Alaska Aviation Weather Unit

An aviation weather unit that issues and supports weather products for Alaska.

Advisory Circular

FAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures.

Airman Certification Standards

The FAA task and knowledge taxonomy used to organize handbook topics and weak-area remediation.

Aeronautical Decision-Making

A structured way to identify risk, choose safer options, and avoid launching when conditions are not acceptable.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast

Aircraft broadcast technology. Part 107 drones generally may not use ADS-B Out unless specifically authorized.

Aircraft Flight Manual / Pilot's Operating Handbook

Manufacturer reference for aircraft limitations, procedures, and performance data.

Above Ground Level

Altitude measured above the ground directly below the aircraft.

Aeronautical Information Manual

FAA operational guidance and glossary material used to understand aviation procedures and terminology.

Airmen's Meteorological Information

A weather advisory for conditions such as turbulence, icing, mountain obscuration, or widespread low visibility.

Airman Knowledge Test Report

The report after a knowledge test that lists missed knowledge areas for remediation.

Angle of Attack

The angle between the relative wind and an aircraft's wing or lifting surface reference line.

Angle of Climb

The climb angle over distance, useful when thinking about obstacle clearance and performance.

Air Route Traffic Control Center

An ATC facility that manages en route traffic over a large region.

Air Route Surveillance Radar

Long-range radar used by en route ATC centers to detect and display aircraft traffic.

Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated

Aviation communications service referenced in lost-communication and en route communication procedures.

Automated Surface Observing System

Automated airport weather equipment that reports current surface conditions.

Air Traffic Control

The system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services.

Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System

Secondary surveillance radar system that uses aircraft transponders and ground interrogators.

Air Traffic Control System Command Center

The FAA facility that helps manage national air traffic flow and large-scale constraints.

Automatic Terminal Information Service

Recorded airport weather and operational information for pilots.

Aviation Weather Center

NOAA/NWS aviation weather center that publishes many aviation weather products.

Automated Weather Observing System

Automated airport weather reporting equipment that broadcasts local conditions.

Automated Weather Observing System / Automated Surface Observing System

Automated airport systems that provide current local weather observations.

Aviation Safety Reporting System

NASA-run voluntary safety reporting system referenced in FAA safety material.

B4UFLY

FAA-recognized planning tool for checking nearby airspace and flight restrictions before a drone flight.

Blood Alcohol Concentration

Alcohol concentration in the bloodstream. Part 107 uses a 0.04 percent limit for crewmembers.

Broken

A METAR/TAF cloud coverage code meaning most of the sky is covered by that cloud layer.

Blowing Dust

A weather code for blowing dust, which can reduce visibility and create unsafe conditions.

Mist

A METAR weather code for mist, usually indicating reduced visibility.

Code of Federal Regulations

The federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live.

Center of Gravity

The balance point of an aircraft or drone. Payload changes can move it and affect controllability.

Ceiling / Visibility

Weather shorthand for cloud ceiling and visibility conditions.

Clear

A METAR sky condition meaning no clouds are reported below the reporting threshold.

Certificate of Waiver or Authorization

FAA authorization often used by public aircraft operators or special operations.

Crew Resource Management

Using people, communication, checklists, and available tools to reduce operational risk.

Common Traffic Advisory Frequency

The frequency pilots use to self-announce near many non-towered airports.

Common Traffic Advisory Frequency / Universal Communications

A local airport communication setup used for traffic advisories and basic airport information.

Center Weather Advisory

A short-term aviation weather advisory issued by a Center Weather Service Unit.

Center Weather Service Unit

NWS meteorologists embedded at an ARTCC to support aviation weather decisions.

Distance Measuring Equipment

Radio navigation equipment that measures distance from a ground station.

DME/DME / Inertial Reference Unit

A navigation-source combination used in some RNAV systems when GPS is not the only position source.

Declaration of Compliance

Manufacturer compliance document that matters for some Operations Over People categories.

Direct User Access Terminal Service

A legacy internet briefing and flight-plan filing service referenced in older FAA material.

