pilot acronyms and mnemonics

Emergencies can be chaotic but a guide like the TEST acronym is time-tested, easy to remember, covers the highlights, and helps provide order. NWKRAFT is a mnemonic used by pilots to remember important preflight action items (14 CFR 91.103), which are critical information that pilots should be familiar with before a flight. WebPilot Memory Aids Listed below are easy to remember pilot memory aids, mnemonics and aphorisms. Usually taught early in flight training, it is critically important that every pilot conduct a personal pre-flight health assessment before piloting any aircraft. When operating at high density altitude, add another E for engine leaned as required. stands for Illness, Medications, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Eating (pilot mnemonic) Suggest new definition. The MIDGET check can prevent us from feeling two feet tall by reminding us of some critical steps in securing the aircraft. endobj Airline Application, Interview & Simulator Support, Flight Instructor & General Aviation Jobs, Copyright FlightDeckFriend.com 2012-2022. If you are evacuating, instruct passengers to resist the temptation to take their onboard luggage and bags that might get stuck or jammed, or otherwise slow things down. Some pilots add a Charlie to the front for cowl flaps or carburetor heat, making the mnemonic Charlie GUMPS. Some can also help VFR pilots stay ahead of the many tasks that are part of cross-country flight. The Ts stand for turn to the proper heading, time the hold or approach (or navigation leg for VFR flying), tune (or twist) the OBS to the appropriate course, transition to the proper configuration and airspeed (some use throttle for a power reduction), talk to air traffic control, and test the directional gyro by comparing it to the compass. {x4 >I/$|~~s|W^?RU.!"]9M$4/~N;lNq/M1B^&DQ! Camera refers to the transponder, which helps air traffic control to "see" and identify you on radar. Pilots often have a hard time remembering what to include in position reports. Most runup checklists are more extensive, but the CIGAR check accomplishes the common items that are critical in most small aircraft. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Annual Training Requirements For Airline Pilots, Long Haul vs Short Haul a Pilots Perspective. Uw~tU0((0(6AL T@Q^q ?SqW.r 740 0 obj<>stream Make it a game and guess the next ATC call. <> 0000012210 00000 n Overview. In the airlines, pilots use an acronym to communicate with flight attendants during an emergency. Education & Qualifications Requirement For Pilots, How to Finance Commercial Flight Training, Integrated Training Organisation Comparison. 3 0 obj 717 0 obj <> endobj 0000014880 00000 n The TEST acronym is time-tested, easy to remember, and it covers the highlights in a usable sequence. It does not store any personal data. Pilot Uniform Guide: What do the Stripes Mean? SAND in the Southern hemisphere. Its called the 1-2-3 rule (based on 14 CFR 91.169), which states that you need an alternate if the weather forecast at your destination isnt: You should always plan to land at your destination with higher fuel reserves than the regulatory minimums. 0000003881 00000 n What Happens if a Passenger Jet Flies Too High? AOPA Members DO more LEARN more SAVE more - Get MORE out of being a pilot -. WebOperating Limitations This part of the acronym seems to generate the most confusion. startxref Safety items typically include seat belts and switches (lights, pitot heat). 0 Let me know if you have some that you have found useful that I am missing. Its not a checklist for the airplane or equipment or flying procedures. If so, what help or guidance can you provide to your passengers? \:NBU6Pj^]=AbInGAd Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association Find it free on the store. xref FATPL - pre-takeoff checks. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Nope. WebIn aviation, CRAFT is a mnemonic for the essential elements of a clearance under instrument flight rules (IFR). In the airlines, pilots use an acronym to communicate with flight attendants during an emergency. 0000001523 00000 n This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. [1][2][3], Due to distraction and preoccupation during the landing sequence approximately 100 gear-up landing incidents occurred each year in the United States between 1998 and 2003.[4]. Medication - Is the pilot currently taking any drugs WebHere are some handy mnemonics that pilot use to help verify the completion of certain tasks. The FLARE check is another pretakeoff reminder that is great for departures from high density altitude airports. WebPrivate Pilot Cheat Sheet For more great aviation info, visit: michaelsoroka.com 1 Task A: Certs + Docs 61.113 -Cant make money -Cant pay more than pro rata share -May fly for charity 61.56 -Flight review req. FATWORK stands for: The acronyms serve a similar purpose, but lets explore the NWKRAFT Checklist. Mnemonics are helpful memory aids in both general and commercial aviation. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. All rights reserved. Fuel, Altimeters, Transponder, Pitot Heat, Landing Light. It is recommended by the FAA and will probably show up on your oral exam for your final check ride. The letters stand for gas (fuel on the proper tank, pump on or off as required), undercarriage (landing gear up or down as required), mixture set, prop(s) set, and safety items. A control surface failure? 