AAM – Advanced Air Mobility

An air transport system concept that integrates new, transformational aircraft designs and flight technologies into existing and modified airspace operations. AAM expands the UAM concept to rural areas and also incorporates intra-regional UAM services, building upon the UAM concept by incorporating use cases not specific to operations in urban environments, such as:

– Commercial Inter-city (Longer Range/Thin Haul)

– Cargo Delivery

– Public Services

– Private/Recreational Vehicles

AC – Advisory Circular

A single, uniform, agency-wide system that the FAA uses to deliver advisory (non-regulatory) material to the aviation community. They provide an acceptable, clearly understood method for complying with a regulation.  They standardize implementation of a regulation or harmonize implementation for the international aviation community. They resolve a general misunderstanding of a regulation. They respond to a request from some government entity, such as General Accounting Office, NTSB, or the Office of the Inspector General. They help the industry and FAA effectively implement a regulation. They explain requirements and limits of an FAA grant program. They expand on standards needed to promote aviation safety, including the safe operation of airports.

ACR – Airman Certification Representative

An individual representing a specific FIRC sponsor who is authorized to accept FAA applications for renewal of valid flight instructor certificates from successful graduates of that sponsor’s program and to issue temporary flight instructor certificates.

ACS – Airman Certification Standards

The guide for students, instructors, and FAA-designated examiners to know what applicants must know, do, and consider for their FAA Knowledge Exam and practical (checkride) to earn their pilot certificate or rating. The ACS adds task-specific knowledge and risk management elements to each Area of Operation and Task. The result is a comprehensive presentation that integrates the standards for what an applicant needs to know, consider, and do to pass both the knowledge test and the practical test for a certificate or rating.

ACTS – Airman Certificate Testing Service

The Airman Testing Standards Branch of the FAA recently awarded a new airman knowledge testing contract called the ACTS. The ACTS contract provides a comprehensive, best practices approach to enhance the overall quality of FAA Airman Knowledge Testing. The ACTS vendor supports the FAA in development, assessment, maintenance, and delivery of airman knowledge tests. The vendor also enhances knowledge test items, knowledge tests, and supplementary material with automated state-of-the-art technology and academic expertise.

AD – Airworthiness Directive

ADs are legally enforceable regulations issued by the FAA in accordance with 14 CFR 39 to correct an unsafe condition in a product. Part 39 defines a product as an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance.

ADM – Aeronautical Decision Making

Systematic approach to the mental process used by pilots to determine consistently the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances.

ADS-B – Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast

ADS–B is an advanced surveillance technology that combines an aircraft’s positioning source, aircraft avionics, and a ground infrastructure to create an accurate surveillance interface between aircraft and ATC. ADS–B is a performance–based surveillance technology that is more precise than radar and consists of two different services: ADS–B Out and ADS–B In.

AEC – Airspace Encounter Category

Qualitative classification of the rate at which a UAS would encounter a manned aircraft in typical civil airspace found in the US and Europe. The airspace encounter risk was grouped by operational altitude, airport environment, controlled airspace, uncontrolled Mode C veil/TMZ airspace, and in uncontrolled airspace over rural and/or urban populations, into 12 categorizations. The AEC is based on the assessment of the proximity (the more aircraft in the airspace, the higher the rate of proximity, the greater the risk of collision), geometry (an airspace structure which reduces the rate at which aircraft find themselves on collision courses), and dynamics (in general, the faster the speed of the aircraft in the airspace, the greater the number of collision risks over a set time). Airspace where there is a higher density of manned aircraft, few airspace structural controls, and high aircraft closing speeds, will experience higher airspace encounter rates than in airspace where there is low density, high airspace structure and slow speeds.

AEH – Airborne Electronic Hardware

Custom, micro coded components, or devices used as part of the airborne system. The primary technologies include Programmable Logic Devices, Field Programmable Gate Arrays, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits, and similar circuits used as components of programmable electronic hardware.

AELP – Aviation English Language Proficiency

The FAA and ICAO, the world’s organization overseeing aviation, require all pilots flying under their organizations to have attained ICAO “Level 4” English ability. This means all pilots must speak, read, write, and understand English fluently.

AGL – Above Ground Level

The literal height above the ground over which you’re flying.

AIM – Aeronautical Information Manual

The FAA’s official guide to basic flight information and ATC procedures. The AIM contains the basic aeronautical knowledge information required to fly in the US NAS.

