AVIONICS GLOSSARY

How to Speak Avionics-ese *

CONTENTS OF GLOSSARY
A . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 N . . . . . . . . . . . 54
B . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 O . . . . . . . . . . . 57
C . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 P . . . . . . . . . . . 59
D. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Q . . . . . . . . . . . 65
E . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 R . . . . . . . . . . . 66
F . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 S . . . . . . . . . . . 70
G . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 T . . . . . . . . . . . 78
H . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 U . . . . . . . . . . . 84
I . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 V . . . . . . . . . . . 85
J . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 W . . . . . . . . . . . 89
K . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 X . . . . . . . . . . . 91
L . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Y . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
M . . . . . . . . . . .48 Z . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

*Avionics-ese. Sometimes called Av-speak.

Its a confusing, sometimes frustrating language.

Thats why your friends at Rockwell Collins created this handy

compendium of acronyms, terms and definitions.

We hope it helps.

Copyright 2000 Rockwell Collins, Inc.

1
3-D, 4-D Three or four dimension ACID Aircraft Identification
4096 Code The octal base, four-digit code used between framing ACIPS Airfoil and Cowl Ice Protection System
pulses of a reply to identify the aircraft or for general
use and emergency codes (XPD) ACK The control character meaning technical
acknowledgement of an uplink, used in an ACARS
A (1) Autotuned NAVAID system
(2) Amperes
ACMP Alternating Current Motor Pump
AAC Aeronautical Administrative Communications
ACMS Aircraft Condition Monitoring System
AAL Above Aerodome Level
ACP Audio Control Panel
AAMP Advanced Architecture Micro-Processor
ACS (1) Active Control System
AATT Advanced Aviation Transportation Technology (2) Audio Control System
A/B Autobrake ACT Active
A-BPSK Aeronautical Binary Phase Shift Keying ACU (1) Apron Control Unit
(2) Autopilot Control Unit
ABRV Abbreviation (3) Antenna Control Unit
ABS Absolute A/D Analog-To-Digital
Altitude Height determined by barometric pressure ADA Computer Programming Language
AC (1) Advisory Circular ADAS Automated Weather Observing System Data
(2) Alternating Current Acquisition System
A/C Aircraft ADC Air Data Computer
ACAC Air-Cooled Air Cooler ADF Automatic Direction Finder
ACAS Airborne Collision Avoidance System ADI Attitude Director Indicator
ACARS Airborne Communications Addressing and ADIRS Air Data Inertial Reference System
Reporting System
ADIRU Air Data Inertial Reference Unit
ACC (1) Active Clearance Control
(2) Area Control Center ADLP (1) Aircraft Data Link Processor
(2) Airborne Data Link Protocol
Acclrm Accelerometer
ADM Air Data Module
ACE (1) The control character meaning technical
acknowledge ADMS Airline Data Management System
(2) Actuator Control Electronics
(3) Advanced Certification Equipment ADP Air Data Processor

ACF Area Control Facility ADRAS Airplane Data Recovery and Analysis System

2 3
ADS (1) Automatic Dependent Surveillance
(2) Air Data System
ADS-A Automatic Dependent Surveillance Address
ADS-B Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast
ADSEL Address Selective. A SSR system electronically
arranged to address each transponder selectively.
Only a particular transponder will respond, thus
avoiding garbling. ADSEL uses a monopulse technique
to provide more accurate bearing measurement.
ADSEL is compatible with DABS. (Refer to Mode S
transponders.)
ADSP Automatic Dependent Surveillance Panel
AFIS (1) Automatic Flight Information Service
(2) Airborne Flight Information System
AFS (1) Aeronautical Fixed Service
(2) Automatic Flight System
(3) Airborne File Server
AFSS Automatic Flight Service Station
AFSK Audio Frequency Shift Keying
AGACS Automatic Ground-Air Communication System.
It is also known as ATCSS or DATA LINK.
AGC Automatic Gain Control. AGC is used to maintain
the output level of the receiver.

ADSU (1) Automatic Dependent Surveillance Unit AGL Above Ground Level
(2) Automatic Dependent Surveillance System AGS Air/Ground System
ADTN Administrative Data Transmission Network AHC Attitude Heading Computer
AECU Audio Electronic Control Unit AHRS Attitude Heading Reference System
AEEC Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee AI (1) Alternative Interrogator
AEP Audio Entertainment Player (2) Artificial Intelligence

AERA Automated En route traffic control AID Altered Item Drawing. A drawing that details what
alteration or change is made to an already existing
AES Aircraft Earth Station component. Examples may be shortening the shaft
of a variable resistor, or adding a program to a circuit
AEU Auxiliary Equipment Unit card to produce a programmed circuit card.
AF Airway Facilities AIDS Aircraft Integrated Data System
AFC (1) Automatic Frequency Compensation AIEM Airlines International Eelctronics Meeting
(2) Automatic Frequency Control
AIMS Aircraft Information Management System
AFCAS Automatic Flight Control Augmentation System
AIP Aeronautical Information Publication
AFCS Automatic Flight Control System
AIRCOM Digital air/ground communications services provided
AFD (1) Adaptive Flight Display by SITA. A system similar to ACARS.
(2) Advanced Flight Deck
(3) Autopilot Flight Director AIR DATA Those parameters that can be derived from knowledge
of the air mass surrounding the aircraft.
AFDC Autopilot Flight Director Computer
Airways The standard ICAO IFR routes
AFDS Autopilot Flight Director System
AIS Aeronautical Information Services
AFEPS ACARS Front End Processing System

4 5
AIV Accumulator Isolation Valve AMS (1) Apron Management Service
(2) Avionics Management Service
A/L Autoland
AMS(R)S Aeronautical Mobile Satellite (Route) Service
ALC Automatic Level Control. A circuit used to maintain
the output of a transmitter regardless of variations in AMSS Aeronautical Mobile Satellite Service
the attenuation of the system.
AMTOSS Aircraft Maintenance Task Oriented Support System.
ALE Automatic Link Establishment An automated data retrieval system.
ALI Altimeter AMU Audio Management Unit
ALSIP Clear AMUX Audio Multiplexer
ALT (1) Airborne Link Terminal Aneroid An evacuated and sealed capsule or bellows that
(2) Altimeter Capsule expands or contracts in response to changes in pressure.
(3) Altitude
(4) Alternate ANP Actual Navigation Performance

ALT HOLD Altitude Hold Mode ANS (1) Area Navigation System
(2) Ambient Noise Sensor
Altitude A continuous return across the display at a range
Ring equivalent to aircraft altitude (WXR) ANSI American National Standards Institute

ALTS Altitude Select ANT Antenna

ALU Arithmetic and Logic Unit ANTC Advanced Networking Test Center

AM Amplitude Modulation. A signal where the carrier AOA Angle Of Attack

signal is varied in amplitude to encode voice or AOC (1) Airport Operational Communications
data information. (2) Aeronautical Operational Control
AMASS Airport Movement Area Safety System (3) Airport Obstruction Chart
(4) Aircraft Operational Control
AMC Avionics Maintenance Conference (5) Airline Operational Control
AMCP Aeronautical Mobile Communications Panel AOCC Airline Operation Control Center
AME Amplitude Modulation Equivalent. An AM type signal AODC Age Of Data, Clock (GPS term)
that processes the modulated information signal and
carrier frequency separately and then reconstructs AODE Age Of Data, Ephemeris (GPS term)
the two signals to make an equivalent AM signal. AOG Aircraft On Ground
AMI Airline Modifiable Information AOHE Air/Oil Heat Exchanger
AMLCD Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Display AOM Aircraft Operating Manual
AMM Aircraft Maintenance Manual AOPA Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
AMP Audio Management Panel

6 7
AOPG Aerodrome Operations Group ARP (1) Aeronautical Recommended Practice
(2) Air Data Reference Panel
AOR Atlantic Ocean Region
ARPA Advanced Research Projects Agency
A/P Autopilot. A computer commanded system for
controlling aircraft control surfaces. ARR Arrival
APA (1) Allied Pilots Association ARS Automated Radar Summary chart.These are hourly
(2) Autopilot Amplifier generated charts showing location and intensity of
radar echoes.
APB Auxiliary Power Breaker
ARSR Air Route Surveillance Radar
APC (1) Autopilot Computer
(2) Aeronautical Public Correspondence ART Automatic Reserve Thrust
(3) Aeronautical Passenger Communication
ARTCC Air-Route Traffic Control Center. Approximately 20
API Application Programming Interface centers cover the air traffic routes in the United States
using numerous radars and radio communication sets.
APMS Automated Performance Measurement System
ARTS Automated Terminal Radar System
APP (1) Approach Control
(2) Autopilot Panel ASA (1) Autoland Status Annunciator (AFDS)
(2) Aircraft Separation Assurance
APPR Approach
ASCPC Air Supply and Cabin Pressure Controllers
APR Actual Performance Reserve
ASDE Airport Surface Detection Equipment
APS Autopilot System
ASDL Aeronautical Satellite Data Link
APU Auxiliary Power Unit
ASECNA Agency for the Security of Aerial Navigation in
APUC Auxiliary Power Unit Controller Africa and Madagascar
AQP (1) Avionics Qualification Procedure ASG ARINC Signal Gateway
(2) Advanced Qualification Program
ASI Avionics System Integration
A-QPSK Aeronautical Quadrature Phase Shift Keying
ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
AQS Advanced Quality System
ASM (1) Airspace Management
ARAC Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (2) Autothrottle Servo Motor
ARES Advanced Railroad Electronics System ASP (1) Altitude Set Panel
ARF Airline Risk Factor (2) Aeronautical Fixed Service (AFS) Systems
Planning for data interchange
ARINC Aeronautical Radio, INCorporated
ASPP Aeronautical Fixed Service (AFS) Systems Planning
ARINC 429-13 Mark 33 Digital Information Transfer System (DITS), for data interchange Panel
Supplement 13
A-SMGCS Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and
ARINC 629-2 Multi-Tester Data Bus: Part 1 - Technical Description Control Systems

8 9
ASR Airport Surveillance Radar ATS (1) Autothrottle System
(2) Air Traffic Services
ASRS Aviation Safety Reporting System (3) Air Turbine Starter
ASSTC Aerospace Simulation and Systems Test Center ATT Attitude
ASU Avionics Switching Unit AUX Auxiliary
ASSV Alternate Source Selection Valve AVLAN Avionics Local Area Network
ASTA Airport Surface Traffic Automation AVM Airborne Vibration Monitor
AT (1) Air Transport AVOL Aerodrome Visibility Operational Level
(2) Air Traffic
AVPAC Aviation Packet Communication
A/T Autothrottle
AWACS Airborne Warning And Control System
ATA (1) Air Transport Association
(2) Actual Time of Arrival AWAS Automated Weather Advisory Station
ATC Air Traffic Control AWIPS Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System
ATCC Air Traffic Control Center AWM Audio Warning Mixer
ATCRBS Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System AWO All Weather Operations
ATCSS Air Traffic Control Signaling System. A system to AWOP All Weather Operations Panel
provide information between the pilot and air traffic
control using the VHF communications transceiver AWOS Automated Weather Observation System. A system
in conjunction with data link equipment. that gathers surface weather information and
transmits the information to the pilot via VOR,
ATE Automatic Test Equipment Comm Freq or telephone lines.
ATFM Air Traffic Flow Management Bandwidth The difference between the highest and lowest
frequency components of a signal.
ATHR Autothrust System
BAP Bank Angle Protection
ATHS Automatic Target Handoff System
BARO Barometric
ATI Instrument Size Unit of Measure
Baro-Corrected Pressure altitude-corrected local barometric pressure.
ATIS (1) Automatic Terminal Information System Altitude
(2) Automatic Terminal Information Service
(3) Air Traffic Information Service BCD Binary Coded Decimal.A coding system in which
each digit from 0 to 9 is represented by a four bit
ATLAS Abbreviated Test Language for Avionics Systems binary number.
ATM Air Traffic Management B CRS Back Course
ATN Aeronautical Telecommunications Network BCS Block Check Sequence. BCS is a cyclic code that is
ATP Acceptance Test Procedure (Air Transport) used as reference bits in an error detection process.

