Aviation Mnemonics
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