Aviation Acronyms

Question 1

AGL

Answer 1

Above Ground Level

The distance above the ground.

Question 2

AIM

Answer 2

Aeronautical Information Manual

Question 3

AIRMET

Answer 3

Airmen’s Meteorological Information

Warnings about obscurations (clouds and rain), turbulence and icing.

Question 4

ARTCC

Answer 4

Air Route Traffic Control Centers

The radar rooms at 20 major ATC regions of the continental US. They are called “Center” on the radio.

Question 5

ASOS/AWOS

Answer 5

Automated Surface/Weather Observing System

Measures and disseminates weather data. Called the “one-minute weather”, it is really the average over the past several minutes.

Question 6

ATC

Answer 6

Air Traffic Control

Question 7

ATIS

Answer 7

Automatic Terminal Information Service

A repeating broadcast of essential information about the weather, runways in use, and any NOTAMs for that airport. It is updated hourly or after a significant change in the weather or other information.

Question 8

CT

Answer 8

Control Tower

Question 9

CTAF

Answer 9

Common Traffic Advisory Frequency

The frequency used by all aircraft announcing their intentions at a non-towered airport.

Question 10

D-ATIS

Answer 10

Digital Automatic Terminal Information Service

Aircraft with a datalink can receive ATIS via text.

Question 11

FAA

Answer 11

Federal Aviation Administration

Question 12

FBO

Answer 12

Fixed Base Operator

Question 13

FSS

Answer 13

Flight Service Station

Question 14

IFR

Answer 14

Instrument Flight Rules

Question 15

MSL

Answer 15

Mean Sea Level

Question 16

NOTAM

Answer 16

Notice to Airman

Question 17

PIREP

Answer 17

Pilot Report

Question 18

RCO

Answer 18

Remote Communication Outlet

Radio transceivers scattered across the country used to contact Flight Service Station (FSS).

Question 19

SIGMET

Answer 19

Significant Meteorological Information

Question 20

TRACON

Answer 20

Terminal Radar Approach Control

An ATC radar room smaller than an ARTCC, controlling airspace near a Class B or Class C airport. Called “Approach” on the radio.

Question 21

TRSA

Answer 21

Terminal Radar Service Area

Like a TRACON, but usually even smaller.

Question 22

UNICOM

Answer 22

Univeral Communications (frequency)

Used for non-flight critical information. Often it will be the same frequency as the CTAF at non-towered airports.

Question 23

VFR

Answer 23

Visual Flight Rules