AVIATION DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS Flashcards
AAWH
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings
AC
Aircraft
ABP
Able-Bodied Person. A passenger PHYSICALLY and MENTALLY capable of ASSISTING the CABIN CREW in EMERGENCY situation.
ACMI
Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance 
ACSD
Aircraft Child Safety Device 
FAA or ANY PERSON they have DELEGATED AUTHORITY in the MATTER CONCERNED
Administrator
AED
Automated External Defibrillator 
Toward the REAR/TAIL of AIRCRAFT
Aft
AIMS
Airline Information Management System - COMPANY uses for CREW SCHEDULING and RECORD KEEPING . 
OCCURRENCE with OPERATION of A/C which takes place BETWEEN when PERSON BOARDS the A/C with INTENSION of FLIGHT until all PERSONS have DISEMBARKED, and when ANY PERSON SUFFERS DEATH, or SERIOUS INJURY as result of BEING IN/UPON A/C or by DIRECT CONTACT with A/C or ANYTHING ATTACHED thereto, or A/C receives SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE 
Aircraft Accident
TOUR of an A/C to GAIN FAMILIARITY with CABIN and COCKPIT CONFIGURATIONS and LOCATION of EXITS and EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

Aircraft Familiarization
The left-hand (LH) or right-hand (RH) SIDE of the A/C when LOOKING toward FRONT of A/C
Aircraft Left/ Right
A/C SPECIFIC DOCUMENT kept UP-TO-DATE by FLIGHT CREW and MAINTENANCE used to RECORD A/C DISCREPANCIES and ALL OPERATIONS of A/C. MUST BE ONBOARD DURING ALL OPERATIONS of A/C

Aircraft Logbook
TIME in which the RESERVE FA is POSITIONED at AIRPORT to perform escort duties with POSSIBILITY of COVERING LAST MINUTE CALL OUT
Airport Standby Reserve
(R3)
AMC
Air Mobility Command 
APM
Airline Publications Manual
The ACT of PREPARING a DEVICE for ACTION or OPERATION
Arm
ASI
Aviation Safety Inspector
Air Traffic Control - A SERVICE OPERATED by APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY to PROMOTE the SAFETY, ORDERLY, and EXPEDITIOUS FLOW of AIR TRAFFIC
ATC
CITY / STATION where CREWMEMBER ASSIGNED to REGULARLY DEPART FROM/RETURN TO on FLT ASSIGNMENTS
Base/Domicile
TIME which RESERVE FA must REMAIN AVL for CONTACT by CREW SCHEDULING for FLT ASSIGNMENT and ABLE to REPORT for a flight within TWO (2) HOURS of CALL
Base/Residence Reserve
(R1)
Compartments in the lower section of aircraft fuselage where luggage and cargo are carried
Belly
The result of bidding a flying schedule
Bid Award
A crewmember’s flying assignment or schedule
Bidline
The TIME that the A/C ARRIVES at GATE or parking spot
Block In
The TIME the A/C MOVES FROM GATE or parking spot for PURPOSE of DEPARTURE
Block Out
The amount of time between the block out and block in times
Block Time
The PROCESS of PSGRS leaving the terminal building and ENTERING A/C
Board/Embark/Enplane
A cabin or belly dividing wall or partition

Bulkhead
A CHANGE to a MANUAL which is TIME SENSITIVE, and typically NARROW in SCOPE (pertains to one aspect)
Bulletin
UPPER section of A/C fuselage divided into zones, where PSGRS are carried 
Cabin
Any member of the aircraft’s CABIN CREW responsible for the INFLIGHT SAFETY and SVC NEEDS of PSGRS
Cabin Crewmember/Flight Attendant (FA)
A LIGHT SIGNALING CABIN CREW to respond to PSGR NNDs or CREW COMMUNICATION
Call Light
The Pilot-In-Command (PIC) of an aircraft who is directly responsible for and is the final authority for the operations of that aircraft. They also have authority over and are responsible for the performance of duties of other crewmembers. The PIC occupies the forward, left seat on the flight deck. Also serves as the Inflight Security Coordinator (ISC)
Captain (CA)
CAT
Clear Air Turbulence
GROUND-BASED TEAM responsible for PREPARING and LOADING FOOD, BEVERAGE and other SERVICE ITEMS on board an A/C
Catering 
CBP
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
CC
CABIN CREWMEMBER or COAT CLOSET

CCPG
Cabin Crew Policy Guide
CCR
Cabin Crew Report
CCSP
Cabin Crew Service Procedures
CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
A flight SOLD/OPERATED through a GROUP/TOUR AGENT, according to their own terms and schedule 
Charter Flight
Responsible for ASSESSING COMPETANCE/QUALIFICATIONS during FA operating experience (OE) and FA line checks 
Check Flight Attendant
(CFA)
A DEVICE which INTERUPTS/BREAKS the FLOW of ELECTRICITY in an ELECTRICAL CURRENT, and which can normally be reset by pressing it in, but only under the authorization of the captain 
Circuit Breaker
Company mail or material carried on a flight
COMAIL/COMAT
The arrangement of aircraft cabin with respect to locations of such items as seats, lavatories, galleys, etc. 