AIP – Aeronautical Information Publication

Publication issued by or with the authority of a state and containing aeronautical information of a lasting character essential to air navigation. ENR 1.4 specifically details the nation’s airspace.

AIS – Abbreviated Injury Scale

Anatomically based, consensus-derived, global severity scoring system that classifies each injury by body region according to its relative importance on a 6-point ordinal scale. AIS is the basis for the Injury Severity Score (ISS) calculation of the multiply injured patient.

AKTR – Airman Knowledge Test Report

The primary purpose of the printed AKTR is to communicate to the applicant the specific subjects which the applicant should study or obtain additional training in prior to the practical test. It is also used by Examiners to determine completion of the appropriate knowledge test within required timeframes.

AMC – Acceptable Means of Compliance

Non-binding standards adopted by EASA to illustrate means to establish compliance with the Basic Regulation and its Implementing Rules.

ANSP – Air Navigation Service Provider

An organization that provides the service of managing the aircraft in flight or on the maneuvering area of an and which is the legitimate holder of that responsibility.

AO – Airspace Observer

A person who assists the remote pilot by performing unaided visual scanning of the airspace in which the UA is operating for any potential hazard in the air.

APA – Administrative Procedure Act

Governs the process by which federal agencies develop and issue regulations. It includes requirements for publishing notices of proposed and final rule making in the Federal Register and provides opportunities for the public to comment on notices of proposed rule making.

ARC – Aviation Rule making Committee

A rule making committee that provides information, advice, and recommendations to the FAA. The FAA has the sole authority to establish and task ARCs, which are not subject to FACA and therefore somewhat more flexible. ARCs are formed on an ad hoc basis, for a specific purpose, and are typically of limited duration.

ARC – Air Risk Class

A generalized qualitative classification of the rate at which a drone would encounter a manned aircraft in a typical civil airspace. It provides an initial indication of the collision risk for the airspace before mitigations are applied.

ASI – Aviation Safety Inspector

FAA’s ASIs administer, investigate, and enforce safety regulations and standards for the production, operation, maintenance, and modification of all aircraft flying today.

AST – Aviation Safety Technician

Perform scheduled maintenance and repair work on aircraft machinery, ensuring aircraft airframes and engines are maintained within FAA standards. They usually work in hangars, repair stations, and airfields.

ATC – Air Traffic Control

A service provided by ground-based air traffic controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and through a given section of controlled airspace and can provide advisory services to aircraft in non-controlled airspace.

ATD – Anthropomorphic Test Device

Commonly known as a crash test dummy, it is a high-precision test instrument used to measure human injury potential in vehicle crashes.

ATM – Air Traffic Management

An aviation term encompassing all systems that assist aircraft to depart from an aerodrome, transit airspace, and land at a destination aerodrome, consisting of air traffic services (ATS) including air traffic control (ATC), airspace management (ASM), and air traffic flow and capacity management (ATFCM).

ATO – Air Traffic Organization

The operational arm of the FAA. It is responsible for providing safe and efficient air navigation services to 29.4 million square miles of airspace. This represents more than 17 percent of the world’s airspace and includes all the US and large portions of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Gulf of Mexico.

ATS – Air Traffic Service

Generic term meaning variously, flight information service, alerting service, air traffic advisory service, air traffic control service (area control service, approach control service, or aerodrome control service).

AWC – Aviation Weather Center

Delivers consistent, timely and accurate weather information for the world airspace system. They are a team of highly skilled people dedicated to working with customers and partners to enhance safe and efficient flight.

BVLOS – Beyond Visual Line of Sight

A term relating to the operation of UAVs and drones at distances outside the normal visible range of the pilot. BVLOS drone operations provide numerous advantages over regular line-of-sight flying.

C2 – Command and Control

A “set of organizational and technical attributes and processes … [that] employs human, physical, and information resources to solve problems and accomplish missions” to achieve the goals of an organization or enterprise, according to a 2015 definition by military scientists Marius Vassiliou, David S. Alberts, and Jonathan R. Agre. The term often refers to a military system.

C2 – Control and Communications

Command and Control (C2), also referred to as Control and Non-Payload Communication (CNPC), refers to the communications link between a UAV and its ground station that is responsible for the management and control of the aircraft. C2 links are an essential part of drone operations whether the aircraft is being directly remotely piloted by a human or programmed to fly autonomously.

C2 Link

Data link between a UA and a remote pilot station or control station that is used in the management of a flight.