10 11
BDI Bearing Distance Indicator BP (1) BITE Processor
(2) Bottom Plug
Beam Width The beam width is the width of the beam as
measured at the half-power points of the radiated BPCU Bus Power Control Unit
signal (WXR).
bps bites per second
Bearing The direction of a point or navigational aid measured
clockwise from a reference through 360. Bps Bytes per second

BER Bite Error Rate BPSK Binary Phase Shift Keying

BFE Buyer Furnished Equipment BRG Bearing

BFO Beat Frequency Oscillator. An oscillator that produces BRNAV Basic Area Navigation
a signal to be mixed with the received frequency to BRT Brightness
produce an audible beat note, for the purpose of
decoding the Morse code identifier of an NDB. The BSCU Brake System Control Unit
oscillator produces frequencies equal to the sum and
difference of the combined frequencies. BSU (1) Bypass Switch Unit
(2) Beam Steering Unit
BGI Bus Grant Inhibit. A term used in CAPS transfer
bus processing. BTB Bus Tie Breaker
BI Burn-In BTMU Brake Temperature Monitor Unit
Binary Base-2 counting system. Numbers include 0, 1. Byte A grouping of eight bits.
BIST Built-In Self Test C&W Control and Warning
Bit A binary digit. Smallest data unit in a microprocessor CAA Civil Aviation Authority. A regulatory agency in the
system. United Kingdom.
BIT Built-In-Test CAAC Civil Aviation Administration of China
BITE Built-In-Test Equipment CAC Caution Advisory Computer
BLK (1) Block C /A Code (1) GPS Course Acquisition Code
(2) Black (2) Course Acquisition Code
BMV Brake Metering Valve CACP Cabin Area Control Panel
BNR Binary CAD Computer Aided Design
BOC Bottom Of Climb CAE Component Application Engineer
BOM Bill Of Material CAGE Commercial Avionics GPS Engine
BOP Bit Oriented Protocol CAH Cabin Attendant Handsets
Boresighting The process of aligning a directional antenna system. CAI Caution Annunciator Indicator

12 13
Calibrated Corrected for instrument errors and errors due to CAT III b Operational performance Category III b. An ILS
Airspeed position or location of the pressure source. At facility providing operation with no decision height
standard sea level conditions, CAS is equal to true limit to and along the surface of the runway without
airspeed (TAS). reliance on external visual reference; and subse-
quently taxiing with external visual range of not
CALSEL A variation of the SELCAL system in which the less than 50 meters (150 feet).
SELCAL signal is combined with a special gating tone
to produce an automatic function by the receiver. This CAT III c Operational performance Category III c. An ILS
system is only a proposal and not yet implemented. facility providing operation with no decision height
limit to and along the surface of the runway and
CAL VER Calibration Verification taxiways without reliance on external visual reference.
CAM Computer Aided Manufacturing CAT EVS Clear Air Turbulance Enhanced Vision System
CAPT Captain C-BAND The frequency range between 4,000 and 8,000 MHz.
Carrier An ac signal that can be modulated by changing the CBT Computer Based Training
amplitude, frequency or pulse of the signal.
CC C-Check
CAS (1) Computed Airspeed
(2) Collision Avoidance System CCB (1) Converter Circuit Breaker
(2) Configuration Control Board
CASE Computer Aided Software Engineering
CCD (1) Cursor Control Device
CAT (1) Computer Aided Testing (2) Charged Coupled Device
(2) Clear Air Turbulence
(3) Categories (I, II, III) for Visibility Requirements CCIR International Radio Consultative Committee
CAT I Operational performance Category I. An ILS facility CCS Cabin Communication System
providing operation down to a 60-meter (200 feet)
decision height and with runway visual range not less CCW Counterclockwise
than 800 meters (2600 feet) and a high probability of CD (1) Chrominance Difference
approach success. (2) Compact Disc
CAT II Operational performance Category II. An ILS facility CDBR Cabin Data Bus Repeater
providing operation down to a 30-meter (100 feet)
decision height and with runway visual range not less CDG Configuration Database Generator
than 400 meters (1200 feet) and a high probability of
approach success. CDI Course Deviation Indicator
CAT III a Operational performance Category III a. An ILS facility CDL Cabin Discrepancy Log
providing operation with no decision height limit to
CDM Collaborative Decision Making
and along the surface of the runway with external
visual reference during final phase of landing and CDP Continuous Data Program
with a runway visual range of not less than 200 meters
(700 feet). CDR Critical Design Review

14 15
CD-ROM Compact Disc Read-Only Memory CMA Central Maintenance Application
CDS (1) Cabin Distribution System CMC Central Maintenance Computer
(2) Common Display System
CMCF Central Maintenance Computer Function
CDTI Cockpit Display of Traffic Information
CMCS Central Maintenance Computer System
CDU Control Display Unit
CMD Command
CEPT Conference Europene des Postes et
Telcommunications CMM (1) Component Maintenance Manual
(2) Common Mode Monitor. A type of monitor
CEU Checklist Entry Unit common to automatic flight control systems.
CF Change Field CMN Control Motion Noise
CFDIU Central Fault Display Interface Unit CMS Cabin Management System
CFDS Centralized Fault Display System CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
CFIT Controlled Flight Into Terrain CMU Communications Management Unit
CFMU Central Flow Management Unit CNDB Customized Navigation Database
CFS Cabin File Server CNES Centre national detudes spatiales
CG Center of Gravity C/NO Carrier-to-Noise Density Ratio
CHG (1) Charge CNP Comm/Nav/Pulse
(2) Change
CNS Communication, Navigation ,S u rveillance
CHIS Center Hydraulic Isolation System
CNS/ATM Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic
CHOL Collins High Order Language Management
CI (1) Configuration Item Coasted A track that is continued based on previous track
(2) Cabin Interphone Track characteristics in the absence of surveillance data
reports (TCAS).
CIDIN Common ICAO Data Interchange Network
CODEC Coder/Decoder
CIDS Cabin Interphone Distribution System
COM Cockpit Operating Manual
CIE Commission Internationale de I Eclairage
COMM Communications
CLB Climb
Compass A low-powered radio beacon, used in conjunction
CLK Clock Locator with ILS. A compass locator has a two-letter
Cloud Water or ice particles having radii smaller than identification and a range of at least 15 miles.
Droplets 0.01 cm COMP Compressor
CLR Clear CON Continuous

16 17
Cone of An inverted conical shaped area extending vertically CPE Circular Position Error
Confusion above a VOR ground facility that is void of the
bearing signal. CPM Core Processor Module

Consolan A low-frequency, keyed, CW, short baseline system CPN Collins Part Number
using two antennas to radiate a daisy-shaped pattern CPRSR Compressor
for navigational aid purposes. The frequency range is
in the 300 KHz region. It is in limited use today. CPS Cabin Pressure Sensor
Contour Contour or iso-contour refers to a weather radar CPU Central Processing Unit
display presentation that blanks the echo returns in
the center of a storm cell. The area blanked out is CR (1) Change Request
called contour and corresponds to the return levels (2) Contrast Ratio
that exceed a predetermined threshold.
CRC Cyclic Redundancy Checking
CONOPS Concept of Operations
CRES Corrosion Resistant Steel
CO ROUTE Company Route
CRC (1) Cyclic Redundancy Code
Correction A correction is applied to static source pressure (2) Cyclic Redundancy Check
(SSEC) measurements to partly or completely correct for
pressure errors that are caused by airflow changes. It is CRM (1) Cockpit Resource Management
computed as a function of Mach and altitude based on (2) Crew Resource Management
measured errors for a particular static system. CRPA Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna
Corrective A resolution advisory that instructs the pilot to CRS Course
Advisory deviate from current vertical rate (e.g. DONT CLIMB
when the aircraft is climbing). (TCAS) CRT Cathode Ray Tube
COTS Commercial Off-The-Shelf CRU Computer Receiver Unit
CP (1) Control Panel CRZ Cruise
(2) Conflict Probe
(3) Circular Polarization CSC Cargo System Controller

CPA Closest Point of Approach CSCP Cabin System Control Panel

CPC (1) Cabin Pressure Controller CSDB Commercial Standard Data Bus
(2) Cursor Position Control CSDS Cargo Smoke Detector System
(3) Controller Pilot Communication
CSEU Control Systems Electronics Unit
CPCI Computer Program Configuration Item. A CPCI
number identifies the configuration of a computer CSMM Crash Survivable Memory Modules
software program.
CSMU Cabin System Management Unit
CPCS Cabin Pressure Control System
C/SOIT Communications /Surveillance Operational
CPDLC Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications Implementation Team

18 19
CSU Configuration Strapping Unit D&O Description and Operation
CTA (1) Controlled-Time of Arrival DA (1) Descent Advisor
(2) Control Area (ICAO Term) (2) Drift Angle
CTAI Cowl Thermal Anti-Icing D/A Digital-to-Analog
CTAS Center Tracon Automation System DABS Discrete Addressable Beacon System
CTC (1) Cabin Temperature Controller DADC Digital Air Data Computer
(2) Centralized Train Central
DADS Digital Air Data System
CTL Control
DARC Direct Access Radar Channel. An independent backup
CTMO Centralized Air Traffic Flow Management to main ATC computers.
Organization
DARPA Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
CTOL Conventional Take Off and Landing
DAS Designated Alteration Station
CTR (1) Control zone
(2) Center Data Link A system that allows exchange of digital data over an
RF link. ATCSS is a data link system used by the air
CTRD Configuration Test Requirements Document traffic control system. ACARS is a data link system
used by airline command, control and management
CTRL Control system, using VHF communication frequencies.
CTS Clear To Send D-ATIS Digital Automatic Terminal Information System
CTU Cabin Telecommunications Unit dB Decibel
CU (1) Control Unit DBi 1) Decibels referenced to an isotopic antenna
(2) Combiner Unit (HUD) 2) Decibels above isotopic circular
CV/DFDR Cockpit Voice and Digital Flight Data Recorder dBm Decibel(s) below 1 milliwatt
CVR Cockpit Voice Recorder DBMX Database Management System
CVRCP Cockpit Voice Recorder Control Panel DBS Direct Broadcast Satellite
CW (1) Continuous Wave. A continuous train of DBw Decibels referenced to 1 watt
identical oscillations.
(2) Clockwise (cw) DBU Data Base Unit
CWC Comparator Warning Computer DC Direct Current
CWI Continuous Wave Interference DCAS Digital Control Audio System
CWP (1) Controlled Working Position DCD Double Channel Duplex. A communication system
(2) Controller Working Position using two RF channels, one channel for receive and
one channel for transmit operations, for simultaneous
CWS Control Wheel Steering communication.

