Posted on Tue Dec 22, 2020 at 22:46 UTC
GOOSE A CAT, CRAFT, HAND, etc. The list of acronyms that are used in aviation seems never-ending. The goal of this article is to list of some of the more common acronyms encountered by general aviation pilots. It could also be a useful tool to keep handy for a checkride.
Required Documents — AR(R)OW
| Acronym |
Explanation |
| A |
Airworthiness Certificate |
| R |
Registration Certificate |
| R |
Radio Operator’s License (optional) |
| O |
Operating Limitations (in POH, AFM, placards, etc.) |
| W |
Weight and Balance Information |
Required Inspections — AAV1ATE
| Acronym |
Explanation |
How Often |
| A |
Annual Inspection |
Every 12 months |
| A |
Airworthiness Directives |
As mandated by the AD |
| V |
VOR Inspection (For IFR flights only) |
Every 30 days |
| 1 |
100-hr (if operated for rent/hire) |
Every 100-hours |
| A |
Altimeter & Pitot Static System Inspection |
Every 24 months |
| T |
Transponder Inspection |
Every 24 months |
| E |
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) |
Every 12 months |
Required Equipment for Day VFR Flight — GOOSE A CAT
| Acronym |
Explanation |
| G |
Gas (fuel) level gauge - for each fuel tank |
| O |
Oil pressure gauge |
| O |
Oil temperature gauge |
| S |
Seatbelts - for each occupant. |
| E |
ELT |
| A |
Airspeed Indicator |
| C |
Compass |
| A |
Altimeter |
| T |
Tachometer - for each engine |
For Complex Aircraft — GOOSE A ML CAT (Goose a Male Cat)
To the list above, add:
| Acronym |
Explanation |
| M |
Manifold Pressure Gauge - for each engine |
| L |
Landing gear indicator |
Required Equipment for Night VFR Flight — FLAPS
In addition to the equipment required for day VFR flight, add:
| Acronym |
Explanation |
| F |
Fuses (one complete spare set) |
| L |
Landing light - if carrying persons for compensation or hire. |
| A |
Anti-collision lights |
| P |
Position lights |
| S |
Source of electricity (alternator, generator, etc.) |
Required Equipment for IFR Operations — DEC A RAT
| Acronym |
Explanation |
| D |
Directional gyro |
| E |
Electrical source |
| C |
Clock |
| A |
Attitude indicator |
| R |
Radios |
| A |
Altimeter (adjustable) |
| T |
Turn coordinator and slip/skid indicator |
Required Preflight Preparation for Cross-country Flights — RAWFAT
| Acronym |
Explanation |
| R |
Runway lengths at airports of intended use |
| A |
Alternates if the destination airport is unavailable |
| W |
Weather briefing |
| F |
Fuel requirements (remember FAR 91.151 for VFR and FAR 91.167 for IFR) |
| A |
ATC delays |
| T |
Takeoff and landing distance data |
Components of a Weather Briefing — SACrED WiNd
| Acronym |
Explanation |
| S |
Synopsis |
| A |
Adverse conditions |
| C |
Current conditions |
| R |
en Route forecast |
| D |
Destination forecast |
| W |
Winds aloft |
| N |
NOTAMs |
Acknowledgements
Many of these acronyms were taken from the excellent site of Scott Cameron Todd