Configuration
AIRPORT BUILDING from which air traffic controllers can oversee and direct all aircraft movement
Control Tower 
The geographic location (DOMICILE) from which a CREWMEMBER is scheduled
Crew Base/Domicile
REPLACEMENT of OPERATING CREW of FLT by NEW CREW 
Crew Change
One or more DUTY PERIOD/flights in SEQUENCE, the first of which ORIGINATES and the last of which TERMINATES at the FA’s BASE
Crew Pattern
DEPT responsible for PROJECTING and SCHEDULING all flying patterns
Crew Planning
DEPT responsible for STAFFING all FLTS with RQR’D CREWMEMBERS, and issuing flight assignment notifications, reroutes and monthly bidline awards
Crew Scheduling
A person assigned to perform duty in an aircraft during flight time
Crewmember
All ground operations involving taxi, takeoff, and landing, and all other flight operations conducted below 10,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), except cruise flight
Critical Phase of Flight
Crew Resource Management - The effective use of all resources; human-ware, hardware, and software, to achieve safe, efficient flight operations
CRM
A process where a PERSON’S ACTIONS are MONITORED by ANOTHER PERSON so that errors are quickly identified and rectified
Cross Check
CRS
Child Restraint System
A DOCUMENT which assists operations and maintenance to OPERATE an airplane in a NONSTANDARD CONFIGURATION (I.e., with INOP equipment or nonessential furnishings (NEFs)
Dispatch Deviations Guide (DDG)
Procedure which removes frost, ice, slush, or snow from aircraft surfaces. May utilize fluids, mechanical means, or surface heating for removal.
Deicing
The PROCESS of PSGRS LVG the A/C and proceeding into the terminal
Deplane | Disembark
DHS
Department of Homeland Security
The act of DEPRIVING a device of a means OF ACTION or operation 
Disarm
The DEPT responsible for providing FLT PLANS/routines, WEATHER reports, and other FLT INFO to Flight Crews
Dispatch 
An emergency landing on water
Ditching
DOD
Department Of Defense 
DOT
Department Of Transportation 
Any location, other than domicile 
Downline| Out Station
EFAM
Electronic Flight Attendant Manual
ETD
Estimated Time of Departure
ELT
Emergency Locator Transmitter
EMK
Emergency Medical Kit
EMT
Emergency Medical Technician
ETA
Estimated Time of Arrival
The DEPLANING of PSGRS and crew as QUICKLY as possible in EMERGENCY
Evacuation
An OPERATION OVERWATER at a horizontal distance of MORE THAN than 50 nautical MILES from nearest SHORELINE
Extended Overwater Operation 
FAA
Federal Aviation Administration 
FAI
Flight Attendant Instructor 
FAM
Flight Attendant Manual 
FAR
Federal Aviation Regulation 
FCR
Flight Crew Report 
A non-revenue flight that positions the aircraft for the purpose of operating a revenue flight or to return aircraft base; it carries no revenue passengers and may or may not carry a cabin crew 
Ferry Flight
FFDO
Federal Flight Deck Officer 
A pilot, any part of whose duty is to assist or relieve the Captain. They shall be directly responsible to the Captain in the discharge of any and all duties which may be assigned by the Captain and shall be second-in-command (SIC) of the aircraft. The SIC occupies the forward right seat on the flight deck.