20 21
DCE Data Communications Equipment DEG Degree
DCGF Data Conversion Gateway Function DEL Delete
DCMF Data Communication Management Function Demand An ACARS mode of operation in which
Mode communications may be initiated by the ground
DCMS Data Communication Management System processor or the airborne system.
DCN (1) Drawing Change Notice DEP Departure
(2) Design Change Notice
(3) Document Change Notice DER Designated Engineering Representative
DCP Display Control Panel DES Descent
DCS Double Channel Simplex. A communication system DESCR Description
using two RF channels for non-simultaneous
communication. One channel is disabled while the Desensitization TCAS sensitivity level (threat volume) reduction
other channel is used to transmit. DEST Destination
DCU Data Concentrator Unit DEV Deviation
DCV Directional Control Valve DFA Direction Finding Antenna
DDA (1) Digital Differential Analyzer DFCS Digital Flight Control System
(2) Distance Data Adapter
DFDAF Digital Flight Data Acquisition Function
DDD Dual Disk Drive
DFDAMU Digital Flight Data Acquisition Management Unit
DDI Direct Dial Indicator
DFDAU Digital Flight Data Acquisition Unit. The DFDAU
DDM Difference in Depth of Modulation samples, conditions and digitizes the flight data.
DDP Declarations of Design and Performance. A control DFDR Digital Flight Data Recorder
document required by the United Kingdom Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA) for certification of avionics DFDU Digital Flight Data Unit
equipment.
DFIDU Dual Function Interactive Display Unit
DDS Direct Digital Synthesizer
DFIU Digital Flight Instrument Unit
DDT Downlink Data Transfer
DFU Digital Function Unit
DECCA A navigation system widely used by shipping in
Europe. The ground facilities consist of a master DG Directional Gyro
station and several slave stations.
DGNSS Differential Global Navigation Satellite System
Decimal Base-10 counting system. Numbers include
0,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. DGPS Differential Global Positioning System

ded Dedicated DH (1) Decision Height

(2) Dataflash Header
DEFDARS Digital Expandable Flight Data Acquisition And
Recording System DI Data Interrupt

DEFL Deflection DIAGS Diagrams

22 23
DID Data Item Description DMM (1) Digital Multimeter
(2) Data Memory Module
DIP (1) Dual In-line Package. The most common
package configuration for integrated circuits. DMN Data Multiplexing Network
(2) Data Interrupt Program
DMS Debris Monitoring Sensor
DIR Director
DMU Data Management Unit
Directed A DME operating mode that allows an FMCS to
Mode select one to five DME stations for interrogation. DO-160 RTCA Document 160, Environmental Conditions and
Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment, Issued
DIR/INTC Direct Intercept 12/04/89
DISCH Discharge DO-178 RTCA docuemnt 178, Software Considerations in
Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification,
DISCR Discrepancy issued 03/22/85
DIST Distance DOC Documentation
DITS Data Information Transfer System DOD Department of Defense
DL Data Link DOORS Dynamic Object Orientated Requirements System
DLC Data Link Control Display Unit Doppler The change in frequency observed at the receiver
DLGF Data Load Gateway Function Effect when the transmitter and receiver are in motion
relative to each other.
DLI Data Link Interpreter program
DOS Disk Operating System
DLL Data Link Library
DOT Department of Transportation
DLM Data Link Management Unit
DOTS Dynamic Ocean Tracking System
DL/MSU Data Loader/Mass Storage Unit
Downlink The radio transmission path downward from the
DLODS Duct Leak and Overheat Detection aircraft to the earth.
DLP Data Link Processor DPR Dual Port RAM
DLS Data Load System DPSK Differential Phase Shift Keying
DLU Download Unit DR Data Receptacle
DMA Direct Memory Access DRER Designated Radio Engineering Representative (FAA)
DME Distance Measuring Equipment. A system that Drift Angle The angle between heading and track. It is due to
provides distance information from a ground station the effect of wind currents. Sometimes called the
to an aircraft. crab angle.
DME/N Abbreviation for a DME normal system DRN Document Release Notice
DME/P Abbreviation for a DME precision system DSARC Defense System Acquisition Review Cycle
DMIR Designated Manufacturing Inspection Representative DSB Double Side Band.An AM signal with the carrier
removed. Requires the same bandwidth as the
AM signal.

24 25
DSDU Data Signal Display Unit E East
DSF Display System Function EADI Electronic Attitude Director Indicator
DSP (1) Display Select Panel EAI Engine Anti-Ice
(2) Digital Signal Processor
EANPG European Air Navigation Planning Group
DSPDRV Display Driver
EAP Engine Alert Processor
DSPY Display (annunciation on CDU)
EAROM Electrically Alterable ROM
DSR Display System Replacement
EAS Equivalent Airspeed
DSS Decision Support Systems
EASIE Enhanced ATM and Mode S Implementation
DSSS Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum in Europe
DTD (1) Data Terminal Display EATMS European Air Traffic Management Systems
(2) Document Type Definition
EC Event Criterion
DTE Data Terminal Equipment
ECAC European Civil Aviation Conference
DT & E Development Test and Evaluation
ECAM Electronic Caution Alert Module
DTG Distance-to-go
ECEF Earth-Centered, Earth-Fixed
DTMF Dual Tone Multi-Frequency
Echo The portion of the radiated energy reflected back
DTU Data Transfer Unit to the antenna from the target (WXR).
DU Display Unit ECMP Electronic Component Management System
Dual Mode An airborne DME RT capable of processing DME/N ECON Economy (minimum cost speed schedule)
DME and DME/P ground station signals. Operation is in
the L-band frequency range. ECP EICAS Control Panel

Duplex A communication operation that uses the ECS (1) Engineering Compiler System. An automated
simultaneous operation of the transmit and data storage system.
receive equipment at two locations. (2) Environmental Control System
(3) Event Criterion Subfield
DVM Digital Voltmeter
ECSL Left Environmental Control System Card
DX Distance
ECSMC ECS Miscellaneous Card
Dynamic Dynamic Pressure is the difference between pitot and
Pressure static pressure. ECSR Right Environmental Control System Card

Dynamic RAM constructed of capacitor elements. Memory ECU EICAS Control Unit
RAM cells must be periodically refreshed to keep capacitors ED EICAS Display
from discharging and losing data. (See Static RAM.)
E/D End-of-Descent

26 27
EDA Electronic Design Automation EICAS Engine Indication and Crew Alert System
EDAC Error Detection and Correction EICASC Engine Indication and Crew Alert System Controls
(used interchangeably with EDC)
EIS (1) Engine Indication System
EDC Error Detection and Correction (2) Electronic Instrument System
EDI Engine Data Interface EISA Extended Industry Standard Architecture
EDIF Engine Data Interface Function EIU EFIS/EICAS Interface Unit
EDIU Engine Data Interface Unit EL/FCG Electronic Logbook and Fault Correction Guide
EDMS Electronic Data Management System ELB/ISE Electronic Logbook In-Service Evaluation
EDP (1) Electronic Data Processing ELC Emitter Coupled Logic
(2) Engine Driven Pump
(3) Engineering Development Pallet ELEC Electrical

EDU Electronic Display Unit ELM Extended Length Message

EE Electronics Equipment (eg. EE-Bay) ELMS Electrical Load Management System

EEC Electronic Engine Control ELS Electronic Library System

EEPROM Electrical Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory ELT Emergency Locator Transmitter

EEU ELMS Electronics Unit EMC (1) Entertainment Multiplexer Controller

(2) Electromagnetic Compatibility
EFC Expected Further Clearance
EMER Emergency
EFD Electronic Flight Display
EMI Electro-Magnetic Interference
EFDR Expanded Flight Data Recorder
EMS (1) Engine Management System
EFIC Electronic Flight Instrument Controller (2) Emergency Medical Services
EFIP Electronic Flight Instrument Processor ENG Engine
EFIS Electronic Flight Instrument System ENQ Enquire
EFIS CP EFIS Control Panel E/O Engine-Out
EGNOS European Geostationary Overlay System EOT End-Of-Text
EGPWS Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System EP (1) External Power
(2) Engineering Project
EGT Exhaust Gas Temperature
EPC External Power Contactor
EHSI Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator
EPCS Engine Propulsion Control System
EHV Electro-Hydraulic Valve
EIA Electronic Industries Association

28 29
E-Plane The E-Plane is the plane of an antenna that contains ETD Estimated Time of Departure
the electric field.The principal E-Plane also contains
the direction of maximum radiation. ETI Elapsed Time Indicator

EPLD Electrically Programmable Logic Device ETM Elapsed Time Measurement

EPP Enhanced Parallel Port ETMS Enhanced Traffic Management System

EPR Engine Pressure Ratio ETOP Extended Twin Engine Operations

EPROM Erasable Programmable ROM ETP Equal Time Point

EPS Electrical Power System ETRC Expected Taxi Ramp Clearances

EQUIP Equipment ETVS Enhanced Terminal Voice Switch

Equivalent Equivalent Airspeed is a direct measure of the ETX End-of-transmission

Airspeed incompressible freestream of dynamic pressure. EUR European
(EAS) It is CAS corrected for compressibility effects.
Eurocae European Organization for Civil Aviation Electronics.
ERA European Regional Airlines Association A regulatory agency for avionics certification in
ERDI En Route Domain Infrastructure Europe.

ERP Eye Reference Point EUROCONTROL European Organization for the Safety of Air
Navigation Operations
ERU Engine Relay Unit
EVS Enhanced Vision System
ESA European Space Agency
EXEC Executive
ESAS (1) Enhanced Situational Awareness System
(2) Electronic Situation Awareness System F Fahrenheit

E-Scan Electronic Scanning FA Final Approach

ESD Electrostatic Discharge FAA (1) Federal Aviation Administration (U.S.)

(2) Federal Aviation Authority
ESDS Electrostatic Sensitive Devices. Also known as ESSD.
FAC Flight Augmentation Computer
ESID Engine and System Indication Display
FADEC Full Authority Digital Electronic Control
ESIS Engine and System Indication System
FAF Final Approach Fix
ESR Energy Storage/Control
FAI First Article Inspection
ESS (1) Electronic Switching System
(2) Environmental Stress Screening Fan Marker A marker beacon used to provide identification
of positions along airways. Standard fan marker
ESSD ElectroStatic Sensitive Devices. See ESDS. produces an elliptical-shaped pattern. A second
type produces a dumb bell-shaped pattern.
EST Estimated
FANS Future Air Navigation System
ETA Estimated Time of Arrival

30 31
FAR (1) Federal Aviation Regulation FF Fuel Flow
(2) Federal Acquisition Regulation
FGC Flight Guidance Computer
FAST Final Approach Spacing Tool
FHSS Frequency Hopped Spread Spectrum
FBL Fly By Light
FHW Fault History Word
FBO Fixed Based Operator
FIFO First In, First Out
FBW Fly-By-Wire
FIM Fault Isolation Manual
FC Foot Candles
FIR Flight Information Region
FCAF Flight Data Acquisition
FIS (1) Flight Information Service
FCC (1) Federal Communications Commission (2) Flight Information System
(2) Flight Control Computer (3) Flight Instrument System
FCDC Flight Critical dc FIX Position in space usually on aircrafts flight plan
FCP (1) Flight Control Panel FL (1) Foot Lambert
(2) Flight Control Processor (2) Flight Level (as in FL410). This terminology is
used to describe aircraft attitude when the
FCS Flight Control System altimeter is set at QNE.
FD (1) Flight Director FLCH Flight Level Change
(2) Final Data
(3) Flight Dynamics FLIR Forward Looking Infra-Red
FDAF Flight Data Acquisition Function FLM Flight Line Maintenance
FDAU Flight Data Acquisition Unit FLT Flight
FDB Flight Plan Data Bank FLT CTRL Flight Control
FDE Flight Detection Exclusion FLT INST Flight Instrument
FDDI Fiber Distributed Data Interface FLW Forward Looking Windshear Radar
FDEP Flight Data Entry Panel FM Frequency Modulation
FDH Flight Deck Handset FMA Flight Mode Annunicator
FDM Frequency Division Multiplex is a system where the FMC (1) Flight Management Computer (FMCS)
messages are transmitted over a common path by (2) Flight Director Control (FD)
employing a different frequency band for each signal.
FMCF Flight Management Computer Function
FDR Flight Data Recorder
FMCS Flight Management Computer System
FDRS Flight Data Recorder System
FMCW Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave
FDS Flight Display System
FMEA Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
FEATS Future European Air Traffic Management System

32 33
FMF Flight Management Function FRM Fault Reporting Manual
FMP Flight Mode Panel FRPA Fixed Reception Pattern Antenna
FMS Flight Management System FSAS Flight Service Automation System
FMU Fuel Metering Unit FSE Field Service Engineer
F/O (1) First Officer FSEU Flap Slat Electronics Unit
(2) Fuel/Oil Cooler
FSF Flight Safety Foundation
FOC (1) Full Operational Capability
(2) Fuel/Oil Cooler FT Functional Test

FOG Fiber Optic Gyro FTE Flight Technical Error

FOQA Flight Operations Quality Assurance FTPP Fault Tolerant Power Panel

FPA (1) Flight Path Angle FW Failure Warning

(2) Focal Plane Array FWC Flight Warning Computer
FPAC Flight Path Acceleration FWD Forward
FPC Flight Profile Comparator FWS Flight Warning System
FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array GA (1) Go-Around
FPM Feet Per Minute (2) General Aviation

FPV Flight Path Vector GAAS Galium Arsenide

FQIS Fuel Quantity Indicating System GAMA General Aviation Manufacturers Association

FQPU Fuel Quantity Processor Unit GATM Global Air Traffic Management

FR From GBST Ground Based Software Tool

FRA Flap Retraction Altitude Gbyte Giga-byte (billon bytes)

Framing A pulse that is used to mark the beginning or end GCAS Ground Collision Avoidance System
Pulse of the coded reply pulses. GCB Generator Circuit Breaker
FREER Free-Route Experimental Encounter Resolution GCS Ground Clutter Suppression
Free Scan A DME operating mode that will provide distance GCU Generator Control Unit
Mode data to all DME ground stations within the DME
range (LOS). GDLP Ground Data Link Processor
FREQ Frequency GDOP Geometric Dilution Of Precision. A term referring to
error introduced in a GPS calculation due to the
Frequency The ability of a receiver-transmitter to rapidly and positioning of the satellites and the receiver.
continually shift operating frequency.

