Pilots are really good at shortening pretty much everything in aviation down to an abbreviation that is then used as a word. It’s a very efficient way of communicating if you know what the abbreviations stand for. It’s a very inefficient way of communicating if you don’t know what abbreviations stand for.
ADC – air data computer
ADF – automatic direction finding
ADIZ – air defense identification zones
ADM – aeronautical decision making
AGL – above ground level
AHRS – attitude and heading reference system
AIM – aeronautical information manual
ALD – available landing distance
ALS – approach lighting system
ALSF – approach lighting system with sequenced flashing lights
AME – aviation medical examiner
AMEL – airplane multi engine land
ASEL – airplane single engine land
ATC – air traffic control
ATD – aviation training device
ASOS – automated surface observing system
ATIS – automatic terminal information service
ATP – airplane transport pilot
AWOS – automated weather observing system
CAS – calibrated airspeed
CDI – course deviation indicator
CFI – certified flight instructor
CFII – certified flight instructor – instrument
CFIT – controlled flight into terrain
CLC – course-line computer
CRM – crew resource management
CSIP – cirrus standardized instructor pilot
CTAF – common traffic advisory frequency
DCS – decompression sickness
DME – distance measuring equipment
DPE – dedicated pilot examiner
EAS – equivalent airspeed
EFVS – enhanced flight vision system
EVS – enhanced vision display
FAA – federal aviation administration
FAR – federal aviation regulation
FBO – fixed base operations
FDC – flight data center
FL – flight level
FMS – flight management system
FSS – flight service station
GBAS – ground-based augmentation system
GCO – ground communication outlet
GPS – global positioning system
HAA – height above airport
HAT – height above touchdown zone
HIRL – high intensity runway lights
HSI – horizontal situation indicator
HUD – head-up display
HVOR – high altitude VHF omnidirectional range
IMC – instrument meteorological conditions
IRF – instrument flight rules
ICAO – international civil aviation organization
IAS – indicated airspeed
ILS – instrument landing system
INS– inertial navigation system
ISA – international standard atmospheric
IVSI – instantaneous vertical airspeed
KAIS – knots indicated airspeed
KTAS – knots true airspeed
LAHSO – land and hold short operations
LIRL – low intensity runway lights
LOC – localizer
LVOR – low altitude VHF omnidirectional range
MALSF – medium-intensity approach lighting system with sequenced flashing lights
MEI – multi-engine instructor
METAR – meteorological terminal aviation routine
MFD – multi-function display
MIRL – medium intensity runway lights
MOA – military operations area
MSL – mean sea level
MTR– military training route
NDB – non-directional beacon
NOTAM– notice to airmen
NSA – national security area
NTSB – national transportation and safety board
OAT – outside air temperature
ODALS – omnidirectional approach lighting system
PAPI – precision approach indicator
PBN – performance-based navigation
PFD – primary flight display
PPL – private pilot license
POH – pilot operating handbook
PVASI – pulsating visual approach slope indicator
RAIL – runway alignment indicator lights
RAIM – receiver autonomous integrity monitoring
RCLS – runway centerline lights
REIL – runway end indicator lights
RMI – radio magnetic indicator
RNAV – area navigation
RNP– required navigation performance
SID – standard instrument departure route
SFL – sequenced flashing lights
SRM – single-pilot resource management
SSV – standard service volume
STAR – standard arrival route
STOL – short take off and landing
SVS – synthetic vision system
TACAN – tactical air navigation system
TAS – true airspeed
TAF – terminal area forecast
TCH – threshold crossing height
TDZL – touchdown zone lighting
TFR – temporary flight restriction
TOLD – take off and landing distance
TPA – traffic pattern altitude
TSO – technical standard order
TRSA – terminal radar service area
TVOR – terminal VHF omnidirectional range
UNICOM – universal communications
VASI – vertical approach slope indicator
VMC – visual meteorological conditions
VFR – visual flight rules
VOR – VHF omnidirectional range
VOT – VOR test facility
VORTAC – VHF Omnidirectional Range Tactical Aircraft Control
VSI – vertical speed indicator
WAAS – wide area augmentation system