Declaration of Compliance / Means of Compliance

Operations Over People shorthand for the manufacturer's declaration and the accepted method used to show compliance.

Enhanced Flight Vision System

A crewed-aircraft system that helps pilots see in low visibility under strict authorization rules.

Engineered Materials Arresting System

Crushable runway safety material designed to help stop aircraft overruns.

Expect Further Clearance

A time or instruction used in IFR clearance and lost-communication procedures.

Estimated Time of Arrival

The expected arrival time at a point or destination.

Estimated Time Enroute

The expected time needed to fly from one point to another.

Enhanced Weather Information System

An FAA-approved system for producing or using aviation weather information in certain operations.

Federal Aviation Administration

The U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.

Federal Communications Commission

The U.S. agency that regulates radio spectrum and communications equipment.

Flight Information Services

Information services such as weather, NOTAMs, and other preflight or inflight planning data.

Flight Data Center

FAA source for certain NOTAMs, including regulatory or procedure-related notices.

Few

A METAR/TAF cloud coverage code meaning only a small portion of the sky is covered.

Fog

A METAR/TAF weather code for fog, often associated with very low visibility.

Flight Management System

An onboard navigation and flight planning computer used by crewed aircraft.

Flight Level

Altitude expressed using a standard pressure setting, mainly relevant to higher-altitude crewed aviation.

From

A TAF change indicator that starts a new forecast period at a specific time.

FAA-Recognized Identification Area

An approved area where some drones can operate without broadcasting Remote ID.

Flight Service Station

FAA-certified briefing support for weather, NOTAMs, and flight information.

Flight Standards District Office

Local FAA Flight Standards office that handles many safety and compliance matters.

Flight Service Station / ARINC

Communication options referenced in lost-communication procedures.

FAA Tracking Number

The FAA account number a candidate uses in the knowledge testing and IACRA process.

Graphical Forecasts for Aviation

Aviation weather forecast graphics used to review broad weather trends and hazards.

Ground Control

Tower position or frequency used for surface movement at towered airports.

Global Positioning System

Satellite navigation used by many drones for position hold, navigation, and return-to-home features.

Helicopter Rotorcraft Refueling

A specialized refueling procedure referenced in FAA safety examples about radio silence and thunderstorm risk.

Haze

A METAR weather code for haze, which can reduce visibility.

Hazardous Inflight Weather Advisory Service

A legacy broadcast service for hazardous weather advisories over selected navigation aids.

Identify

A transponder function pilots use when ATC asks them to identify their aircraft on radar.

Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application

FAA system used to apply for and manage airman certification, including remote pilot certification.

Instructions for Continued Airworthiness

Manufacturer instructions for maintaining an aircraft or component in airworthy condition.

International Civil Aviation Organization

International aviation standards body. Some FAA procedures and flight plan references use ICAO terms.

Instrument Flight Rules

Rules for operating primarily by instruments. On the exam, IFR often appears in weather, traffic, and airspace context.

Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion

A personal readiness checklist used before flight.

Inertial Navigation System

A navigation system that estimates position from internal motion sensors and can drift over time.

Inertial Reference Unit

A motion-sensing reference unit used by some navigation systems.

Local Airport Advisory

An airport advisory service that can provide local traffic and airport information.

Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability

FAA system used to request authorization for many controlled-airspace drone flights.

Localized Aviation MOS Program

Short-range aviation forecast guidance that can supplement other weather products.

Low Instrument Flight Rules

A very low weather category with low ceiling and/or visibility.

Long-Range Navigation System

A navigation system used for long-range routing in crewed aviation.

Lockheed Martin Flight Services

A former flight service provider referenced in some older FAA materials.

Letter of Authorization

Formal written authorization for a specific operation, equipment use, or procedure.

Maximum Elevation Figure

A sectional chart number showing the highest known elevation or obstruction in a quadrangle, rounded for safety.

Distress call

Emergency radio word used when an aircraft needs immediate assistance.

Meteorological Aerodrome Report

A current airport weather report format tested on the UAG exam.