34 35
GEN Generator Goniometer A device that combines the two signals from two loop
antennas. The goniometer (or resolver) contains two
GEO Geostationary Earth Orbit fixed coils and one rotating coil. The rotating coil is
GES Ground Earth Station connected to the ADF bearing indicator needle to
indicate the relative bearing from the aircraft to the
GG Graphics Generator NDB station. The mechanical position of the rotor
represents the bearing of the station, and the position
GH Ground Handling is electrically transmitted to the RMI.
GHz Gigahertz GOS Grade of Service
GIC GNSS Integrity Channel GPADIRS Global Positioning, Air Data, Inertial Reference System
GICB Ground-Initiated Comm-B GPIB General Purpose Instrument Bus
GIGO Garbage-In Garbage-Out GPP General Purpose Processor
Glidepath The approach path used by an aircraft during an GPS (1) Global Positioning System (See NAVSTAR)
instrument landing or the portion of the glideslope (2) Global Positioning Satellite
that intersects the localizer. The glidepath does not
provide guidance completely to a touchdown point GPSSU Global Positioning System Sensor Unit
on the runway.
GPU Ground Power Unit
Glideslope The vertical guidance portion of an ILS system.
GPWC Ground Proximity Warning Computer
GLNS GPS Landing and Navigation System
GPWS Ground Proximity Warning System
GLNU GPS Landing and Navigation Unit
Gradient The rate at which a variable quantity increases
GLONASS Global Navigation Satellite System (Russian) or decreases.
GLS (1) GPS Landing System Gray Code Special binary code used to transmit altitude data
(2) Gun Laying System between framing pulses of a transponder reply. A
cyclic code having only one digit change at a time.
GLU GPS Landing Unit Used in Mode C to transmit aircraft barometric
altitude. Also known as Gilham code.
GM Guidance Material
Ground A radio wave that travels along the earths surface.
GMC Ground Movement Control Wave
GMT Greenwich Mean Time. GMT is a universal time GRP Geographic Reference Point
scale based upon the mean angle of rotation of the
earth about its axis in relation to the sun. It is GS (1) Glideslope
referenced to the prime meridian that passes through (2) Ground Speed
Greenwich, England.
G/S Glideslope
GND Ground
GSE Ground Support Equipment
GNR Global Navigation Receiver
GSP Glare Shield Panel
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System

36 37
GSV Gray Scale Voltage(s) HGA High Gain Antenna
GT Greater Than HGC Head-Up Guidance Computer
GTA General Terms Agreement HGS Head-Up Guidance System
GTC Data Link Ground Terminal Computer HHLD Heading Hold
GTR General Technical Requirements HI High
GUI Graphic/User Interface HIC Head Impact Criteria
GVE Graphics Vector Engine HIL Horizontal Integrity Limit
GWS Graphical Weather Services HIRF (1) High Intensity Radiated Field
(2) High Intensity Radio Frequency
Gyroscope A rotating device that will maintain its original plane
of rotation, no matter which direction the gyroscope HLCS High Lift Control System
mount is turned.
HLE Higher Layer Entity
HARS High Altitude Route System
HLL High Level Language
HCP Head-Up Control Panel
HMI Human Machine Interface
HCI Human Computer Interface
HMOS High Density Metal Oxide Semiconductor
HCS Host Computer System
HOW Hand-Over Word
HDBK Handbook
HP (1) High Pressure
HDG Heading (2) Holding Pattern
HDG SEL Heading Select HPA High Power Amplifier
HDLC High Level Data Link Control hPa hecto Pascal
HDOP Horizontal Dilution of Precision HPC High Pressure Compressor
HDOT Inertial Vertical Speed H-Plane The H-Plane is the plane in which the magnetic field
of the antenna lies. The H-Plane is perpendicular to
HDP Hardware Development Plan the E-Plane.
HE Altitude Error HPR High Power Relay
Heading The direction of an aircraft path with respect to HPRES Pressure Altitude
magnetic or true north.
HPSOV High Pressure Shutoff Valve
HF High Frequency. The portion of the radio spectrum
from 3 to 30 MHz. HF communication systems HPT High Pressure Turbine
operate in the 2 to 30 MHz portion of the spectrum.
HSI Horizontal Situation Indicator. An indicator that
HFDL High-Frequency Data Link displays bearing, glideslope, distance, radio source,
course and heading information.
HFS High-Frequency System

38 39
HSL Heading Select ICSS Integrated Communication Switching System
HSR High Stability Reference ICU Instrument Comparator Unit
HUD Head-Up Display ID Identifier
HVPS High Voltage Power Supply IDC Indicator Display/Control
HW Hardware Ident The action of the transponder transmitting an extra
pulse along with its identification code (at the request
HX Heat Exchanger of a controller).
HYD Hydraulic IDG Integrated Drive Generator
HYDIM Hydraulic Interface Module IDS (1) Ice Detection System
Hz Hertz (cycles per second) (2) Integrated Display System
(3) Information Display System
I2S Integrated Information System
IDU Interactive Display Unit
IACSP International Aeronautical Communications
Service Provider IEC IAPS Environmental Control Module

IAOA Indicated Angle-of-Attack IED Insertion Extraction Device

IAPA Instrument Approach Procedures Automation IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

IAPS Integrated Avionics Processing System IEPR Integrated Engine Pressure Ratio

IAS Indicated Airspeed is the speed indicated by a IF (if) Intermediate Frequency. A frequency to which a
differential pressure airspeed indicator that signal is shifted as an in-between step in the reception
measures the actual pressure differential in the or transmission of a signal.
pitot-static head. It is the actual instrument IFALPA International Federation of Airline Pilots Association
indication for a given flight condition.
IFATCA International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers
IATA International Air Transport Association Associations
IC (1) Intercabinet IFE In-Flight Entertainment
(2) Integrated Circuit
IFPS Integrated Initial Flight Plan Processing System
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization (Montreal)
IFR Instrument Flight Rules
ICC IAPS Card Cage
IFRB International Frequency Registration Board
ICD (1) Installation Control Drawing
(2) Interface Control Drawing IGES Standardized Graphics Exchange File
(3) Interactive Design Center
IGV Inlet Guide Vane
ICNIA Integrated Communications, Navigation and
Identification Avionics ILM Independent Landing Monitor

ICP Initial Conflict Probe

40 41
ILS Instrument Landing System. The system provides IOC (1) Initial Operational Capability
latera l ,a long-course and vertical guidance to aircraft (2) Input/Output Concentrator
attempting a landing. (3) Input/Output Controller
IMA Integrated Modular Avionics IOR Indian Ocean Region
IMAS Integrated Mission Avionics System IOT & E Initial Operational Test and Evaluation
IMC Instrument Meteorological Conditions IP (1) Intermediate Pressure
(2) Internet Protocol
IMPATT Impact Avalanche and Transmit Time. This type of (3) Instructor Pilot
Diode diode, when mounted in an appropriate cavity,
produces microwave oscillations and amplification. IPB Illustrated Parts Breakdown
In Inch IPC (1) Intermediate Pressure Compressor
(2) Illustrated Parts Catalog
INBD (1) Inbound
(2) Inboard IPD (1) Industrial Products Division
(2) Integrated Product Delivery
IND Indicator
IPL Illustrated Parts List
Indicated The altitude above mean sea level (uncorrected
Altitude for temperature). IPT Intermediate Pressure Turbine
in.hg. Inches of Mercury IRD Integrated Receiver/Decoder
INIT Initialization IRP Integrated Refuel Panel
INJ Injection IRS Inertial Reference System
INPH Interphone IRU Inertial Reference Unit
INS Inertial Navigation System. A self-contained, ISA (1) Industry Standard Architecture
dead-reckoning system that senses the acceleration (2) International Standard Atmosphere
along the three axes of the aircraft and calculates the
distance traveled from a reference point. Accuracy ISC Integrated Systems Controller
of the system decreases with respect to time. ISDOS Information System Design and Optimization System
INST Instrument ISLN Isolation
INTC Intercept ISO (1) International Organization for Standardization
Intruder An altitude reporting aircraft that is being considered (2) International Standards Organization
as a potential threat and processed by the threat (3) Isolation
detection logic (TCAS). Iso-Contour Refer to contour
I/O Input/Output. Refers to bi-directional data ports.

42 43
ISP (1) Integrated Switching Panel Key A hand-operated switching device or the act of
(2) Internet Service Provider operating such a device.
ISU Initial Signal Unit KG Kilogram
ITA Institute of Air Tranpsort KHz Kilohertz (1000 cycles per second)
ITM Information Technology Management is the ground km Kilometer
based portion of an ADMS (See also EDMS).
KPS Kilobytes Per Second
ITO Indium-Tin Oxide
kts Knots
ITS Integrated Test System
kVA Kilovolt-ampere
ITT (1) Interstage Turbine Temperature
(2) Inter-Turbine Temperature kW Kilowatt

ITU International Telecommunications Union L Left

IV Isolation Valve L1 L-Band carrier (1575.42 MHz)

IVSI Instantaneous Vertical Speed Indicator L2 L-Band carrier (1227.6 MHz)

ITWS Integrated Terminal Weather System L5 Civil Satellite Frequency

JAA Joint Aviation Authority L AAS Local Area Augmentation System

JAR Joint Airworthiness Requirement LADGPS Local Area Differential GPS

JAR-AWO Joint Airworthiness Requirements All Weather LAN Local Area Network
Operations LAT Latitude
JATO Jet Assisted Takeoff L-Band A radio frequency band from 390 to 1,550 MHz
JDCP Joint Conceptual Definition Phase LCC Leadless Chip Carrier
JDP Joint Definition Phase LCD Liquid Crystal Display
JFET Junction Field Effect Transistor LCN Local Communications Network
J/S Jammer to Signal Ratio LCP Lighting Control Panel
JTAG Joint Test Action Group LCSTB Low Cost Simulation Testbed
JTIDS Joint Tactical Information Distribution System LD Lower Data
KB Kilo-Bytes (thousand bytes) LDCC Leaded Chip Carrier
kb/s Kilobits Per Second LDGPS Local Area Differential Global Positioning Satellite
KBU Keyboard Unit LDU Lamp Driver Unit

44 45
LED Light Emitting Diode LOM Locator Outer Marker. An NDB that is co-located at
the same site as the 75 MHz outer marker beacon.
Leg The section of the flight between two waypoints.
LON Longitude
LF Low Frequency. The frequency range from 30 to
300 KHz. LOP Line Of Position
LFR Low Frequency Radio Range LORAN Long Range Navigation. A system using a ground
facility composed of a master station and a slave
LGA Low Gain Antenna station. The airborne receiver computes the position
LHP Lightning HIRF Protection of the aircraft by using two or more received
master-slave pairs of signals. LORAN-A operates at
LIB Left Inboard 1850, 1900 and 1950 KHz. LORAN-C operates at
100 KHz. LORAN-A was replaced by LORAN-C in
LIM Limit 1980.
LISN Line Impedance Stabilization Network LORAN C Long Range Navigation System
LLP Left Lower Plug. Identifies the plug on the rear LOS (1) Line Of Sight
connector of an avionics unit. (2) Line-Oriented Simulation
L/M List of Materials LP Linear Polarization
LMM Locator Middle Marker. An NDB that is co-located at LPC Low Pressure Compressor
the same site as the 75 MHz middle marker beacon.
LPT Low Pressure Turbine
LMP Left Middle Plug. Identifies the plug on the rear
connector of an avionics unit. LRA or LRRA (1) Low-Range Radio Altimeter
(2) Line Replaceable Assembly
LMT Local Mean Time
LRC Long Range Cruise
LNA Low Noise Amplifier
LRM Line Replaceable Module
LNAV Lateral Navigation
LRR Long Range Radar
LO Low
LRU Line Replaceable Unit
LOB Left Outboard
LSB (1) Lower Sideband. The lower sideband is the
LOC Localizer. The lateral guidance portion of an difference in frequency between the AM carrier
ILS system. signal and the modulation signal.
(2) Least Significant Bit
Lock-On The condition that exists when the DME receives
reply pulses to at least 50 percent of the LSD Least Significant Digit
interrogations. Valid distance information is then
available. LSI Large Scale Integration
LSK Line Select Key