C3

Command, Control, and Communication

CAA – Civil Aviation Authority

A national or supranational statutory authority that oversees the regulation of civil aviation, including the maintenance of an aircraft register.

CBO – Community Based Organization

A public or private nonprofit organization of demonstrated effectiveness that – (A) is representative of a community or significant segments of a community; and (B) provides educational or related services to individuals in the community.

CFI – Certificated Flight Instructor

A pilot who has been trained by an instructor specifically on how to teach people to learn to fly. Flight Instructors are responsible for taking people up in an aircraft and teaching them how to fly.

CFR – Code of Federal Regulations

Published by the FAA, here is a Complete list, updated weekly.

CG – Center of Gravity

The average location of the weight of an object.

CMUs – Control and Monitoring Units

Many comments issued during the public consultation by EASA focused on the new element introduced in Part 21, namely the ‘control and monitoring unit’ (CMU). At the time of the NPA, the CMU was defined as ‘command unit’ (CU) by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and CU was, therefore, used throughout the adaptation of Commission Regulation (EU) No 748/2012, in its Annex I (Part 21) and in various forms. However, in the last stages of review of the Opinion, it was decided to provide a new definition for ‘CMU’ in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947. This term was, therefore, used in Commission Regulation (EU) No 748/2012.

COA – Certificate of Waiver or Authorization

FAA grant of approval for a specific flight operation.

CONOPS – Concept of Operations

Clearly defined and detailed purpose of the system/operation intended for the RPAS. Includes a description of the operational aspects of the crew, RPAS system, processes, and procedures, and the expected environment.

CoW – Certificate of Waiver

FAA reviews, issues, or denies requests for a waiver.

CRM – Crew Resource Management

The effective use of all available resources for flight crew personnel to assure a safe and efficient operation, reducing error, avoiding stress and increasing efficiency.

CS – Control Station

Interface used by the remote pilot or the person manipulating the controls to control the flightpath of the SUA.

C-UAS – Counter UAS

A smart-sensor and effector package capable of remotely detecting SUAS and then tracking and classifying them before providing the option to disrupt their activity.

DAA – Detect and Avoid

The capability to see, sense, or detect conflicting traffic or other hazards and take the appropriate action.

DOC – Declaration of Compliance

Record submitted to FAA that certifies the SUA conforms to the Category 2 or Category 3 requirements under 14 CFR 107 Part D

DPE – Designated Pilot Examiner

An individual, appointed in accordance with 14 CFR 183.23, who meets the qualification requirements of the Order 8900.2, General Aviation Airman Designee Handbook, and who: (1) is technically qualified; (2) holds all pertinent category, class, and type ratings for each aircraft related to their designation; (3) meets requirements of 14 CFR part 61, sections 61.56, 61.57. and 61.58, as appropriate; (4) is current and qualified to act as PIC of each aircraft for which they are authorized; and (5) maintains at least a third-class medical certificate, if required; and maintains a current flight instructor certificate, if required. A DPE for a rotorcraft/helicopter designation must hold the appropriate category, class, and, if appropriate, type ratings. Examiner’s authorizations will be issued on the basis of each make and basic model of helicopter, regardless of the aircraft’s size and power.

eCTOL – Electric Conventional Take-Off and Landing

eCTOL are similar to eSTOL but different in their performance. Of conventional design, the eCTOL concept considers current aircraft, such as the well-known Cessna Grand Caravan or the de Havilland Canada DHC-2 hydroplane, powered entirely by electric motors.

EDL – Enhanced Driver’s License

State-issued enhanced drivers licenses that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship.

EID – Enhanced Identification Card

An enhanced ID is more secure than a real ID and provides proof of U.S. citizenship, making it easier for owners to travel.

EMI – Electromagnetic Interference

Unwanted noise or interference in an electrical path or circuit caused by an outside source. It is also known as radio frequency interference. EMI can cause electronics to operate poorly, malfunction or stop working completely. EMI can be caused by natural or human-made sources.

EMS – Emergency Medical Service

Also known as ambulance services or paramedic services, are emergency services that provide urgent pre-hospital treatment and stabilization for serious illness and injuries and transport to definitive care.

ERP – Emergency Response Plan

A plan to deal with emergencies.

eSTOL – Electric Short Take-off and landing aircraft

eSTOL refers to the category of STOL aircraft that utilize battery technology, attaining propulsive power from electricity. eSTOL aircraft are able to take off and land on shorter than average runways.

