Contact Us
Spectralux Corporation

12335 134th Court NE
Redmond, WA, USA 98052
1 (425) 285-3000 Main
1 (425) 285-4200 Fax
info@spectralux.com
Aviation Acronyms
What they all stand for

The following is list if acronyms and abbreviations commonly used throughout the avionics industry.

ACARS Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System
ADS-B Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast: A system where aircraft continually broadcast data such as position, speed, altitude, and heading to ground stations and other aircraft.
AEA Aircraft Electronics Association
AOG Aircraft on ground
AOPA Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association – Deals primarily with the general aviation industry issues on behalf of its membership.
ARINC Aeronautical Radio Incorporated (a company)
AT Air Transport
ATN Aeronautical Telecommunications Network
CPDLC Controller Pilot Data Link Communications
EBACE European Business Aviation Convention & Exposition
EFB Electronic Flight Bag – A software-based system designed to replace much of the paper documents that pilots carry in their flight bags such as charts and manuals.
ERAA European Regional Airline Association
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
FIS-B Flight Information Service – Broadcast
GA General Aviation – Typically that category of aircraft used for personal or recreational purposes.
GAMA General Aviation Manufacturers Association – Represents many varied interests of aircraft and avionics manufacturers worldwide.
HAI Helicopter Association International
Iridium Brand name for this low earth orbit satellite system
LSA Light Sport Aircraft
MEL Minimum Equipment List (for an aircraft to be legal)
NBAA National Business Aviation Association – Promotes and represents business aviation worldwide. Legislative, industry trade and economic issues are key activities.
NexGen Next Generation Air Transportation System – An FAA initiative.
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer (avionics or aircraft)
PAS Paris Air Show (takes place each odd year)
RAA Regional Airline Association
ROI Return on Investment
Satcom Satellite Communication
TCAS Traffic Collision Avoidance System
TIS-B Traffic Information System – Broadcast
TSO Technical Standard Order
VDL Very High Frequency Data Link (radio)
VHF Very High Frequency – A common radio system for both analog and digital communications.
VLJ Very Light Jet – A small jet aircraft approved for single-pilot operation, seating 4-8 people, with a maximum take-off weight of under 10,000 pounds (4,540 kg). They are lighter than what is commonly termed business jets


For additional definitions of aviation related acronyms, please visit the FAA website at the following link.
  FAA Acronym and Abbreviation Definitions