First Officer (FO)
Crewmember responsible for the safety, comfort, and welfare of our passengers, IAW company policies and procedures as outlined in the FOM and FAM, including revisions and bulletins, training handout materials, and Company memos
Flight Attendant (FA)
Any member of the flight deck crew
Flight Crewmember
The forward compartment of the aircraft occupied by the flight crew
Flight Deck 
Information provided to the flight crew by Dispatch prior to every flight, including the planned routing, flying time, altitude, and amount of fuel on board and alternate airports
Flight Plan 
FOM
Flight Operations Manual 
FOTM
Flight Operations Training Manual
FRS
Feedback Reporting System 
FSDO
Flight Standards District Office of the FAA 
GA
Gate Agent
Area of aircraft where food-service equipment is stored and meals are prepared
Galley (G)
GSC
Ground Security Coordinator 
A building used for housing and repairing aircraft
Hangar 
A specific area of the airport or a specific altitude assigned to an aircraft by ATC, at which the aircraft must remain until further directed
Holding Pattern 
A period of time during which a reserve flight attendant is at a hotel and must remain available for contact by Crew Scheduling for flight assignment and be able to report for a flight within two (2) hours of a call
Hotel Reserve
(R2) 
IAW
In Accordance With 
ICAO
International Civil Aviation Organization – A specialized agency of the United Nations, whose objective is to develop the principles and the techniques of international air navigation and to foster planning and development of international civil air transport 
Government agencies, responsible for monitoring the legal requirements regarding citizenship, health, and possessions of passengers entering or leaving a country
Immigration | Customs | Public Health 
Denotes a position closer to the center of the aircraft than the point of reference
Inboard 
Arriving; can apply to a flight, a crew, aircraft, or passengers
Inbound 
In-flight Security Coordinator (Captain, also PIC)
ISC
A retractable, enclosed walkway, connecting the door of an aircraft with the terminal
Jetway 
Specific seats on the flight deck, and in the cabin designated for crewmember use only
Jumpseat
KCM
Known CrewMember
If non-normal situation occurs where the safety of cabin occupants is in jeopardy, the Captain may initiate an evacuation on land. All passengers and crew will immediately leave the aircraft through the use of evacuation slides upon receiving the evacuation signal from the Captain.
Land Evacuation 
The under structure and wheel unit (main gear and nose gear) that support the weight of the aircraft while on ground; they are retracted into the fuselage in flight to reduce wind resistance
Landing Gear 
Period of time that separates two duty periods/flights within a crew pattern. During a rest period, a crewmember is free of all restraint or duty, and free of all responsibility for work or duty, should the occasion arise.
Layover Period | Rest Period 
Geographic location where a layover is occurring
Layover Station
LEO
Law Enforcement Officer
Notation in AIMS which denotes ground transportation that is not local in nature (e.g., from one station/layover to another station/layover greater than 30 minutes)
LIMO
Layout Of Passenger Accommodation
LOPA
A person who has been assigned a particular manual for the execution of their duties, but does not bear editorial or technical responsibility (e.g., a crewmember) 
Manual Holder
A person who bears responsibility for the technical content of a particular manual and having knowledge of the material contained in their assigned publications 
Manual Owner
MEL
Minimum Equipment List
MX
Maintenance
A revenue passenger who has booked a seat but fails to check-in or travel on the flight assignment. Also applies to flight attendants who fail to report to a flight assignment.
No-Show (NOSH)
A person traveling on a free ticket or paying only a service charge
Non Revenue
NTSB
National Transportation Safety Board
OAL
Other Airline
Operating Experience – Phase in a FAs training on a new aircraft, during which flight experience is gained under the observation of a check flight attendant (CFA) while flying a revenue/live flight(s) (minimum 5 hours block time). 
OE
Operations Specifications 
OpSpec
Denotes a position farther from the center of the aircraft than the point of reference 
Outboard
ELT
Emergency Locator Transmitter
DEPARTING; can apply to a FLIGHT, CREW, A/C, or PASSENGERS
Outbound
PBE
Protective Breathing Equipment
PCD
Personal Communication Device - Issued to PURSERS and allows ACESS to COMPANY APPLICATIONS and RESOURCES
PED
Portable Electronic Device
PED - Large
LAPTOPS and LARGER ELECTRONIC DEVICES that are bulky, difficult to hold, would exceed designated weight capacity of seat pockets (including other contents - e.g., safety Card, Airsickness Bag, etc.) or that cannot be secured without impeding emergency egress to the aisle
PED - Small
Hand held devices such as phones, small tablets, or other PED that can be easily secured on a person or fit into the seat pocket without exceeding the designed weight capacity of 3 lbs (including all other contents - e.g., Safety Card, Airsickness Bag, etc.) or impeding emergency egress to the aisle
PF
Pilot Flying - Pilot who is tasked with manipulating the flight controls and with flying and navigating the A/C
PFK
Passenger Forms Kit
PFM
Passenger Flight Manifest
The designated time crew transportation is scheduled to depart and transport crewmembers, usually from a layover or hotel to the airport 
Pick-Up | Show Time
PILOT MONITORING- the pilot who is tasked with observing and commenting on the flight’s progress, and to “quality check” the flight’s operation by ensuring that the plan and the PF has shared is IAW standards and the briefing 
PM
POB
Portable Oxygen Bottle
POC
Portable Oxygen Concentrator
A CONFIRMED RESERVATION, with GUARANTEED SEATING
Positive Space
Occurring BEFORE a FLIGHT
Preflight
Occurs upon FLT ORIGINATION, A/C CHANGE or CREW CHANGE. Sets the TONE and EXPECTATIONS for the FLT and various situations, allows for EXCH of INFO, and PROMOTES SYNERGY between CREWMEMBERS.