ETC – Enhanced Tribal Card

Uses RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification) to allow tribal members to be identified quickly and be given easy passage through land and seaports of entry into the US.

eVTOL – Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicle 

These new aircraft designs are instrumental in a new movement toward Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and/or Urban Air Mobility (UAM).

FAA Orders

Internal agency rules that apply to FAA employees but provide insight into how the FAA treats UAS.

FAA Order 8900.1 – Flight Standards Information Management System

Joint Order 7200.23 – Processing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Requests

FAST – Free and Secure Trade

The program is a commercial clearance program for known low-risk shipments entering the US from Canada and Mexico. Initiated after 9/11, this innovative trusted traveler/trusted shipper program allows expedited processing for commercial carriers who have completed background checks and fulfill certain eligibility requirements. FAST enrollment is open to truck drivers from the US, Canada, and Mexico.

FHSS – Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum

Method of transmitting radio signals by rapidly changing the carrier frequency among many distinct frequencies occupying a large spectral band. The changes are controlled by a code known to both transmitter and receiver.

FHWA – Federal Highway Administration

The FHWA provides stewardship over the construction, maintenance and preservation of the Nation’s highways, bridges and tunnels. FHWA also conducts research and provides technical assistance to state and local agencies to improve safety, mobility, and to encourage innovation.

FMVSS – Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues FMVSS to implement laws from Congress. These regulations allow them to fulfill their mission to prevent and reduce vehicle crashes.

FPV – First Person View

FPV, also known as first-person point of view (POV), is the ability of the user of some technology to see from a particular visual perspective other than one’s actual location, such as the environment of a character in a video game, a drone, or a telemedicine client.

FPV Device – First-person view device

Device that generates and transmits a streaming video image to a control station display or monitor that gives the pilot of a UA the illusion of flying the aircraft from an on-board pilot’s perspective.

FRIA – FAA-Recognized Identification Area

A FRIA is a defined geographic area and both the UA and the person operating it must be located within the FRIA’s boundaries throughout the operation. In addition, the person operating the UA must be able to see it at all times throughout the operation.

FTN – Federal Aviation Administration Tracking Number

Beginning January 13, 2020, all applicants must establish an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) within IACRA before taking any FAA airman knowledge test. This identification number will be printed on the applicant’s Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) in replacement of the Applicant ID number.

GCS – Ground Control Station

A ground station is typically a software application, running on a ground-based computer, that communicates with your UAV via wireless telemetry. It displays real-time data on the UAVs performance and position and can serve as a “virtual cockpit”, showing many of the same instruments that you would have if you were flying a real plane. A GCS can also be used to control a UAV in flight, uploading new mission commands and setting parameters. It is often also used to monitor the live video streams from a UAV’s cameras. There are at least 10 different ground control stations. On desktop there is (Mission Planner, APM Planner 2, MAVProxy, QGroundControl and UgCS. For Tablet / Smartphone there is Tower (DroidPlanner3), MAVPilot, AndroPilot, and SidePilot that can be used to communicate with ArduPilot (i.e. Copter, Plane, Rover, AntennaTracker).

GNSS – Global Navigation Satellite System

General term describing any satellite constellation that provides positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services on a global or regional basis.

GPS – Global Positioning System

The GPS, originally Navstar GPS, is a satellite-based radio navigation system owned by the US government and operated by the US Space Force.

GRC – Ground Risk Class

The UAS ground risk relates to the unmitigated risk of a person being struck by the drone (in case of loss of control) and is represented in the SORA by 11 Ground Risk Classes. The initial GRC is derived only from the dimensions and kinetic energy of the drone, the type of operation (VLOS or BVLOS) and the operational scenario (operations over an unpopulated or populated area, if the area is controlled or if the area includes a gathering of people).

GSE – Ground Support Equipment

GSE is the support equipment found at an airport, usually on the apron, the servicing area by the terminal. This equipment is used to service the aircraft between flights. As the name suggests, ground support equipment is there to support the operations of aircraft whilst on the ground. The role of this equipment generally involves ground power operations, aircraft mobility, and cargo/passenger loading operations.

HIC – Head Injury Criteria

The HIC is a measure of the likelihood of head injury arising from an impact. The HIC can be used to assess safety related to vehicles, personal protective gear, and sport equipment.

HMI – Human Machine Interface

The hardware or software through which an operator interacts with a controller. An HMI can range from a physical control panel with buttons and indicator lights to an industrial PC with a color graphics display running dedicated HMI software.

hVTOL – Hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing

These new aircraft designs are instrumental in a new movement toward Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and/or Urban Air Mobility (UAM).

