Aviation Abbreviations & Acronyms
The acronyms you will meet most often in charts, weather products and clearances.
Altitude & position
| Abbr. | Meaning |
|---|
| AGL | Above Ground Level |
| MSL | Mean Sea Level |
| FL | Flight Level |
| DA / DH | Decision Altitude / Decision Height |
| MDA | Minimum Descent Altitude |
| MEA | Minimum Enroute Altitude |
| MOCA | Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude |
Weather
| Abbr. | Meaning |
|---|
| METAR | Aviation routine weather report |
| TAF | Terminal Aerodrome Forecast |
| ATIS | Automatic Terminal Information Service |
| AWOS / ASOS | Automated Weather/Surface Observing System |
| SIGMET / AIRMET | Significant / Airmen’s Meteorological Information |
| IMC / VMC | Instrument / Visual Meteorological Conditions |
Navigation & equipment
| Abbr. | Meaning |
|---|
| ILS | Instrument Landing System |
| VOR / DME | VHF Omnidirectional Range / Distance Measuring Equipment |
| RNAV / GPS | Area Navigation / Global Positioning System |
| WAAS | Wide Area Augmentation System |
| ADS-B | Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast |
| TCAS | Traffic Collision Avoidance System |
| FAF / IAF / MAP | Final / Initial Approach Fix, Missed Approach Point |
Airspace, rules & people
| Abbr. | Meaning |
|---|
| IFR / VFR | Instrument / Visual Flight Rules |
| NOTAM | Notice to Air Missions |
| TFR | Temporary Flight Restriction |
| MOA | Military Operations Area |
| PIC / SIC | Pilot / Second In Command |
| ATP | Airline Transport Pilot |
| CFI / CFII | Certificated Flight Instructor / Instrument |
Reference only — verify against the current FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and regulations before flight. More quick reference.