Meteorological Aerodrome Report / Special Weather Report

Current airport weather observations, with SPECI issued when important conditions change.

Military Operations Area

Special use airspace where military training may occur. It is shown on charts and matters for traffic awareness.

Means of Compliance

FAA-accepted method a manufacturer uses to show a drone meets certain rule requirements.

Model Output Statistics

Weather forecast guidance produced from model output and statistics.

Mean Sea Level

Altitude measured from average sea level, not from the ground below you.

Management Specification

FAA authorization/specification document used by some operators, mainly outside typical Part 107 use.

Military Training Route

A published route used by military aircraft, often at high speed and sometimes low altitude.

Multicom

A self-announce radio frequency used at some airports without another published frequency.

Marginal Visual Flight Rules

A weather category between VFR and IFR, usually meaning reduced ceiling and/or visibility.

National Airspace System

The shared U.S. airspace system that drones must operate within.

Navigational Aid

Ground or satellite-based navigation aid used by pilots for position and routing.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Federal agency that administers the Aviation Safety Reporting System referenced in FAA safety reporting material.

Nautical Mile

A distance unit used in aviation. One nautical mile is about 1.15 statute miles.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The federal agency that includes the National Weather Service and aviation weather centers.

Notice to Airmen / Notice to Air Missions

Official notice about temporary conditions, hazards, or changes that can affect a flight.

National Transportation Safety Board

The U.S. agency that investigates transportation accidents and certain serious incidents.

National Weather Service

NOAA agency that produces official U.S. weather observations, forecasts, and warnings.

Operations Over People

Part 107 rules for flying over people, open-air assemblies, and related scenarios.

Operations Specification

FAA operating authorization/specification used by certain operators outside routine Part 107 use.

Obstacle Departure Procedure

A crewed-aircraft departure procedure designed for obstacle clearance.

Overcast

A METAR/TAF cloud coverage code meaning the sky layer covers all or nearly all of the sky.

Greater than 6 statute miles

A METAR/TAF visibility value meaning visibility is more than 6 statute miles.

Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures

A risk-management checklist used to evaluate the flight before launch.

Performance Based Navigation

Navigation standards based on required system performance rather than only ground-based routes.

Precipitation / Weather

Weather product shorthand for precipitation and significant weather.

Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

FAA handbook used here to explain aviation basics in plain language.

Pilot in Command

The person responsible for the flight. Under Part 107, this is usually the remote pilot in command.

Pilot Weather Report

A weather report from a pilot in flight, useful for confirming real conditions.

PSI Services

The testing provider used for scheduling and administering FAA knowledge tests.

Radar / Satellite

Weather display shorthand for radar and satellite imagery.

Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring

GPS integrity monitoring used in aviation navigation.

Remote Center Air/Ground

Remote radio site used by en route ATC centers to communicate with aircraft.

Remote Automated Information Service

A remote advisory or information service referenced in airport and flight service context.

Radio Frequency

The electromagnetic frequency range used for control links, communications, and broadcasts.

Remote Identification

Remote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace.

Area Navigation

A navigation method that lets aircraft fly any desired path within navigation coverage.

Rate of Climb

How quickly an aircraft climbs, usually expressed in feet per minute.

Required Navigation Performance

A performance-based navigation specification for how accurately aircraft must navigate.

Remote Pilot in Command

The certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation.

Remote Pilot in Command / Visual Observer

The pilot responsible for the operation and the observer who helps maintain visual awareness.

Responsible Person of Interest

An FAA contact or responsible-party role used in some operational and compliance contexts.

Responsible Person of Interest / Declaration of Compliance

Operations Over People shorthand tying a declared aircraft configuration to its compliance record.

Runway Safety Area

Protected area around a runway intended to reduce risk if an aircraft leaves the runway.

Real-Time Mesoscale Analysis

A high-resolution weather analysis product used to estimate current conditions.

Runway Visual Range

A visibility measurement along a runway, mainly used in crewed aviation operations.

Safety Alert for Operators

FAA safety alert that shares operational safety information.

Special Air Traffic Rules

Area-specific air traffic rules published for unique or complex airspace.