IACRA – Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application

IACRA is the web-based certification/rating application that guides the user through the FAA’s airman application process. IACRA helps ensure applicants meet regulatory and policy requirements through the use of extensive data validation. It also uses electronic signatures to protect the information’s integrity, eliminates paper forms, and prints temporary certificates.

IAM – Innovative Air Mobility

Drone and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) air taxi operations

IAW

In Accordance With

ICA – Instructions for Continued Airworthiness

ICA provide a way to keep products airworthy. ICA provide documentation of recommended methods, inspections, processes, and procedures. The ICA must contain information on each item or part, as appropriate, installed on the product.

IPP – Integration Pilot Program

Beginning in 2017, the UAS IPP has brought state, local, and tribal governments together with private sector entities, such as UAS operators or manufacturers, to test and evaluate the integration of civil and public drone operations into our NAS. The program is assisting the USDOT and FAA craft new rules that support more complex low-altitude operations by: (1) Identifying ways to balance local and national interests related to drone integration; (2) Improving communications with local, state, and tribal jurisdictions; (3) Addressing security and privacy risks; and (4) Accelerating the approval of operations that currently require special authorizations. The program has created a meaningful dialogue on the balance between local and national interests related to drone integration and provided actionable information to the USDOT on expanded and universal integration of drones into the NAS.

ISM

Industrial, Scientific, and Medical

LOC – Loss of Control

Unintended departure of an aircraft from controlled flight and is a significant factor in several aviation accidents worldwide and the leading cause of jet fatalities worldwide. Loss of control may be the result of mechanical failure, external disturbances, aircraft upset conditions, or inappropriate crew actions or responses.

LOS – Line of Sight

A straight line along which an observer has unobstructed vision.

MCC – Multi Crew Cooperation

Functioning of the flight crew as a team of cooperating members led by the PIC.

METAR – Aviation Routine Weather Report

An observation of current surface weather reported in a standard international format. METARs are issued hourly unless significant weather changes have occurred.

MMC – Merchant Mariner Credential

Credential issued by the USCG in accordance with guidelines of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) to US seafarers to show evidence of a mariner’s qualifications. It is the standard documentation required for all crew members of US ships for all vessels required to operate with a licensed Master or Operator, regardless of size. The MMC replaced the Merchant Mariner’s Document, merchant mariner license, Certificate of Registry, and STCW Certificate.

MOC – Means of Compliance

Method an applicant uses to show its SUAS would not exceed the applicable injury severity limit upon impact with a human being, does not contain any exposed rotating parts that would cause lacerations, and does not have any safety defects.

Mph

Miles Per Hour

MSL – Mean Sea Level

Your true altitude or elevation. It’s the average height above standard sea level where the atmospheric pressure is measured in order to calibrate altitude.

MTOM – Maximum Takeoff Mass

Often referred to as maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), of an aircraft is a value defined by the aircraft manufacturer. It is the maximum mass at which the aircraft is certified for take-off due to structural or other limits. MTOW is usually specified in units of kilograms or pounds. The mass is a fixed value and does not vary with changes in temperature, altitude, or runway available.

MTOW – Maximum Takeoff Weight

Maximum gross takeoff weight (MGTOW) or maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) of an aircraft is the maximum weight at which the pilot is allowed to attempt to take off, due to structural or other limits.

NAA – National Aviation Authority

The Agency of a sovereign state, or by agreement or statute, a group of sovereign states, which is given responsibility for determining and administering the regulatory regime which is in place to ensure that aircraft can be operated safely.

NAS – National Airspace System

The common network of US Airspace – air navigation facilities, equipment, and services; airports or landing areas; aeronautical charts, information, and services; rules, regulations, and procedures; technical information; and manpower and material.

NextGen – Next Generation Air Transportation System

FAA’s ongoing multibillion-dollar infrastructure program to modernize the US NAS, which is the world’s busiest and most complex. NextGen is a series of interlinked programs, systems, and policies. It is satellite-based and relies on a network to share information and digital communications, so all users are aware of other users’ precise locations.

NHTSA – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 

NHTSA‘s mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce economic costs due to road traffic crashes, through education, research, safety standards, and enforcement.

NM – Nautical Mile

In the English measurement system, a nautical mile is 1.1508 miles, or 6,076 feet.

NOTAM – Notice to Air Missions

Notice distributed by means of telecommunication 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.