Preflight Briefing 
CHECKS made by each minimum safety crew FA (or additional FAs as applicable) of the emergency equipment at their assigned area to ensure that each item is:
In correct location
Secure and brackets/mounts are functional
Operable, incl seals, lighted indicators, and pressure gauges
Readily accessible and operational
Preflight Check
The crewmember responsible for ensuring that cabin activities are coordinated IAW all applicable company policies and applicable CFRs. PURSER is also responsible for coordinating the delivery of the onboard service IAW cabin service standards and procedures. 
Purser (PU)
PSK
Passenger Service Kit
Contains common items that may be needed during a flight (e.g., aspirin, Tylenol, Sudafed, Band Aids, protective gloves, etc.). Supplied to avoid unsealing First Aid Kit
PSR/LPSR
Passenger Service Representative/ Loadmaster Passenger Service Representative
Paved area, usually at or near terminal where A/C are parked.
Ramp / Tarmac / Apron
Beginning of a crewmember’s duty period. SHOW TIME and REPORT TIMES are specified in the FAM and may be adjusted by crew scheduling based on operational need
Report Time 
FLT that GENERATES REVENUE through CARRIAGE of PSGRS
Revenue Flight 
PERSON who PAYS A FARE for their TKT
Revenue passenger 
SAS
SAFETY ASSURANCE PROGRAM (Replaced ATOS - Air Transportation Oversight System)
Flight operating according to published timetable
Scheduled Flight 
Restrained from movement
Secured
SIEM
Safety/Internal Evaluation Manual 
INFLATABLE DEVICE used to ASSIST PSGRS from A/C to GROUND in LAND EVACUATION that may also be used as a RAFT in DITCHING
Slide Raft 
SMS
Safety Management System
SOC
System Operations Control
SOPs
Standard Operating Procedures
DISCOUNTED FARE DESIGNATION that entitles TKT HOLDER to travel on a FLT only if SEATS AVL
Space Available 
Condition of FLUID AIR FLOW:
Flow NOT SMOOTH
Flow VELOCITY changes RAPIDLY
Flow DIRECTION often REVERSES
Turbulence
TSA
Transportation, Security Administration 
UM
Unaccompanied Minor
TTOL
Taxi | Take-Off | Land POSITION on a BUSINESS AND FIRST CLASS SEAT
RAPID | STRONG
HORIZONTAL/VERTICAL
CHANGE WIND SPEED/DIRECTION in SHORT DISTANCE
Windshear
PROHIBITS NONESSENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS between the Cabin and Cockpit Crews that could INTERFERE /DISTRACT any flight crewmember from the PERFORMANCE of their duties during CRITICAL PHASES of FLT
Sterile Flight Deck
Placed into an APPROVED CARRY-ON LOCATION that has been designated and certified to comply with the requirements for RETENTION of ARTICLES of mass during EMERGENCY LANDINGS
Stowed
TAFB
Time Away From Base (domicile)
ANY ground MOVEMENT of A/C while under its OWN POWER (a.k.a., movement on the surface)
Taxi 
A PAVED AREA provided for A/C movement TO/FROM RUNWAYS
Taxiway 
BUILDING where PSGRS check in for FLT, Check/Collect luggage, and Depart/Arrive on a FLT
Terminal Building 
PSGR CONTINUING on a flight THROUGH an intermediate stop
Transit Passengers
STOP made along a flight route PRIOR to reaching the FINAL destination, typically for Fueling, Catering/Cleaning, Crew Swap, or Passenger Deplaning/Boarding
Transit Stop 
Zulu Time (Z) a.k.a. Greenwich Mean Time and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the current time at the prime meridian, which passes through Greenwich, England. Zulu Time is expressed using a 24-hour clock.
Zulu/GMT/UTC Time 