Special Air Traffic Rules / Special Flight Rules Area

A combined reference to special rules or areas with extra operating procedures.

Scattered

A METAR/TAF cloud coverage code meaning scattered cloud coverage.

Surface

Chart or airspace shorthand meaning the area begins at the surface.

Special Flight Rules

Special flight rules that apply to a defined area or operation.

Special Flight Rules Area

A defined area with special flight procedures or restrictions.

Special Flight Rules Area / Flight Restricted Zone

Washington, DC area shorthand for special flight rules and the more restrictive flight zone.

Security Identification Display Area

An airport security area where identification and access rules apply.

Significant Meteorological Information

A weather advisory for significant hazards such as severe turbulence, severe icing, or thunderstorms.

Statute Mile

A distance unit used for visibility in U.S. aviation weather reports.

Sky Clear

A METAR/TAF sky condition meaning no cloud coverage is reported.

Snow

A METAR/TAF weather code for snow.

Special Weather Report

A special METAR-type observation issued when important weather changes occur.

Transponder code instruction

ATC phraseology telling a pilot to set or use a specific transponder function or code.

Supplemental Type Certificate

FAA approval for a major change to an aircraft or approved aviation product.

Special Use Airspace

Airspace where activities or restrictions may require extra attention, such as MOAs or restricted areas.

Small Unmanned Aircraft System

A small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it.

Terminal Area Chart

A large-scale chart used around busy terminal airspace where more detail is needed.

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast

Airport forecast format used to reason about future weather conditions.

Type Certificate

FAA design approval for an aircraft, engine, propeller, or related product.

Traffic Collision Avoidance System

Crewed aircraft collision avoidance system; useful to recognize in broader traffic discussions.

Touchdown Zone Elevation

The highest runway elevation in the touchdown zone, used in instrument procedure minima.

Temporary

A TAF indicator for temporary weather conditions expected during a specified time window.

Temporary Flight Restriction

A temporary airspace restriction issued for safety, security, disasters, or special events.

Telephone Information Briefing Service

Automated recorded weather briefing information referenced in FAA weather material.

Traffic Information Service-Broadcast

Broadcast traffic information service used in crewed aviation traffic awareness systems.

Terminal Radar Service Area

Airspace around some busy airports where radar services are offered; participation is generally voluntary for VFR pilots.

Thunderstorm

A weather code and aviation shorthand for thunderstorms.

Transportation Security Administration

The U.S. transportation security agency; appears in airport security context.

Technical Standard Order

FAA minimum performance standard for specified aviation equipment.

Transcribed Weather Broadcast

Recorded weather broadcast service, especially relevant in Alaska references.

Terminal Weather Information for Pilots

Terminal weather information service for pilots.

Unmanned Aircraft General - Small

The official FAA knowledge test name for the initial Part 107 remote pilot certificate.

Unmanned Aircraft System

An unmanned aircraft plus its control station, communication links, and supporting components.

Universal Access Transceiver

ADS-B datalink technology used by some crewed aircraft.

Ultra High Frequency

Radio frequency band used in some aviation and military communication systems.

Universal Communications

A non-government communication station at some airports for local advisory information.

UNICOM / MULTICOM / Flight Service Station

Possible providers or frequencies used for local advisory communication at airports without an operating tower.

Visual Flight Rules

Rules for flight using visual reference and minimum weather conditions.

Very High Frequency

Radio frequency band used for many aviation communications and broadcasts.

Visibility

How far you can see through the atmosphere, a key weather minimum for Part 107 decisions.

Very Important Person

A security-related term that often appears in temporary flight restriction scenarios.

Visual Line of Sight

The requirement to see the drone well enough to know its location, attitude, altitude, and direction of flight.

Visual Observer

A person who helps the remote PIC see and avoid hazards during a drone operation.

VHF Omnidirectional Range

Ground-based navigation aid used by crewed aircraft.

Weather Forecast Office

NWS office that prepares forecasts for its area, including many TAFs.

Weather

Common aviation shorthand for weather.