NPRM – Notice of Proposed Rule Making

Official document that announces and explains the agency’s plans to address a problem or accomplish a goal. They are published in the Federal Register. Recently published rulemaking documents.

OM – Operations Manual

Outlines the processes that are necessary to achieve business goals, documents on how to do them, and who is responsible for carrying them out. A company can have more than one operations manual.

OPA – Optionally Piloted Aircraft

A hybrid between a conventional piloted aircraft and an UAV.

OSO – Operational Safety Objective

The OSOs take account of the risks of the operation. The mitigation measures, the competence of the personnel involved and operation, and the technical features of the UAV are adequate and sufficiently robust to keep the operation safe.

PDRA – Pre-Defined Risk Assessment

A shortened set of prescriptive conditions that must be complied with by a UAS operator to conduct a pre-determined type of operation.

PIC – Pilot in Command

The person aboard the aircraft who is ultimately responsible for its operation and safety during flight.

PL – Public Law

The part of law that governs relations between legal persons and a government, between different institutions within a state, between different branches of governments, as well as relationships between persons that are of direct concern to society. Public law comprises constitutional law, administrative law, tax law and criminal law, as well as all procedural law. Laws concerning relationships between individuals belong to private law.

R&D

Research and Development

RBO – Risk-Based Oversight

A way of performing oversight, where planning is driven by the combination of risk profile and safety performance; and execution focuses on the management of risks, besides ensuring compliance.

RC – Radio Control

The use of control signals transmitted by radio to remotely control a device.

RCP – Required Communication Performance

The requirements needed to support performance-based communication, being requirements for the following: (a) ATC and associated ground equipment; (b) the communication service provider; (c) aircraft equipment; (d) flight crew.

RF – Radio Frequency

The oscillation rate of an alternating electric current or voltage or of a magnetic, electric or electromagnetic field or mechanical system in the frequency range from around 20 kHz to around 300 GHz.

RLP – Required C2 Link Performance

Generic term for Required end to end C2 Link Performance

RP – Remote Pilot

Controls an UAV. As a remote pilot, your duties include flying and maintaining a drone and its systems, as well as remaining up to date on all FAA regulations regarding UAVs.

RPA – Remotely Piloted Aircraft

UA that is piloted from a remote pilot station.

RPAS – Remotely Piloted Aircraft System

RPA, its associated remote pilot stations, the required command and control links and any other components as specified in the type design.

RPIC – Remote Pilot in Command

Person who holds a remote pilot certificate with a SUAS rating and has the final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of a SUA operation conducted under 14 CFR 107.

RPS – Remote Pilot Station

The station at which the RPIC manages the flight of a UA.

RPV – Remotely Piloted Vehicle

Unmanned vehicle capable of being controlled from a distant location through a communication link. Normally designed to be recoverable.

RVSM – Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum

The reduction of vertical space between aircraft from 2,000 to 1,000 feet at flight levels from 29,000 feet up to 41,000 feet. RVSM was implemented to increase airspace capacity and provide access to more fuel-efficient flight levels.

SAF – Sustainable Aviation Fuel 

SAF, made from non-petroleum feedstocks, is an alternative fuel that reduces emissions from air transportation. SAF can be blended at different levels with limits of 10% to 50%, depending on the feedstock and how the fuel is produced.

SAIL – Specific Assurance and Integrity Level

The chosen parameter in the SORA methodology to consolidate the ground and air risk analysis. The level of confidence represented by the SAIL is not quantitative but instead corresponds to objectives that need to be complied with, descriptions of the activities that might support the compliance with those objectives and evidence to indicate the objectives have been satisfied. Based on the SAIL (levels I – VI) Operational Safety Objectives (OSO) are determined for barriers and mitigations to different threats, such as a technical issue with the UAS, a deterioration of external supporting systems, human error, and adverse operating conditions. These OSO’s basically describe the requirements for the operator’s organization, the drone and the pilot.

SARP – Standards and Recommended Practices

Technical specifications adopted by the Council of ICAO in accordance with Article 37 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation to achieve “the highest practicable degree of uniformity in regulations, standards, procedures and organization in relation to aircraft, personnel, airways and auxiliary services in all matters in which such uniformity will facilitate and improve air navigation”. SARPs are published by ICAO in the form of Annexes to Chicago Convention. SARPs do not have the same legal binding force as the Convention itself, because Annexes are not international treaties. Moreover States agreed to “undertake to collaborate in securing (…) uniformity”, not to “comply with”. Each Contracting State may notify the ICAO Council of differences between SARPs and its own regulations and practices. Those differences are published in the form of Supplements to Annexes.

