnical reason
TELTelephone
TEMPOTemporary or temporarily †
TFTrack to fix
TFCTraffic
TGLTouch-and-go landing
TGSTaxiing guidance system
THRThreshold
THRUThrough
THUThursday
TIBATraffic information broadcast by aircraft †
TILUntil †
TIPUntil past...(place)
TKOFTake-off
TL...Till (followed by time by which weather change is forecast to end)
TLOFTouchdown and lift-off area
TMATerminal control area ‡
TN...Minimum temperature (followed by figures in TAF)
TNATurn altitude
TNHTurn height
TOTo...(place)
TOCTop of climb
TODATake-off distance available
TODAHTake-off distance available, helicopter
TOPCloud top †
TORATake-off run available
TOXToxic
TPTurning point
TRTrack
TRATemporary reserved airspace
TRANSTransmits or transmitter
TRENDTrend forecast †
TRGTraining
TRLTransition level
TROPTropopause
TSThunderstorm (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, PE = ice pellets, GR = hail, GS = small hail and/or snow pellets or combinations thereof, e.g. TSRASN= thunderstorm with rain and snow)
TTTeletypewriter
TUETuesday
TURBTurbulence
TVORTerminal VOR
TWRAerodrome control tower or aerodrome control
TWYTaxiway
TX...Maximum temperature (followed by figures in TAF)
TXLTaxilane
TXTText (when the abbreviation is used to request a repetition, the question mark (IMI) precedes the abbreviation, e.g. (IMI TXT) (to be used in AFS as a procedure signal) *
TYPType of aircraft
TYPHTyphoon
U - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
UUpward (tendency in RVR during previous 10 minutes)
UAUnmanned aircraft
UABUntil advised by...
UACUpper area control centre
UARUpper air route
UASUnmanned aircraft system
UDFUltra high frequency direction-finding station
UFNUntil further notice
UHDTUnable higher due traffic
UHFUltra high frequency (300 to 3 000 MHz) ‡
UICUpper information centre
UIRUpper flight information region ‡
ULMUltra light motorized aircraft
ULRUltra long range
UNAUnable
UNAPUnable to approve
UNLUnlimited
UNRELUnreliable
UPUnidentified precipitation (used in automated METAR/SPECI)
U/SUnserviceable
UTAUpper control area
UTCCoordinated Universal Time ‡
*UUPUpdated Usage Plan
V - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
V...Variations from the mean wind direction (preceded and followed by figures in METAR/SPECI, e.g.350V070)
VAHeading to an altitude
VAVolcanic ash
VAAC Volcanic ash advisory centre
VAC...Visual approach chart (followed by name/title)
VALIn valleys
VANRunway control van
VARMagnetic variation
VARVisual-aural radio range
VASISVisual approach slope indicator system
VCVicinity of the aerodrome (followed by FG = fog, FC = funnel cloud, PO = dust/sand whirls, BLDU = blowing dust, BLSA = blowing sand or BLSN = blowing snow, DS = duststorm, SS = sandstorm, TS = thunderstorm or VA = volcanic ash, e.g. VCFG = vicinity fog)
VCYVicinity
VDFVery high frequency direction-finding station
VERVertical
VFRVisual flight rules ‡
VHFVery high frequency (30 to 300 MHz) ‡
VIHeading to an intercept
VIPVery important person ‡
VISVisibility
VLFVery low frequency (3 to 30 kHz)
VLRVery long range
VMHeading to a manual termination
VMCVisual meteorological conditions ‡
VNAV(to be pronounced _VEE-NAV_)
Vertical navigation
VOLMETMeteorological information for aircraft in flight †
VORVHF omnidirectional radio range ‡
VORTACVOR and TACAN combination †
VOTVOR airborne equipment test facility
VPAVertical path angle
VRBVariable
VSABy visual reference to the ground
VSPVertical speed
VTFVector to final
VTOLVertical take-off and landing
VV...Vertical visibility (followed by figures in METAR/SPECI and TAF)
W - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
WWest or western longitude
WWhite
*WWatt
WAASWide area augmentation system †
WAC...World aeronautical chart-ICAO 1:1 000 000 (followed by name/title)
WAFCWorld area forecast centre
WBWestbound
WBARWing bar lights
WDIWind direction indicator
WDSPRWidespread
WEDWednesday
WEFWith effect from or effective from
WGS-84World Geodetic System - 1984
WIWithin
WIDWidth or wide
WIEWith immediate effect or effective immediately
WILCOWill comply †
WINDWind
WIPWork in progress
WKNWeaken or weakening
WNWWest-north-west
WOWithout
WPTWay-point
WRNGWarning
WSWind shear
WSPDWind speed
WSWWest south west
WTWeight
WTSPTWaterspout
WWWWorldwide web
WXWeather
X - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
XCross
*XFRA horizontal exit point
XBARCrossbar (of approach lighting system)
XNGCrossing
XSAtmospherics
Y - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
YYellow
YCZYellow caution zone (runway lighting)
YESYes (affirmative) (to be used in AFS as a procedure signal) *
YRYour
Z - 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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ZCoordinated Universal Time (in meteorological messages)