46 47
LTP Left Top Plug. Identifies the plug on the rear M/ASI Mach/Airspeed Indicator
connector of an avionics unit.
MASPS Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards
Lubber Line A fixed line placed on an indicator to indicate the
front-to-rear axis of the aircraft. MAT Maintenance Access Terminal

LV Lower Sideband Voice MAWP Missed Approached Waypoint

LVDT Linear Voltage Differential Transducer (used with MAX Maximum

aircraft control surface servos). MAX CLB Maximum engine thrust for two-engine climb
LVLCHG Level Change MAX CRZ Maximum engine thrust for two-engine cruise
LVPS Low Voltage Power Supply MB Marker Beacon
M Mach Number MBE Multiple Bit Error
m Meter MC Master Change
MAA Maximum Authorized IFR Altitude MCA Minimum Crossing Altitude
MAC Medium Access Controller MCB Microwave Circuit Board
Mach Mach number is the ratio of the true airspeed to the MCBF Mean Cycles Between Failures
Number speed of sound at a particular flight condition. It is
the chief criterion of airflow pattern and is usually MCC Maintenance Control Computer
represented by the free-stream steady-state value.
MCDP Maintenance Control Display Panel
Mag Magnetic
MCDU Multifunctional Control Display Unit
Magnetic The bearing with respect to magnetic north.
Bearing MCN Manufacturing Control Number
Magnetic The direction north as determined by the earths MCP (1) Maintenance Control Panel
North magnetic field. The reference direction for (2) Mode Control Panel
measurement of magnetic directions.
MCT Max Continuous Thrust
MAINT Maintenance
MCU (1) Modular Concept Unit (approximately 1/8-ATR,
MAP (1) Missed Approach Point Airline Transport Rack)
(2) Mode Annunciator Panel (2) Multifunction Concept Unit
Marker A transmitter operating at 75 MHz that provides MDA Minimum Descent Altitude
Beacon identification of a particular position along an airway
or on the approach to an instrument runway. The MDC Maintenance Diagnostic Computer
marker beacon is continuously tone-modulated by a MDL Multipurpose Data Link
400-Hz, a 1,300-Hz or a 3,000-Hz tone. Marker
beacons along an instrument runway provide MDS Minimum Discernible Signal. The MDS is the lowest
along-course (range) guidance and designate when an RF signal level that can be detected as a valid signal.
aircraft should be at a certain altitude if the aircraft is
following the glidepath. MDT Maintenance Display Terminal

48 49
MEA Minimum En route Altitude MLA Maneuver Limited Altitude
MEC Main Equipment Center MLS Microwave Landing System
MEL Minimum Equipment List. The list of equipment that MLW Maximum Landing Weight
the FAA requires be aboard and working on an
aircraft before flying. MM Mass Memory

MES Main Engine Start MME Modular Mounting Equipment

MF Medium Frequency. The portion of the radio MMI Man-Machine Interface

spectrum from 300 KHz to 3 MHz. MMIC Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit
MFCP Multifunction Control Display Panel Mmo The maximum Mach number at which an aircraft
MFD Multifunction Display has been certified to operate.

MFDS Multifunction Display System MMR Multi-Mode Receiver

MFDU Multifunction Display Unit MMS Maintenance Management System

MFM Maintenance Fault Memory MN Magnetic North

MGSCU Main Gear Steering Control Unit MNPS Minimum Navigation Performance Specification

MHD Magnetic Hard Drive MO Magneto-Optical

MHz Megahertz (1,000,000 cycles per second) MOA (1) Military Operation Area
(2) Memorandum of Agreement
MIC Microphone. Also refers to the output signal of
the microphone. MOCA Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude

MIDU Multipurpose Interactive Display Unit MOD (1) Modulator

(2) Modification
MIL Military (3) Magneto-Optical Drive
MIL-HDBK-217General Prediction of Electronic Equipment (MTBF) Mode A The pulse format for an identification code
interrogation of an ATCRBS transponder.
MILSPEC Military Specifications
Mode B An optional mode for transponder interrogation.
MIL-STD-882 System Safety Requirements
Mode C The pulse format for an altitude information
Min (1) Minutes interrogation of an ATCRBS transponder.
(2) Minimum
Mode D An unassigned, optional transponder mode.
MIPS Million Instructions Per Second
Mode S (1) Mode Select (A transponder format to allow
MKR (1) Marker discrete interrogation and data link capability).
(2) Marker Beacon (2) Selective interrogation mode of SSR

50 51
MODEM Modulator/Demodulator MSSS Mode S Specific Services
MOPR Minimum Operational Performance Requirements MSU Mode Select Unit
MOPS Minimum Operational Performance Standards MT Minimum Time
MORA Minimum Off-Route Altitude MTBF Mean Time Between Failures. A performance figure
calculated by dividing the total unit flying hours
MOS Metal Oxide Semiconductor (airborne) accrued in a period of time by the number
MOSFET Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transmitter of unit failures that occurred during the same time.
Where total unit hours are available, this may be used
MOU Memorandum Of Understanding in lieu of total unit flying hours.
MP (1) Middle Plug. Identifies the plug position on the MTBR (1) Mean Time Between Removal
rear connector of an avionics unit. (2) Mean Time Between Repairs. A performance
(2) Main Processor figure calculated by dividing the total unit flying
hours accrued in a period by the number of unit
MPEL Maximum Permissable Exposure Level removals (scheduled plus unscheduled) that
occurred during the same period.
MPU Multifunction Process Unit
MTBUR (1) Mean Time Between Unscheduled Removal
MRA Minimum Reception Altitude (2) Mean Time Between Unit Replacements. A
MRDU Multichannel Receiver/Decoder Unit performance figure calculated by dividing the
total unit flying hours (airborne) accrued in a
MROSE Multiple-tasking Real-time Operating System period by the number of unscheduled unit
Executive removals that occurred during the same period.
MRR Manufacturing Revision Request MTC Maintenance Terminal Cabinet
MS Millisecond MTD Maintenance Terminal Display
m/s Meter per Second MTF Maintenance Terminal Function
MSAS Ministry of Transportation Satellite MTI Moving Target Indicator. This type of radar display
Augmentation System will show only moving targets.
MSB Most Significant Bit MTM Module Test and Maintenance
MSCP Mobile Satellite Service Provider MTMIU Module Test and Maintenance Bus Interface Unit
MSD (1) Most Significant Digit MTSAT Multifunction Transport Satellite System (Japan)
(2) Mass Storage Device
MTTDA Mean Time To Dispatch Alert
MSG Message
MTTF Mean Time To Failure. A performance figure
MSI Medium Scale Integration calculated by dividing the summation of times to
failure for a sample of failed items by the number of
MSL Mean Sea Level failed items in the sample. The same item failing N
MSP Mode S Specific Protocol times constitutes N failed items in the sample. This is
different from mean time between failures since no
MSSR Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar allowance is given to items that have not failed.

52 53
MTTM Mean Time To Maintenance. The arithmetic mean of NAVAID
the time intervals between maintenance actions.
Navigation
MTTMA Mean Time to Maintenance Alert Datacard
MTTR Mean Time To Repair. A performance figure calculated NAVSTAR
by dividing the sum of the active repair elapsed times
accrued in a period on a number of designated items by
the number of these items repaired in the same period.
MTTUR Mean Time To Unscheduled Removal. A performance
figure calculated by dividing the summation of times
to unscheduled removal for a sample of removed Nautical Mile Equivalent to 6,076.1 feet, or approximately 1.15
items by the number of removed items in the sample. (nmi)
This is different from MTBUR since no allowance is
given to items that have not been removed. NBAA
Navigational Aid
A medium holding the customized navigation
database.
The NAVSTAR global positioning system (GPS) is a
system using 24 satellites, all reporting precise time
signals, along with location keys. Eight satellites are in
each of three 63-degree inclined plane circular orbits
at 11,000 nmi in altitude. The system is used for
navigation and determining exact position.
statute miles.
National Business Aviation Association

MU ACARS Management Unit NC Numerical Control

MULT Multiplier NIC New Installation Concept

MUS Minimum Use Specification. A generic description by NCD No Computed Data

parameter and characteristics of the test equipment NCS Network Coordination Station
and resources required for testing a unit or system.
ND Navigation Display. An EFIS presentation substituting
MUX Multiplexer for the horizontal situation indicator (HSI).
N North NDB (1) Non-Directional Radio Beacon. A ground station
N1 Fan speed designed specifically for ADF use that operates in
the 190-to-550-KHz range.Transmits a continuous
N2 Intermediate compressor speed carrier with either 400-or-1020 Hz modulation
(keyed) to provide identification.
N3 High speed compressor (2) Navigation Data Base (as stored in FMC memory)
N/A Not Applicable NEAN North European ADS-B Network
NACA National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics NEG Negative
NAS (1) National Airspace System NESDIS National Environmental Satellite, Data and
(2) National Aircraft Standard Information Service
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration NEXCOM Next Generation Communications
NASPALS NAS Precision Approach and Landing System NEXRAD Next Generation Radar
NAT North Atlantic Tracks NFF No Faults Found
NATCA National Air Traffic Controllers Association NGATM New Generation Air Traffic Manager
NAT SPG North Atlantic Systems Planning Group NH High Pressure Gas Generator RPM
NAV Navigation NHE Notes and Helps Editor

54 55
NIMS NAS Infrastructure Management System NTF No Trouble Found. (Referring to testing or checkout of
unit/module.)
NIS Not-In-Service
NTSB National Transportation Safety Board
NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology
NVM Non-Volatile Memory
N-Layer N is set for any layer name (such as link, network, etc.)
or for the initial (e.g. N-SDU means LSDU at the link NWS National Weather Service. The NWS provides a
layer). OSI model definition. ground-based weather radar network throughout the
United States. The radar network operates
NL Low Pressure Gas Generator RPM continuously and transmits the data to the National
NLM Network Loadable Module Meteorological Center, where it correlates with other
weather observations.
NLR Netherlands National Aerospace Laboratory
OAC Oceanic Area Control Center
NLT Not Less Than
OAG Official Airline Guide
NM or NMI Nautical Mile
OAT (1) Optional Auxiliary Terminal. The OAT may be in
NMC National Meteorological Center the form of a CRT/Keyboard device capable of
interfacing with other sources of data on the
NMOS N-type Metal Oxide Semiconductor aircraft and supplying data to a hard copy printer.
(Used in an ACARS system.)
NMT Not More Than (2) Outside Air Temperature. The uncorrected
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reading of the outside temperature gauge.
Different types of gauges require different
NOC Notice Of Change correction factors to obtain static air temperature.
NOCC National Operations Control Center OATS Orbit and Attitude Tracking
NO COM No Communication. A NO COM annunciation OBS (1) Omnibearing Selector. A panel instrument that
indicates that a downlink message has not been contains the controls and circuits to select an
acknowledged in an ACARS system. omnibearing and determine the TO-FROM
indication.
Noise Undesired random electromagnetic disturbances or (2) Optical Bypass Switch
spurious signals that are not part of the transmitted or
received signal. OCC Operations Control Center
NOTAM Notice to Airmen Octal Base-8 counting system. Numbers include 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 8.
NPA Non-Precision Approach
ODAPS Oceanic Display And Planning System. Will present
NPDU Network Protocol Data Unit oceanic flight data to controllers in a display that will
NRP National Route Program enable better route and altitude assignments.