SM – Statute Mile

Unit of distance on land in English-speaking countries equal to 5280 feet.

SMM – Safety Management Manual

Guidance material on safety management principles and concepts, State Safety Program (SSP) and Safety Management System implementation are contained in the ICAO Safety Management Manual (SMM) (Doc 9859).

SMS – Safety Management System

Systematic approach to managing safety, including the necessary organizational structure, accountability, responsibilities, policies, and procedures.

SOP – Standard Operating Procedure

A set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations. SOPs aim to achieve efficiency, quality output and uniformity of performance, while reducing miscommunication and failure to comply with industry regulations.

SORA – Specific Operations Risk Assessment

Multi-stage process of risk assessment aiming at risk analysis of certain UA operations, as well as defining necessary mitigations and operational safety objectives and their required level of robustness.

SPECI – Aviation Selected Special Weather Code

An unscheduled report taken when there is a significant change in the weather during the period between the hourly reports. SPECIs contain all data elements found in a METAR, plus additional plain language information which elaborates on data in the body of the report. Fortunately, METARs and SPECIs are coded using the same format.

sRPA – Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft

RPA that has a maximum take-off weight of at least 250 g (0.55 pounds) but not more than 25 kg (55 pounds).

SSP – State Safety Program

Integrated set of regulations and activities aimed at improving safety.

STC – Supplemental Type Certificate

A supplemental type certificate (STC) is a type certificate (TC) issued when an applicant has received FAA approval to modify an aeronautical product from its original design.  The STC, which incorporates by reference the related TC, approves not only the modification but also how that modification affects the original design.

STOL – Short Takeoff and Landing

STOL refers to the length of runway, land or water required for take-offs and landings. A STOL aircraft is defined as an aircraft that is ideal for take-offs and landings in a small area of land or water.

SUA – Small Unmanned Aircraft

Weighing less that 55 pounds, including everything that is on board or otherwise attached to the aircraft, and can be flown without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

SUAS – Small Unmanned Aircraft System

SUA and its associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the SUA) that are required for the safe and efficient operation of the SUA in the NAS.

SUMPs – Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans

Strategic plan designed to improve quality of life in cities by satisfying mobility needs of their inhabitants, businesses, and their environment through the implementation of sustainable mobility and transport solutions.

SWIM – System Wide Information Management

SWIM provides a single point of access for near real-time, relevant, and reliable aeronautical, flight, weather, and surveillance information. It delivers the infrastructure, standards, and services needed to optimize the secure exchange of relevant data across the NAS and the aviation community. As the digital data-sharing backbone of NextGen, SWIM enables both operational excellence and innovation.

TAF – Terminal Aerodrome Forecast

A TAF is a concise statement of the expected meteorological conditions at an airport during a specified period (usually 24 hours). Each ICAO state may modify the code as needed. The TAF code, as described here, is the one used in the United States. TAFs use the same weather code found in METAR weather reports.

TC – Type Certificate

Type certification is the approval of the design of the aircraft and all component parts (including propellers, engines, control stations, etc.). It signifies the design is in compliance with applicable airworthiness, noise, fuel venting, and exhaust emissions standards. The Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) is the main ACO for UAS type certification.

TCAS – Traffic Collision Avoidance System

TCAS is a family of airborne devices that function independently of the ground-based ATC system and provide collision avoidance protection for a broad spectrum of aircraft types. All TCAS systems provide some degree of collision threat alerting, and a traffic display. TCAS I and II differ primarily by their alerting capability.

TFR – Temporary Flight Restriction

Airspace restrictions (TFRs) are communicated to pilots through Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs). They restrict aircraft (including drones) from operating without permission in a certain area for a limited time. You must always check NOTAMs prior to your flight.

TMPR – Tactical Mitigation Performance Requirement

TMPR provides tactical mitigations to assist the pilot in detecting and avoiding traffic under BVLOS conditions. The TMPR is the amount of Tactical Mitigation required to further mitigate the risks that could not be mitigated through Strategic Mitigation (residual risk).

TSO – Technical Standard Order

A Technical Standard Order (TSO) is a minimum performance standard for specified materials, parts, and appliances used on civil aircraft. When authorized to manufacture a material, part, or appliances to a TSO standard, this is referred to as TSO authorization. Receiving a TSO authorization is both design and production approval. Receiving a TSO Authorization is not an approval to install and use the article in the aircraft. It means that the article meets the specific TSO and the applicant is authorized to manufacture it.

