Understanding airspace and aviation terminology
Lesson Summary
In this lesson, you will delve into the world of aviation and airspace terminology. Understanding these terms is crucial for any drone pilot as it ensures safe and efficient flying operations. One fundamental term you will encounter is "airspace classification." Airspace is divided into different classes, each with its own set of rules and regulations.
The following is a list of abbreviations and acronyms, aviation loves acronyms, so it's beneficial to at least familiarize yourself with these terms. Don't spend too much time studying this.
Abb./Acronym Definition
14 CFR Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations
AC Advisory Circular
ACS Airman Certification Standards
ADDS Aviation Digital Data Services
ADIZ Air Defense Identification Zone
ADM Aeronautical Decision-Making
AFM Airplane Flight Manual
AFS Flight Standards Service
AGL Above Ground Level
AIRMET Airman’s Meteorological Information
AOA Angle of Attack
ATC Air Traffic Control
ATD Aviation Training Device
CB Cumulonimbus
CFA Controlled Firing Areas
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CG Center of Gravity
CP Center of Pressure
CRM Crew Resource Management
CTAF Common Traffic Advisory Frequency
CTP Certification Training Program
DPE Designated Pilot Examiner
DVFR Defense VFR
EMS Emergency Services
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
FADEC Full Authority Digital Engine Control
FDA Federal Drug Administration
FDC Flight Data Center
FL Flight Level
FRZ Flight Restriction Zone
FS Flight Service
FSDO Flight Standards District Office
IAP Instrument Approach Procedures
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
IFR Instrument Flight Rules
IR Instrument Routes (sectional charts)
ISA International Standard Atmosphere
LAA Local Airport Advisory
MAP Missed Approach Point
MDA Minimum Descent Altitude
MEL Minimum Equipment List
MFD Multi-functional Displays
MOA Military Operation Areas
MSL Mean Sea Level
MTR Military Training Route
NACG National Aeronautical Charting Group
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NAS National Airspace System
NM Nautical Miles
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOTAM Notice to Airmen
NSA National Security Area
OTC Over-the-Counter
PAVE PIC – Aircraft – environment – External pressures
POH Pilot’s Operating Handbook
SAO Special Area of Operation
SIGMET Significant Meteorological Information
SOP Standard Operating Procedures
TCU Towering Cumulus
TFR Temporary Flight Restrictions
TN True North
TRSA Terminal Radar Service Area
TUC Time of Useful Consciousness
UNICOM Aeronautical Advisory Communications Stations
UTC Coordinated Universal Time
VFR Visual Flight Rules
VR Visual Routs (sectional charts)
VO Visual Observer
W&B Weight and Balance
WST Convective Significant Meteorological Information
Be Familiar with symbols listed on sectional charts, these charts are provided to you during the test, REMEMBER TO USE THEM! There is a ton of info in them, they are at the beginning of the book.