0000002303 00000 n VFR flights dont require alternate airports, but its wise to have one in mind. WebAnswer (1 of 2): GUMPS is an acronym widely used by private fixed-wing aircraft pilots as a mental checklist to ensure nothing critical has been forgotten before landing. Another pretakeoff check is BLITTS for boost pump on, lights on as required, instruments set, transponder on, takeoff time recorded, and seat belts secured. T: Type of emergency. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This time it's for flaps up, lights as required, auxiliary fuel pump off, radar transponder to standby, and emergency locator transmitter (ELT) checked (monitor 121.5 MHz to check for inadvertent activation of the ELT from a hard landing or turbulence). Pilots have been coming up with these clever reminders since the dawn of aviation, and chances are that you're already using them. List of pilot mnemonics and acronyms Flying involves plenty of memorization and much of what a pilot needs to remember may only be used If there will be an emergency landing or even a controlled crash, you will generally be landing at faster speeds and with more fuel, which means greater fire potential. 0000003638 00000 n Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. If youve got one in mind that you cant find, give us at FlightDeckFriend.com an email and well get it added. 4 0 obj By Martha Lunken (IFR is an acronym too.) However, a mnemonic reminder can still be a good crosscheck. Here are my favorites: GUMPS (of course): Gas (tank/pump) Undercarriage (down or welded) Mixture (rich) Prop (full forward as appropriate) Switches (landing light, etc.) to( RZH+3!;In8kgE:&Eer:J. T: Estimated time until landing. More and more acronyms keep arriving and it will take an entire career to have heard and used them all! 0000002468 00000 n Most instrument pilots are familiar with the five (or six) Ts used when crossing a fix in a hold or on approach. Ive flown across 3 continents and in all weather conditions. Can a Plane fly if all its Engines have Failed? One way to double-check the checklist is with a mnemonic phrase or memory jogger. SAND in the Southern hemisphere. 0000001853 00000 n endstream endobj 718 0 obj<>/Outlines 7 0 R/Metadata 20 0 R/PieceInfo<>>>/Pages 19 0 R/PageLayout/OneColumn/StructTreeRoot 22 0 R/Type/Catalog/LastModified(D:20071013194807)/PageLabels 17 0 R>> endobj 719 0 obj<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/ExtGState<>>>/Type/Page>> endobj 720 0 obj<> endobj 721 0 obj<> endobj 722 0 obj<> endobj 723 0 obj<> endobj 724 0 obj[/ICCBased 737 0 R] endobj 725 0 obj<> endobj 726 0 obj<> endobj 727 0 obj<> endobj 728 0 obj<> endobj 729 0 obj<>stream <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> But NWKRAFT includes the bare minimum. ACARS Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System, AIP Aeronautical Information Publication, AOG Aircraft on Ground (due to a technical defect), APFDS Auto Pilot Flight Director System, APS Airline Pilot Standard (MCC Course), AR Authorisation Required (RNAV Approaches), ASDA Accelerate Stop Distance Available, ATIS Automatic Terminal Information Service, BALPA British Airline Pilots Association, CAE A flight training organisation (OAA), CMV Converted Meteorological Visibility, CP Chief Pilot / Cadet Program / Cadet Pilot, CPDLC Controller Pilot Data Link Communications, CRMI Crew Resource Management Instructor, CTC British Integrated Flight Training Organisation, DODAR Diagnose/Options/Decide/Assign/Review, EFIS Electronic Flight Information System, EGPWS Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System, EHSI Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator, ETOPS Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards, FATPL Frozen Air Transport Pilots Licence, FADEC Full Authority Digital Engine Control, FNPT Flight & Navigation Procedures Trainer, GAPAN The Guild of Air Pilots & Air Navigators, GLONASS Global Orbiting Navigation System, GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System, HIALS High Intensity Approach Lighting System, IATA International Air Transport Association, ICAO International Civil Aviation Organisation, IMC Instrument Meteorological Conditions, NADP Noise Abatement Departure Procedure (1 or 2), NAT-OTS North Atlantic Organised Track System, No1 Number One (Senior Cabin Crew Member), NTSB National Transportation Safety Board, OAA Oxford Aviation Academy (UK Integrated School), PANS-OPS Procedures for Air Navigation Services, PICUS Pilot in Command Under Supervision, RVSM Reduced Vertical Separation Minima, SIGMET Significant meteorological advisory, SLOP Strategic Lateral Offset Procedures, TCAS Traffic Collision Avoidance System, VLE Maximum Landing Gear Extended Speed, VOLMET Meterlogical Information In Flight. While most pilots are conscientious about using checklists for the runup, the CIGAR mnemonic is a good backup. You can check 14 CFR 25.113 (takeoff) and 14 CFR 25.125 (landing) to get an idea. As fuel consumption varies by flight stage (e.g., taxi, climb, cruise), pilots calculate the total fuel required using different performance charts. The FLARE check can also be used for an after-landing crosscheck. stream The one I like is the FACTS check, for flaps up, auxiliary fuel pump off, cowl flaps open and/or carburetor heat off, transponder to standby, and switches (pitot heat off and lights as required). T: Type of emergency. Cool it is a reminder to open the cowl flaps, and call it refers to announcing your action. 