Let's dive into the alphabet soup of aviation mnemonics.
Charath Ranganathan · November 2023
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 — ARROW
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
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/91.151 for VFR and
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/91.167 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
