Aviation Glossary

EFISElectronic Flight Instrument System

Digital displays that replace traditional analog gauges. Can be a full glass cockpit or individual electronic instruments.

WAAS GPSWide Area Augmentation System GPS

GPS with enhanced precision using FAA ground station corrections. Required for LPV approaches, which rival ILS in accuracy.

GPSNon-WAAS GPS Navigator

Standard GPS navigation without WAAS augmentation. Good for VFR and basic IFR, but cannot fly precision LPV approaches.

AutopilotAutomated Flight Control System

Automates heading, altitude, and in advanced systems full instrument approaches. Reduces workload and is a key real-world skill to develop.

IFDIntegrated Flight Deck

A complete, fully integrated avionics suite combining navigation, weather, traffic, terrain, engine monitoring, transponder, and autopilot into a unified system. The Garmin G1000 is the most widely known example.

Audio PanelCockpit Audio Management System

Manages all audio signals in the cockpit, including COM and NAV radio switching, pilot/passenger intercom, and marker beacon audio.

COMM RadioVHF Communication Radio

The radio used to communicate with ATC and other aircraft. Operates in the VHF band (118-136.975 MHz).

NAV/COMMCombined NAV and COMM Radio

A single unit combining a VHF communication radio and a VOR/ILS navigation receiver. The most common radio installation in training aircraft.

NAV RadioVOR/ILS Navigation Receiver

Receives VOR and ILS signals for navigation and instrument approaches. Typically paired with a COM radio.

TASTraffic Advisory System

An active traffic detection system that interrogates nearby transponders and displays them on a cockpit display. More capable than passive ADS-B In traffic.

TAWSTerrain Avoidance Warning System

Provides terrain and obstacle alerts based on GPS position and a terrain database. Warns the crew before controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).

Engine MonitorMulti-Function Engine Monitoring System

Continuously monitors engine and systems parameters -- EGT, CHT, oil temperature, oil pressure, fuel flow -- and alerts the pilot to anomalies.

Radar AltimeterRadio Altimeter

Measures the aircraft's actual height above the ground directly below it using radio waves. Used primarily for IFR approaches and low-altitude operations.

LPVLocalizer Performance with Vertical Guidance

Precision GPS approach procedure with vertical guidance. LPV minimums can be as low as 200 ft, matching a traditional ILS, and require no ground equipment at the airport.

ILSInstrument Landing System

The traditional precision approach system used at larger airports. Uses ground-based radio signals to guide aircraft to the runway in low visibility.

LNAVLateral Navigation

A basic GPS approach type that provides lateral guidance only. No vertical guidance, so minimums are higher than LPV or ILS approaches.

VORVHF Omnidirectional Range

A ground-based radio navigation aid that broadcasts bearing signals from the station. Used for en-route navigation and published approach procedures, and still required for many IFR operations.

IFRInstrument Flight Rules

The set of FAA regulations governing flight in low visibility or clouds, where pilots navigate solely by cockpit instruments.

VFRVisual Flight Rules

The basic set of FAA flight rules that apply when weather conditions allow pilots to navigate by visual reference to the ground and horizon.

IMCInstrument Meteorological Conditions

Weather conditions below VFR minimums, typically involving clouds, low visibility, or precipitation that require instrument flight.

PPLPrivate Pilot Certificate

The entry-level pilot certificate that allows you to fly solo and carry passengers under VFR. Requires a minimum of 40 flight hours under Part 61.

CFICertified Flight Instructor

A pilot certificated by the FAA to provide flight instruction. Your CFI is who you will spend the most time with during training.

CFIICertified Flight Instructor - Instrument

A CFI with an additional instrument rating endorsement, authorized to provide instrument flight instruction.

MEIMulti-Engine Instructor

A CFI authorized to provide flight instruction in multi-engine aircraft.

ATPAirline Transport Pilot

The highest level of FAA pilot certificate, required to serve as pilot-in-command of airliners. Requires 1,500 hours total time.

TCITurbine CFI

A CFI with authorization to provide flight instruction in turbine-powered aircraft.

ASES CFIAirplane Single Engine Sea Instructor

A CFI authorized to provide flight instruction in single-engine seaplanes and floatplanes.

AMEL CFIAirplane Multi-Engine Land Instructor

A CFI authorized to provide flight instruction in multi-engine land aircraft. Sometimes called an MEI.

AGIAdvanced Ground Instructor

An FAA certificate authorizing the holder to provide ground instruction for any certificate or rating except instrument. Often held alongside a CFI certificate.

IGIInstrument Ground Instructor

An FAA certificate authorizing the holder to provide ground instruction specifically for the instrument rating.

DPEDesignated Pilot Examiner

An FAA-designated examiner authorized to administer practical tests (checkrides) for pilot certificates and ratings.

A&PAirframe & Powerplant Mechanic

An FAA-certificated aircraft mechanic authorized to inspect and repair airframes and aircraft engines.

IAInspection Authorization

An additional FAA authorization held by some A&P mechanics that allows them to perform annual inspections on aircraft.

Part 61FAA Part 61 Flight Training

The most common flight training structure. Flexible and self-paced, with no required curriculum beyond FAA minimums.

Part 141FAA Part 141 Approved Flight Training

A structured, FAA-approved training curriculum that allows reduced flight hour minimums for some certificates and ratings.

ADS-BAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast

A surveillance technology that broadcasts an aircraft's position, altitude, and speed to other aircraft and ATC. Mandatory in most controlled airspace since 2020.

ADS-B OutADS-B Transmitter (Required)

The transmit side of ADS-B. Broadcasts your aircraft's GPS position, altitude, and identity to ATC and other aircraft. Mandatory in most US controlled airspace since January 2020.

ADS-B InADS-B Receiver (Optional)

The receive side of ADS-B. Picks up traffic from nearby aircraft and free FAA weather broadcasts. Does not satisfy the ADS-B Out mandate.

ADS-B In/OutCombined ADS-B Transceiver

A single unit that provides both ADS-B Out (required transponder capability) and ADS-B In (free traffic and weather datalink) in one box.

TransponderMode C / Mode S Transponder

Broadcasts aircraft identity and pressure altitude to ATC radar. Required in most controlled airspace.

Weather DatalinkIn-Flight Weather Receiver

Brings live weather -- NEXRAD radar, METARs, PIREPs -- into the cockpit in flight. Can be satellite-based (XM) or free via ADS-B In.

BATDBasic Aviation Training Device

The entry-level FAA-approved training device. Can be used to log limited instrument currency time but does not simulate a specific aircraft.

AATDAdvanced Aviation Training Device

A more capable FAA-approved training device than a BATD. Allows more instrument currency hours and can simulate more realistic cockpit environments.

FTDFlight Training Device

A higher-fidelity FAA-approved training device that replicates a specific aircraft type. Allows more training credit than an AATD and can be used for type-specific procedures.

UnknownSimulator Class Not Specified

A simulator or ground-based training device listed by the school where the specific FAA class (BATD, AATD, FTD) is not known.