NRZ Non-Return to Zero ODID Operational Display and Input Development

NSEU Neutron Single Event Upset ODL Optical Data Link

NSSL National Severe Storms Laboratory OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer

56 57
OEU Overhead Electronics Units OPER Operation
Off-Block Time The time that the aircraft leaves the gate. OPR Once Per Revolution
OFP Operational Flight Program OPS Operations Per Second
OGE Operational Ground Equipment OPU Overspeed Protection Unit
OHU Overhead Unit (HUD) O-QAR Optical Quick Access Recorder
OID Outline Installation Drawing OR Operational Requirements
OIU Orientation/Introduction Unit OSC Order Status Report
OLAN Onboard Local Area Network OSI (1) Open Systems Interconnection
(2) Open System Interface
OM Outer Marker
OTFP Operational Traffic Flow Planning
OMD Onboard Maintenance Documentation
OTH Over The Horizon
OMEGA A navigation system that uses two high-powered
transmitter ground stations to broadcast a continuous OVRD Override
wave signal. The receiver measures the range
difference between the two stations to determine OVS Overhead Video System
position. oxy Oxygen
O m n i b e a r i n g The bearing indicated by a navigational receiver on PA (1) Passenger Address
transmissions from an omnidirectional radio range (2) Power Amplifier
(VOR).
PAC Path Attenuation Compensation
OMS (1) Onboard Maintenance System
(2) Order Management System PA/CI Passenger Address/Cabin Interphone
OOOI OUT-OFF-ON-IN. An OOOI event is recorded as part PACIS Passenger Address and Communication Interphone
of the ACARS operation. The OUT event is recorded System
when the aircraft is clear of the gate and ready to taxi.
The OFF event occurs when the aircraft has lifted off Paired DME channels are paired with a VORTAC or ILS
the runway. The ON event occurs when the aircraft Channels frequency and are automatically selected when the
has landed. The IN event occurs when the aircraft has VORTAC or ILS frequency is selected. Most navigation
taxied to the ramp area. controls have this feature.
On-Block Time The time that the aircraft arrives at the gate. PAL Programmable Array Logic
OP Operational PAM Pulse Amplitude Modulation
OPT Optimum PAPI Precision Approach Path Indicators
OPAS Overhead Panel ARINC 629 System PAR Precision Approach Radar. An X-band radar that
scans a limited area and is part of the
OPBC Overhead Panel Bus Controller ground-controlled approach system.

58 59
PAS Passenger Address System PDOP Position Dilution Of Precision. A GPS term for error
introduced into the GPS calculations.
PAT Pilot Applications Terminal
PDOS Powered Door Opening System
PAU Passenger Address Unit
PDR Preliminary Design Review
PAWES Performance Assessment and Workload Evaluation
PDS Primary Display System
PAX Passenger
PDU (1) Protocol Data Unit. The N-PDU is a combination
PBD Place Bearing/Distance (way point) of the N-PCI and the N-UD or N-SDU. The
PBID Post Burn-In Data N-PDU is the total information that is transferred
between peer network members (OSI Model)
PBX Private Branch Exchange as a unit.
(2) Power Drive Unit
PC (1) Personal Computer (3) Power Distribution Unit
(2) Printed Circuit
PEP Peak Envelope Power
P-Code The GPS precision code
PERF Performance
PCB Printed Circuit Board
Performance A relative number used to compare the performance
PCC Pilot Controller Communication Index of different radar systems. It is calculated from
transmitter peak power, antenna gain, pulse width, prf,
PCI Protocol Control Information. The N-PCI is antenna beam width and the receiver noise figure.
exchanged between peer network members
(OSI Model) to coordinate joint information. PES Passenger Entertainment System
PCIP Precipitation PET Pacific Engineering Trials
PCM Pulse Code Modulation PETAL Preliminary Eurocontrol Test of Air/Ground Data Link
PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card Inteface PF (1) Power Factor
Association (2) Pilot Flying
PCU (1) Passenger Control Unit PFC Primary Flight Computer
(2) Power Control Unit
PFCS Primary Flight Control System
PD Profile Descent
PFD (1) Primary Flight Display. An EFIS presentation
PDB Performance Data Base substituting for the ADI.
(2) Primary Flight Director
PDC Pre-Departure Clearance
PFIS Passenger Flight Information System
PDCU Panel Data Concentrator Unit
PFR Pulse Repetition Frequency. The rate at which pulses
PDDI Product Definition Data Interface. Standardizes digital are transmitted.
descriptions of part configurations and properties
needed for manufacturing. PGA Pin Grid Array
PDF Primary Display Function PHARE Program for Harmonized ATC Research in Europe
P-DME Precision Distance Measuring Equipment PHIBUF Performance Buffet Limit

60 61
PHINOM Nominal Bank Angle PNEU Pneumatic
PHY Physical Interface Device PNF Pilot Not Flying
Phase A signal in which the phase varies (with respect to the PNR Point of No Return
Modulation original signal) with the amplitude of the modulatory
signal, while the amplitude of the carrier wave POC Proof Of Concept
remains constant. Similar to a modified frequency Polled Mode An ACARS mode of operation in which the airborne
modulated signal. system transmits only in response to received uplink
PI/O Processor Input/Output messages (polls).

PIREPS Pilot Reports POR Pacific Ocean Region

Pitot Pressure The sum of the static and dynamic pressures and is POS Position
the total force per unit area exerted by the air on the POS INIT Position Initialization
surface of a body in motion.
POS REF Position Reference
Pitot Tube A forward facing probe attached to the outside of the
aircraft to sense the relative pressure of the aircraft POT Potentiometer
moving through the atmosphere. Named for Henri
Pitot who first used this method of measuring fluid PPI Planned Position Indicator. A type of radar display
flow pressure. which shows aircraft positions and airways chart on
the same display.
PLA (1) Power Level Angle
(2) Programmable Logic Array PPM (1) Pulse Position Modulation
(2) Parts Per Million
PLGR Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver
PPOS Present Position
PLL Phase Locked Loop
PPS Precise Positioning Service
PM Phase Modulation
PRAIM Predictive Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring
PMA (1) Permanent Magnet Alternator
(2) Parts Manufacturing Approval PRAM Prerecorded Announcement Machine
PMAT Portable Maintenance Access Terminal PRELIM Preliminary Data
PMC Provisional Memory Cover PRESS Pressure
PMG Permanent Magnet Generator Pressure The altitude measured above standard pressure level.
Altitude Based on the relationship of pressure and altitude
PMOS P-Type Metal Oxide Semiconductor with respect to a standard atmosphere.
PMS Performance Management System PREV Previous
PN (1) Pseudo Noise Preventive A resolution advisory that instructs the pilot to avoid
(2) Part Number Advisory certain deviations from current vertical rate. (TCAS)
PNCS Performance Navigation Computer System PRF Pulse Repetition Frequency
PND Primary Navigation Display

62 63
PRI Primary PTR Production Test Requirements
PRM (1) Precision Runway Monitoring PTSD Production Test Specification Document
(2) Proposed Rule Making
PTT (1) Post, Telephone and Telegraph
PRN Pseudo Random Noise (2) Push To Talk. Also refers to the switching signal
that enables the transmitter.
PROC Procedure (3) Push To Test
PROF Profile PTU Power Transfer Unit
PROG Progress Page on MCDU PVD Plan View Display
PROM Programmable ROM PVT Position, Velocity, Time
PR-NAV Precision Area Navigation PWM Pulse-Width Modulation
Protocol A set of rules for the format and content of messages PWR Power
between communicating processes.
QAR Quick Access Recorder
PROV Provisional
QC Quality Control
PROX Proximity
QEC Quadrantral Error Corrector
PRSOV Pressure Regulating and Shutoff Valve
QFE A method of setting the altimeter to compensate for
P/RST Press To Reset changes in barometric pressure and runway elevation.
PRTR Printer Pilot receives information from airfield and adjusts his
altimeter accordingly and it will read zero altitude at
PS Power Supply touchdown on the runway.
PSA Power Supply Assembly QNE The method of setting the altimeter to the standard
atmosphere datum -29.92 inches of mercury
PSAS Primary Stability Augmentation System (1,013.25 mb). This setting is used in the United States
airspace by all aircraft above FL180.
PSEU Proximity Sensor Electronic Unit
QNH The more common method of setting the altimeter to
PSL/PSA Problem Statement Language/Problem Statement compensate for changes in barometric pressure. Pilot
Analyzer receives information from airfield, adjusts his
PSM Power Supply Modules altimeter accordingly and the altimeter will read
airfield elevation at touchdown.
PSPL Preferred Standard Parts List
QOP Quality Operating Procedures
PSR Primary Surveillance Radar. The part of the ATC
system that determines the range and azimuth of an QRH Quick Reference Handbook
aircraft in a controlled air space. QTY Quantity
PSS Proximity Sensor System QUAD Quadrant
PSU Passenger Service Unit Quadrantral Error in the relative bearing caused by the distortion
PT Total Pressure Error of the received radio signal (RF fields) by the
structure of the aircraft.
PTH Path

64 65
R (1) Right R-C Resistor-Capacitor network
(2) Route Tuned NAVAID
RCC Remote Charge Converter
R&D Research and Development
RCL Radio Communications Link
R&M Reliability and Maintainability
RCP (1) Radio Control Panel
RA (1) Resolution Advisory (generated by TCAS) (2) Required Communications Performance
(2) Radio Altimeter
RCVR Receiver
RAA Regional Airline Association
Rd R-Channel used for data
Rabbit Tracks Rabbit Tracks, or running rabbits, refer to the
distinctive display produced by another (alien radar) RDMI Radio Distance Magnetic Indicator
radar system transmission. RDP Radar Data Processing (system)
RAD (1) Radial RDR Radar
(2) Radio
RDSS Radio Determination Satellite Service
Radar Radio Detecting and Ranging. A system that measures
distance and bearing to an object. RDU Receiver/Decoder Unit
Radar Mile The time interval (approximately 12.359 microseconds) RDV Requirements Development and Validation
required for radio waves to travel one nautical mile
and return (total of 2 nmi). RDVS Rapid Deployment Voice Switch
Radial A line of direction going out from a VOR station RECAP Reliability Evaluation and Corrective Action Program
measured as a bearing with respect to magnetic
north. REF Reference

Radome The radome is the protective cover on the aircraft REFL Reflection
nose that fits over the weather radar system antenna. Reflectivity This is a measurement of the ability of a target to
The radome is transparent at radar frequencies. Factor (Z) reflect the energy from a radar beam.
RAI Radio Altimeter Indicator Relative The bearing of a ground station relative to the
RAIM Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring Bearing direction the aircraft nose points, or the direction of
an aircraft to or from an NDB.
RALT Radio Altimeter (also RA, RADALT, LRA, LRRA)
REL Relative
RAM Random Access Memory. Generally used to describe
read/write integrated circuit memory. REQ (1) Request
(2) Required/Requirement
RAPPS Remote Area Precision Positioning System
Resolution A display indication given to the pilot recommending
RAS Row Address Strobe Advisory a maneuver to increase vertical separation relative to
an intruding aircraft. A resolution advisory is also
RAT RAM Air Temperature is the temperature of the air classified as corrective or preventive.
entering an air scoop inlet. It is a factor in engine
performance. RESTR Restriction
R/C Rate of Climb

66 67
RESYNCING Resynchronizing ROB Right Outboard
RET (1) Rapid Exit Taxiway ROC Rate Of Climb
(2) Reliability Evaluation Test
ROD Rate Of Descent
REU Remote Electronics Unit
ROM Read Only Memory
RF Radio Frequency. A general term for the range of
frequencies above 150 KHz, to the infra-red region ROTHR Relocatable Over-The-Horizon Radar
(1012 Hz). RPI Rapid Process Improvement
RFI (1) Radio Frequency Interference RPM Revolutions Per Minute
(2) Request For Information
RSP (1) Reversion Select Panel
RFP Request For Proposal (2) Required Surveillance Performance
RFTP Request For Technical Proposal RT Receiver-Transmitter (R/T). Also referred to as a
RFU Radio Frequency Unit transceiver. (See T/R)

RGB Red/Green/Blue RTA (1) Receiver Transmitter Antenna

(2) Required Time of Arrival
RGCSP Review of the General Concept of Separation Panel
RTCA Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics
RIB Right Inboard
RTCA DO-160 RTCA Document 160, Environemental Conditions and
RIU Radio Interface Unit Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment, Issued
12/04/89
RJ Regional Jet
RTCA DO-178 RTCA Document 178, Software Considerations in
RLP Ring Laser Gyro Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification, issued
RLS (1) Remote Light Sensor 03/22/85
(2) Reliable Link Source RTE Route
RLY Relay RTF Radiotelephony
RMI Radio Magnetic Indicator RTI Real-Time Interrogate
RMP (1) Remote Maintenance Panel RTP Reliability Test Plan
(2) Radio Management Panel
RTO Rejected Takeoff
R-NAV Area Navigation
RTP Radio Tuning Panel
RNG Range
RTS Request To Send
RNGA Range Arc
RTU Radio Tuning Unit
RNP Required Navigation Performance
Runway The act of inadvertently crossing the runway holding
RNTP Radio Nav Tuning Panel Incursion point without ATC clearance.
RO Roll Out RVDT Rotary Voltage Differential Transducer

68 69
RVR Runway Visual Range SCAT Special Category
RVSM Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum SCD Specification Control Drawing
RW Runway SCDU Satellite Control Data Unit
RWM Read-Write Memory. A memory in which each cell is SCID Software Configuration Index Drawing
selected by applying appropriate electrical input
signals, and the stored data may be either sensed at SCIU Radio Altimeter Indicator
the appropriate output terminal or changes in SCM Software Configuration Management
response to other electrical input signals.
SCPC Single Carrier Per Channel
RZ Return to Zero
SCS Single Channel Simplex. A communication system
S South that uses simplex.
SA Situation Awareness SCSI Small Computer System Interface
SAA Service Access Area SCU Signal Conditioning Unit
SAARU Secondary Attitude Air Data Reference Unit SD (1) Side Display
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers (2) Storm Detection. It is the designation for the
hourly transmitted radar observations from the
SAMA Small Aircraft Manufacturers Association NWS and ARTCC radars. Individual SDs are
combined and transmitted once an hour as
SAR Search and Rescue collectives(SDUs) over the aviation teletype
SARPS Standards And Recommended Practices circuits.