TWIC – Transportation Worker Identification Credential

TWIC®, is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to secure areas of the nation’s maritime facilities and vessels. TSA conducts a security threat assessment (background check) to determine a person’s eligibility and issues the credential. US citizens and immigrants in certain immigration categories may apply for the credential. Most mariners licensed by the US Coast Guard also require a credential.

UA – Unmanned Aircraft

Aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

UAM – Urban Air Mobility

UAM envisions a safe and efficient aviation transportation system that will use highly automated aircraft that will operate and transport passengers or cargo at lower altitudes within urban and suburban areas. UAM will be composed of an ecosystem that considers the evolution and safety of the aircraft, the framework for operation, access to airspace, infrastructure development, and community engagement.

UAS – Unmanned Aircraft System

UA and the equipment to control it remotely.

UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Popularly known as drone, is an airborne system or an aircraft operated remotely by a human operator or autonomously by an onboard computer.

UOC – UAS Operator Certificate

ICAO rules require that any UA over 25kg requires a UAS authorization or a UOC.

UPP – UTM Pilot Program

SUAS operators are continuously exercising new applications for SUAS, including goods delivery, infrastructure inspection, search and rescue, and agricultural monitoring. There has been limited infrastructure available to manage the widespread expansion of SUAS operations within the NAS. In response to this need, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Extension, Safety and Security Act of 2016 established the UPP to define an initial set of industry and FAA capabilities required to support UTM operations.

USC – United States Code

The USC is a consolidation and codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the US.

UTM – Unmanned Traffic Management

The FAA, NASA, other federal partner agencies, and industry are collaborating to explore concepts of operation, data exchange requirements, and a supporting framework to enable multiple BVLOS drone operations at low altitudes (under 400 feet AGL) in airspace where FAA air traffic services are not provided. UTM is a “traffic management” ecosystem for uncontrolled operations that is separate from, but complementary to, the FAA’s ATM system. UTM development will ultimately identify services, roles and responsibilities, information architecture, data exchange protocols, software functions, infrastructure, and performance requirements for enabling the management of low-altitude uncontrolled drone operations.

VCA – VTOL-Capable Aircraft

A power-driven, heavier-than-air aircraft, other than aeroplane or rotorcraft, capable of performing vertical take-off and landing by means of lift and thrust units used to provide lift during take-off and landing.

VLL – Very Low Level

VLL airspace is the space below 500ft AGL. This boundary was chosen by various stakeholders under the mistaken assumption that manned aviation does not normally operate below 500ft. In fact, this is exactly the airspace most often used e.g. by Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), police and military aircraft, training flights performing practice emergency procedures, glider aircraft landing outside the airfield perimeter and others including many airspace users with little protection against collisions with other aircraft. However, this VLL airspace definition is not related to today’s ICAO worldwide airspace classification. It would make perfect sense, if drones and manned aviation are to co-exist in the same airspace, to also use the same airspace dimensions and classifications.

VLOS – Visual Line of Sight

Operation in which the pilot or UA observer maintains direct unaided visual contact with the UA.

VO – Visual Observer

Person the RPIC designates as a crew member who assists the SUA RPIC and the person manipulating the controls to see and avoid other air traffic or objects aloft or on the ground.

VTOL – Vertical Take-off and Landing

A VTOL aircraft is one that can take off and land vertically without relying on a runway. This classification can include a variety of types of aircraft including helicopters as well as thrust-vectoring fixed-wing aircraft and other hybrid aircraft with powered rotors such as cyclogyros/cyclocopters and gyrodynes.

W&B – Weight and Balance

Weight and balance’s best analogy is a lever and fulcrum (think teeter-totter). If perfectly balanced on the fulcrum, the lever will be absolutely level. Adding any weight to the lever upsets the balance, and how much influence the weight has depends on its location on the lever. The greater the distance from the fulcrum, the greater the influence.

WINGS – FAA Pilot Proficiency Program

The objective of the WINGS Program is to address the primary accident causal factors that continue to plague the general aviation community. By focusing on this objective, the FAA hopes to reduce the number of accidents they see each year for the same causes. It is not a simple “Award” program but is instead a true proficiency program, designed to help improve your skills and knowledge as pilots.

The WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program is based on the premise that pilots who maintain currency and proficiency in the basics of flight will enjoy a safer and more stress-free flying experience.