Aviation Abbreviations & Glossary

Common aviation terms and abbreviations used throughout the system.

Aviation Abbreviations & Glossary

Glossary of Terms

TermDefinition
ACARSAircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System — automatic flight tracking
ATAActual Time of Arrival
ATDActual Time of Departure
CAVOKCeiling And Visibility OK — good weather conditions
CHDChild passenger (aged 2-11)
ETAEstimated Time of Arrival
ETOPSExtended Twin-engine Operations — flights routed far from diversion airports
FLFlight Level — altitude in hundreds of feet (FL350 = 35,000ft)
GPUGround Power Unit — provides electrical power while engines are off
GSGround Speed — speed relative to the ground (in knots)
ICAOInternational Civil Aviation Organization — also refers to 4-letter airport codes
INFInfant passenger (under 2 years)
METARMeteorological Aerodrome Report — current weather observation
MLWMaximum Landing Weight
MTOWMaximum Takeoff Weight
MZFWMaximum Zero Fuel Weight
OCCOperations Control Center — monitors and manages all flight operations
OEWOperating Empty Weight — aircraft weight without payload or fuel
OFPOperational Flight Plan — the master flight planning document
PIREPPilot Report — record of a completed flight
PNLPassenger Name List — the passenger manifest
SCCSenior Cabin Crew (Purser)
SSRSpecial Service Request — codes for special passenger needs
STAScheduled Time of Arrival
STDScheduled Time of Departure
TAFTerminal Aerodrome Forecast — weather forecast for an airport
TEMThreat and Error Management
TOWTakeoff Weight
ZFWZero Fuel Weight — aircraft weight without fuel