SAS Stability Augmentation System SDD Standard Disk Drive

SAT Static Air Temperature is the total air temperature SDI Source Destination Identifier
corrected for the Mach effect. Increases in airspeed SDM Speaker Drive Module
cause probe temperature to rise presenting erroneous
information. SAT is the outside air temperature if the SDP Surveillance Data Processing
aircraft could be brought to a stop before measuring
temperatures. SDRL Supplier Data Requirements List

SATCOM Satellite Communication System SDU Satellite Data Unit

SB Service Bulletin Search In this mode, the DME scans from 0 mile to the outer
range for a reply pulse pair after transmitting an
SBC Single Board Computer interrogation pulse pair.
SBE Single Bit Error SEC Secondary
S/C Step Climb SED Secondary EICAS Display
SC Special Committee SEI Standby Engine Indicator

70 71
SEL Select Simplex A communication operation that uses only a single
channel for transmit and receive operations.
SELCAL Selective Calling System. A system used in Communications can take place in only one
conjunction with HF and VHF communication direction at a time.
systems that allows a ground-based radio operator to
call a single aircraft or group of aircraft without the SIP Single In-line Package
aircraft personnel monitoring the ground station radio
frequency. SITA Societe Internationale de Telecommunications
Aeronautiques
Sensitivity An instruction given to the TCAS equipment for
Level control of its threat volume. SIU Satellite Interface Unit
Command Skywave A radio wave that is reflected by the ionosphere.
SEPC Secondary Electrical Power Contactor Depending upon the state of the ionosphere, the
reflected radio wave may propagate along the layer
SEPP Stress Evaluation Prediction Program of the ionosphere or be reflected at some angle. It
is also known as ionospheric or indirect wave.
SERNO Serial Number
SL Sensitivity Level
SEU (1) Single Event Upset
(2) Seat Electronics Unit S/L Sub-Level
SFE Supplier Furnished Equipment Slant Range The line-of-sight distance from the aircraft to a DME
ground station.
SG Signal Generator
SLM Standard Length Message
SI (1) Standby Instruments
(2) Selective Interrogation SLS Side-Lobe Suppression. A system that prevents a
(3) Supporting Interrogator transponder from replying to the side-lobe
interrogations of the SSR. Replying to side-lobe
SICAS Secondary Surveillance Radar Improvements and interrogations would supply false replies to the ATC
Collision Avoidance System ground station and obscure the aircraft location.
SICASP Secondary Surveillance Radar Improvements SLV Sync Lock Valve
And Collision Avoidance System Panel
SMA Surface Movement Advisor
SID Standard Instrument Departure
SMC System Management and Communication
Sidetone The reproduction of sounds in a headset (or speaker)
from the transmitter of the same communication set. SMD Surface Mount Device
This allows a person to hear his/her own voice when
transmitting. SMGCS Surface Movement Guidance and Control Systems

SIF (1) Standard Interchange Format SMI Standard Message Identifiers

(2) System Integration Facility SMT (1) Aileron/Rudder Servo Mount
SIGMETS Significant Meteorological Observations (2) Elevator Servo Mount
(3) Servo Mount
SIL (1) Systems Integration Lab (4) Stabilizer Trim Servo Mount
(2) Service Information Letter (5) Station Management

72 73
SNMP Simple Network Management Protocol Squawk Reply to interrogation signal (XPD).
SNR Signal-to-Noise Ratio Squelch A control and/or circuit that reduces the gain in
response of a receiver. The squelch is used to
SOIT Satellite Operational Implementation Team eliminate the output noise of the receiver when a
SOP Standard Operating Procedure signal is not being received.

SOPA Standard Operating Procedure Amplified Squitter (1) The random pulse pairs generated by the ground
station as a filler signal.
SOS Silicon On Sapphire (2) The transmission of a specified reply format at a
minimum rate without the need to be
SP Space interrogated. (Filler pulses transmitted between
interrogations) [XPD].
SPATE Special Purpose Automatic Test Equipment (3) Spontaneous Transmission generated once per
SPC Statistical Process Control second by transponders.

SPD Speed SR Service Request

SPE Seller Purchased Equipment SRADD Software Requirements And Design Description

Speed of Represented by the symbol c and has a value of SRAM Static Random Access Memory
Light 2.9979250 x 10 8 meters/second or SRD Systems Requirements Document
983,571,194 feet/second.
SRP Selected Reference Point
SPI Special Position Identification
SRR Satellite Recognition Receiver
SPIP Designation for a transponder ident pulse.
SRU Shop Replaceable Unit
SPKR Speaker
SSB Single Sideband. An AM signal that has a reduced
SPM (1) Surface Position Monitor carrier, with the power applied to a single sideband.
(2) Stabilizer Position Modules Since the bandwidth of the information-carrying
Spoking Refers to a display presentation that radiates outward signal is reduced, a better signal-to-noise ratio is
from the display origin like the spokes on a wagon obtained at the receiver.
wheel. SSCV/DR Solid-State Cockpit Voice/Data Recorder
SPR Sync Phase Reversal. (Term is used in Mode S SSCVR Solid-State Cockpit Voice Recorder
transponders.)
SSEC Static Source Error Correction
SPS (1) Standard Positioning Service
(2) Sensor Processing Subsystem SSFDR Solid-State Flight Data Recorder
SQ or Sql Squelch SSM Sign Status Matrix
SQL Structured Query Language SSR Secondary Surveillance Radar. A radar-type
system that requires a transponder to transmit
Squall Line A squall line is a line of thunderstorms and a reply signal.
developing thunderstorms.

74 75
SSSC Single Sideband Suppressed Carrier. A SSSC signal is STD (1) Standard
a band of audio intelligence frequencies that have (2) System Technical Description
been translated to a band of radio frequencies without
distortion of the intelligence signal. STDBY Standby Instruments

SSU Subsequent Signal Unit STEPCLB Step Climb

sta Station STOL Short Takeoff and Landing

STAB Stabilizer STP Standard Temperature and Pressure

Standard Represents the mean or average properties of the STS Stable Time Subfield
Atmosphere atmosphere. At sea level static pressure is 29.92 InHg SUA Special Use Airspace
and temperature is +15C.
SUL Yaw Damper Actuator
Standby A DME mode that applies power to the DME RT but
Mode the unit does not transmit. SUO (1) Aileron/Elevator/Rudder Servo
(2) Servo Actuator
STAR Standard Terminal Arrival Routes
Super- A receiver in which the incoming RF signal
STARS Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System heterodyne is mixed to produce a lower intermediate
Static Ports Flush-mounted openings in the skin of the aircraft Receiver frequency.
fuselage used to sense static pressure. Suppressor A pulse used to disable L-band avionics during the
Static Ambient atmospheric pressure or static pressure is Pulse transmitting period of another piece of L-band
Pressure the force per unit area exerted by the air on the airborne equipment. It prevents the other avionics
surface of a body at rest relative to the air. aboard the aircraft from being damaged or interfered
with by the transmission and any noise associated
Static RAM RAM constructed of bistable transistor elements. with that transmission.
Memory cells do not require refreshing.
(See Dynamic RAM). SUT (1) Autothrottle Servo
(2) Stabilizer Trim Servo
Static Source A correction applied to static source pressure
Error (SSEC) measurements to partly or completely correct for SV Space Vehicle
pressure errors that are caused by airflow changes. It is SVC Service
computed as a function of Mach and altitude based on
measured errors for a particular static system. SVO Servo
STBY Standby Instruments SVT Servo Throttle
STC (1) Sensitivity Time Control. A control circuit used SVU Satellite Voice Unit
in radar applications to control receiver gain with
respect to time. S/W Software
(2) Supplemental Type Certificate
SWAP Severe Weather Avoidance Program
STCM Stabilizer Trim Control Module
sys System

76 77
TA Traffic Advisory (TCAS) TCA Terminal Control Area
TAC (1) Test Access Control TCAS Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance System
(2) Thrust Asymetry Compensation
TCAS I A baseline system that provides a warning (TA) to the
TACAN The Tactical Air Navigation System that provides flight crew of the presence of another aircraft
azimuth and distance information to an aircraft from (potential collision threat) within the surveillance
a fixed ground station (as opposed to DME providing area. No avoidance maneuver is suggested.
only distance information).
TCAS II A collision avoidance system providing traffic
Tach Tachometer information (within approximately 30 nmi of the
aircraft) to the flight crew, in addition to the resolution
TACIU Test Access Control Interface Unit advisories (RA) (for vertical maneuvers only). A
TAI Thermal Anti-Icing TCAS II-equipped aircraft will coordinate with
TCAS II-equipped intruder aircraft to provide
TAP Terminal Area Productivity complementary maneuvers.
Target An aircraft within the surveillance range of TCAS. TCC Turbine Case Cooling
TAS True Airspeed TCM Technical Coordination Meeting
TAT (1) Total Air Temperature. The air temperature TCN TACAN
including heat rise due to compressibility.
(2) True Air Temperature TCPIP Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

TATCA Terminal Air Traffic Control Automation TCS Touch Control Steering

TAU TAU is the minimum time a flight crew needs to TCU (1) TACAN Control Unit
discern a collision threat and take evasive action. It (2) Telephone Conversion Unit
represents the performance envelope (speed and path TCXO Temperature Controlled Crystal Oscillator
of aircraft) divided by the closure rate of any intruder
aircraft (TCAS). T/D Top-of-Descent
TAWS Terrain Awareness Warning System TDLS Tower Data Link System
TBB Transfer Bus Breaker TDM In the Time Division Multiplex Systems a common
carrier is shared to transmit multiple messages (to
TBD To Be Determined multiple receivers) by time sharing the carrier
TBO Time Between Overhauls between the message sources.

TBS (1) To Be Supplied TDMA Time Division Multiplex Access. When multiple
(2) To Be Specified transmitters are using a single carrier to transmit to a
single receiver, the carrier is time shared between
TC Type Certificate each of the transmitters, so the multiple messages are
not garbled at the receiver.
T/C Top-of-Climb

78 79
TDOP Time Dilution Of Precision. A term used to describe TKE Track Angle Error
the error introduced by variances in the calculated
time. T/L Top-Level

TDR Transponder TLA Thrust Lever Angle

TDS Terminal Display System TLM Telemetry Word

TDWR Terminal Doppler Weather Radar TLS Target Level of Safety

TEC Thermo-Electric Cooler TMA Terminal Control Area

TEI Text Element Identifiers TMC Thrust Management Computer

TEMP Temperature TMCF Thrust Management Computer Function

Temperature A sensor protruding into the airstream to sense air TMCS Thrust Management Computer System
Probe temperature. Requires correction to get static air TMF Thrust Management Function
temperature.
TMS (1) Thrust Management System
TERPS Terminal Instrument Procedures (2) Traffic Management System
TFM Traffic Flow Management TMU Traffic Management Unit
TFT Thin Film Transistor TN True North
TFTS Terrestrial Flight Telephone System TO Take Off
TG Transmission Gate TOC Top of Climb
TGC Turbulence Gain Control TOD Top of Descent
TGT Target TO EPR Takeoff Engine Pressure Ratio
THDG True Heading TO/FROM Indicates whether the omnibearing selected is the
THR Thrust Indicator course to or from the VOR ground station.

THR HOLD Throttle Hold TOGA Take-Off, Go-Around. Also seen as TO/GA.

Threat A target that has satisfied the threat detection logic TO N1 Take-Off Engine Fan Speed
and thus requires a traffic or resolution advisory TOT Total
(TCAS).
Touchdown The point at which the predetermined glidepath
TIAS True Indicated Airspeed intercepts the runway.
TIS Traffic Information Service TOW Time Of Week
TK Track Angle TPMU Tire Pressure Monitor Unit

80 81
TPR Transponder TRANS Transition
TR Temporary Revision. A document, printed on yellow Transceiver A receiver and transmitter combined in a single unit.
paper that temporarily amends a page or pages of a Same as RT.
component maintenance manual.
Transponder Avionics equipment that returns an identifying coded
T/R (1) Thrust Reverser signal.
(2) Transceiver (see RT)
(3) Receiver-Transmitter TRK Track

TRA (1) Temporary Reserved Airspace TRP Mode S Transponder

(2) Thrust Reduction Altitude TRR Test Rejection and Repair
TRAC Terminal Radar Approach Control TRSB Time Reference Scanning Beam. The international
Track (1) The actual path, over the ground, traveled by an standard for MLS installations.
aircraft (navigation). TRU (1) Transformer Rectifier Unit
(2) In this mode the DME transmits a reduced pulse (2) True
pair rate after acquiring lock-on (DME).
(3) Estimated position and velocity of a single True Airspeed The true velocity of the aircraft through the
aircraft based on correlated surveillance data surrounding air mass.
reports (TCAS).
True Altitude The exact distance above mean sea level (corrected
TRACON Terminal Radar Approach Control for temperature).
TRACS Test and Repair Control System. An automated data True Bearing The bearing of a ground station with respect to
retrieval syste m .T RACS functions include: 1) provide true north.
the location of any given unit at any time; 2) provide
an efficient flow of work to and from test stations; True North The direction of the north pole from the observer.
3) provide quick access to quality information
generated by the actual testing process (performed by TSA Tail Strike Assembly
the technician); 4) provide statistical and historical TSE Total System Error
data regarding throughput time for products, failure,
yield rates, WIP, etc. TSM Autothrottle Servo Mount (without Clutch)
Traffic Information given to the pilot pertaining to the TSP Twisted Shielded Pair
Advisory position of another aircraft in the immediate vicinity.
The information contains no suggested maneuvers. TSO Technical Standard Order. Every unit built with a TSO
(Traffic advisory airspace is 1200 feet above and below nameplate must meet TSO requirements. TSO
the aircraft and approximately 45 seconds distant operating temperature extremes are not the same as
with respect to closure speed of the aircraft.) [TCAS]. the manufacturing burn-in limits.

Traffic The number of transponder-equipped aircraft within TT Total Temperature

Density R nautical miles (nmi) of own aircraft, divided by x TTFF Time To First Fix
(R nmi)2. Transponder-equipped aircraft include
Mode S and ATCRBS Mode A and Mode C, and TTL Transistor - Transistor Logic
excludes own aircraft. (TCAS)
TTR TCAS II Receiver/Transmitter

82 83
TTS Time To Station, an indication that displays the ULD Unit Load Device
amount of time for an aircraft to reach a selected
DME ground station while traveling at a constant UMT Universal Mount
speed. Unpaired A DME channel without a corresponding VOR or
TTY Teletypewriter Channel ILS frequency.

TURB Turbulence Uplink The radio transmission path upward from the earth
to the aircraft.
Turbulence The US National Weather Service defines light
turbulence as areas where wind velocity shifts are 0 USAF United States Air Force
to 19 feet per second (0 to 5.79 meters per second) and USB Upper Sideband is the information-carrying band and
moderate turbulence as wind velocity shifts of 19 to 35 is the frequency produced by adding the carrier
feet per second (5.79 to 10.67 meters per second). frequency and the modulating frequency.
TVBC Turbine Vane and Blade Cooling USTB Unstabilized
TVC Turbine Vane Cooling UTC Universal Coordinated Time
TWDL (1) Two Way Data Link UUT Unit Under Test
(2) Terminal Weather Data Link
UV Upper Sideband Voice
TWDR Terminal Doppler Weather Radar
UW Unique Word
TWP Technical Work Program
V (1) Velocity
TWT Traveling Wave Tube (2) Volt
TX Transmit (see XMIT) V1 Critical engine failure velocity
UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter V2 Takeoff climb velocity
UB Utility Bus VA Volt-Amperes
UBI Uplink Block Identifier VAC Volts Alternating Current
UCS Uniform Chromaticity Scale VAP Visual Aids Panel
UD User Data. The N-User data may also be transferred VAPS (1) Virtual Avionics Prototyping System
between peer network members (OSI Model) as (2) Virtual Applications Prototyping System
required.
VAR (1) Variation
UFDR Universal Flight Data Recorder (2) Volt-Amps Reactive
UHF Ultra-High Frequency. The portion of the radio (3) Visual-Aural Radio Range
spectrum from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. VASI Visual Approach Slope Indicator
ULB Underwater Locator Beacon

84 85
VAU Voltage Averaging Unit VHS Very High Speed
VBV Variable Bypass Valve VHSIC-2 Very High Speed Integrated Circuits - phase 2
VC Design Cruising Speed VI Heading to a course intercept
VCD (1) Voltage Controlled Device VIs Lowest Selectable Airspeed
(2) Variable Capacitance Diode
VIGV Variable Integral Guide Vane
VCMAX Active Maximum Control Speed
VISTA Virtual Integrated Software Testbed for Avionics
VCMIN Active Minimum Control Speed
VIU Video Interface Unit
VCO Variable Controlled Oscillator
V/L VOR/Localizer
VD (1) Design Diving Speed
(2) Heading to a DME Distance VLE Landing Gear Extended Placard Airspeed

VDC Volts Direct Current VLF Very Low Frequency

VDL VHF Data Link VLO Maximum Landing Gear of Operating Speed

Vertical The rate of change of pressure altitude, usually VLOF Lift-off Speed
Speed calibrated in hundreds of feet per minute. VLSI Very Large Scale Integration
VF Design Flap Speed VLV Valve
VFE Flaps Extended Placard Speed VM Heading to a manual termination
VFO Variable Frequency Oscillator V/M Voltmeter
VFOP Visual Flight Rules Operations Panel VMAX Basic Clean Aircraft Maximum CAS
VFR Visual Flight Rules VMC (1) Visual Meteorological Conditions
VFXR(R) Flap Retraction Speed (2) Minimum Control Speed with Critical Engine
Out
VFXR(X) Flap Extension Speed
VMIN Basic Clean Aircraft Minimum CAS
VG/DG Vertical Gyro/Directional Gyro
VM(LO) Minimum Maneuver Speed
VG or VGND Ground Velocity
Vmo The maximum airspeed at which an aircraft is certified
VH Maximum Level-flight Speed with Continuous Power to operate. This can be a fixed number or a function of
configuration (gear, flaps, etc.), or altitude, or both.
VHF Very High Frequency. The portion of the radio
spectrum from 30 to 300 MHz. V/NAV Vertical Navigation

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VNE Never-Exceed Speed VSI (1) Vertical Speed Indicator
(2) Stalling Speed in a Specified Flight Configuration
VNO Maximum Structural Cruising Speed
VSL Advisory Vertical Speed Limit Advisory may be preventive or
VNR VHF Navigation Receiver corrective (TCAS).
Voispond A CALSEL function that would automatically identify VSM Vertical Separation Minimum
an aircraft by a voice recording. Voispond is not
yet implemented. VSO Stalling Speed in the Landing Configuration
VOM Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter VSTOL Vertical or Short Takeoff and Landing
VOR VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range. A system that VSV Variable Station Vane
provides bearing information to an aircraft.
VSWR Voltage-Standing Wave Ratio. The ratio of the
VOR/DME A system in which a VOR and DME station are amplitude of the voltage (or electric field) at a voltage
co-located. maximum to that of an adjacent voltage minimum.
VSWR is a measurement of the mismatch between
VOR/MB VOR/marker beacon the load and the transmission line.
VORTAC A system in which a VOR and a TACAN station VTK Vertical Track Distance
are co-located.
VTO Volumetric Top-Off
VOS Velocity Of Sound
VTOL Vertical Takeoff and Landing
VOX Voice Transmission
VTR Variable Takeoff Rating
VPATH Vertical Path
V/TRK Vertical Track
VPN Vendor Part Number
VU Utility Speed
VR (1) Takeoff Rotation Velocity
(2) Heading to a radial VX Speed for Best Angle of Climb
VRAM Video Random Access Memory VY Speed for Best Rate of Climb
VREF Reference Velocity W (1) Watt
(2) West
V/S Vertical Speed
WAAS Wide Area Augmentation System (Method of
VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminal Differential GPS)
VSCF Variable Speed Constant Frequency WADGNSS Wide Area Differential Global Navigation
VSCS (1) Voice Switching and Control System Satellite System
(2) Vertical Stablilzer Control System used on WAFS World Area Forecast System
NOTAR helicopter

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WAI Wing Anti-Ice WMT WXR Mount
WARC-92 World Administrative Radio Conference (1992) WN Week Number
WARC-MOB World Administrative Radio Conference for the WORD Grouping of bits. Size of group varies from
Mobile Service microprocessor to microprocessor.
Waypoint A position along a route of flight. WOW Weight On Wheels
WBC Weight and Balance Computer WP Working Paper
WCP WXR Control Panels WPT Waypoint
WD Wind Direction WRS Wide -area Reference Station
WES Warning Electronic System WRT WXR Receiver/Transmitter
WEU Warning Electronic Unit W/STEP With Step Change in Altitude
WFA WXR Flat Plate Antenna WT Weight
WGS World Geodetic System WX Weather
WGS-72 World Geodetic Survey of 1972 WXI WXR Indicator
WGS-84 World Geodetic System 1984 WXP Weather Radar Panel
Whisper- A sequence of ATCRBS interrogations and WXR Weather Radar System
Shout suppressions of varying power levels transmitted by
TCAS equipment to reduce severity of synchronous WYPT Waypoint Altitude
interference and multipath problems. X-BAND The frequency range between 8000 and 12500 MHz
WINDMG Wind Magnitude X-Channel A DME channel.There are 126 X-Channels for DME
operation. For the first 63 channels, the ground-to-air
WINDR Wind Direction frequency is 63 MHz below the air-to-ground
frequency. For the second 63-X Channels the
WIP Work In Progress ground-to-air frequency is 63 MHz above the
WMA WXR Antenna Pedestal and WXR Waveguide air-to-ground frequency.
Adapter XCVR Transceiver
WMI WXR Indicator Mount XFR Transfer
W/MOD With Modification of Vertical Profile XLTR Translater
WMS Wide-area Master Station XM External Master
WMSC Weather Message Switching Center XMIT Transmit
WMSCR Weather Message Switching Center Replacement XMTR Transmitter

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XPD ATC Transponder (also XPDR, XPNDR, TPR)
XPDR Transponder
XTK Crosstrack (crosstrack error)
Yagi Antenna An antenna with its maximum radiation parallel to
the long axis of its array, consisting of a driven dipole,
a parasitic dipole reflector, and one parasitic dipole
director or more.
YSAS Yaw Stability Augmentation System
YD Yaw Damper
Z (1) Refer to reflectivity factor
(2) Zulu (GM Time)
ZFW Zero Fuel Weight
Z-Marker A marker beacon, sometimes referred to as a station
locator, that provides positive identification to the
pilot when the aircraft is passing directly over a
low-frequency navigation aid.

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