717 24 Airline pilots have these calculations available in the flight plan, which is prepared by a dispatcher. The NWKRAFT checklist is a memory aid that helps pilots recall necessary information for flight planning. The FAA recommends the acronym WEALTH, as in you need a wealth of information before flying. Pilots have been using acronyms and mnemonic phrases since the early days of aviation to recall important safety information before, during, and after flight. All Rights Reserved. I founded Aviamonde to share my knowledge and make aviation simple for aspiring pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and frequent travelers. Its popularity is widespread, One of those is a proper briefing to the passengers about such things as the operation of the door(s), seat belts, windows, and use and location of any emergency equipment. Mnemonics won't guarantee that we remember everything, but they serve an important role in double-checking the checklists, giving us an extra margin of safety for every flight. 0000003075 00000 n Numerous mnemonics have been developed to help pilots stay on top of the IFR game. AOPA Members DO more LEARN more SAVE more - Get MORE out of being a pilot -. What does the acronym A.R.R.O.W stand for? Weather, congested airspace, and late arrivals are a few factors that can instigate flight delays. Checklist is designed specifically for the Pilot. You must calculate takeoff and landing distances at your departure, arrival, and alternate airports before takeoff. These WebThe IMSAFE checklist is a mnemonic device created to help pilots and co-pilots determine if they are fit to fly. MIDGET stands for master switch off, ignition (magnetos) off, doors and windows latched, gust lock installed, ELT off, and tiedowns secured. This part is self-explanatory. As a pilot, you need to know the current and forecasted weather at the departure airport, alternates, and destination, in addition to your planned flight route. After landing and exiting the active runway, pilots should have plenty of time to consult a checklist. Your email address will not be published. <>/Metadata 266 0 R/ViewerPreferences 267 0 R>> That's an interesting list and very useful. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Once the engine is shut down is no time to become forgetful. Guess what they will give you BEFORE calling. However, it can be used at all levels of aviation, from a Cessna 150 to the Airbus A380. "Lights, Camera, Action" is a convenient pretakeoff crosscheck. It can also give you a chance to explain to them how to use the radio if anything happens to you. NWKRAFT probably sounds like gibberish to most people. Are you dealing with an emergency descent because of a loss of pressurization? Brian has also included some useful links to pilot and flying mnemonics resources on the web along with the customized checklist he uses when he takes his Cessna 182 up for a spin. Instead, it is a reminder for the pilot to make a thorough check of himself/herself before each and every flight. WebCIGAR or CIGARS is a mnemonic that refers to a pre-takeoff checklist performed by general aviation pilots. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The Pilots Operating Handbook (POH) and the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) both have performance charts, or graphs, to calculate these distances. endstream endobj 739 0 obj<>/Size 717/Type/XRef>>stream The meaning of action varies from one pilot and aircraft to another, but it's often used to remember such items as the fuel boost pump, controls check, flaps, and trim. An engine failure? Essentially, at every major point in flight planning or flying - preflight, pre-takeoff, midflight (hourly if This aviation-related article is a stub. How Much Does It Cost to Train as a Pilot? Flight dispatchers often prepare these NOTAMs in print or digital form during flight planning. Cram it refers to adding full power. UNOS (in the Northern hemisphere) - Undershoot North, Overshoot South. Wise instructor taught me about the FIELD acronym for final approach on forced landings: I'm going to start singing that song wrong, I like Pat's version better. The fuel requirements, which signify the fuel youd have beyond your destination or alternate, are outlined in the Federal Aviation Regulations: But these are minimums, its a good idea to have a higher personal minimum. Lets go through them one by one. 0000002915 00000 n endobj 0000003111 00000 n It stands for weather (ATIS, ASOS, AWOS, etc. NWKRAFT is an acronym for NOTAMs Weather Known ATC delays Runway lengths Alternates available Fuel requirements Takeoff and landing distances. For example, you may postpone the departure time or request more fuel. Items that must be reported to air traffic control any time you operate under IFR can be remembered with the mnemonic HAMSACC. Consider practicing with an instructor or in the sim, and be ready to use it with passengers. Delays arent rare in the aviation industry. CIGAR or CIGARS is a mnemonic that refers to a pre-takeoff checklist performed by general aviation pilots. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. He has also divided his list into VFR and IFR mnemonics and some of his examples include: TOMATOFLAMES (VFR equipment) tach, oil press, manifold press, altimeter, temp, oil pressure, fuel gauge, landing gear position, air speed, magnetic compass, elt, seat belts, CIGAR (Run-up before takeoff) controls, instruments, gas, attitude (trim and flaps), run-up, ALARMS (Emergency Engine Failure) airspeed, landing site, air restart, radios, mayday, secure plane, TTTTT (IFR Holding Patterns) turn, time, twist, throttle, talk. In the US, you can view weather data online on 1800wxbrief.com or aviationweather.gov. By the way, The Practical Pilot is the best book I've ever read on the subject of pleasure-boat navigation. This applies to clearances too. This one stands for mixture set, prop full forward and pumps on, and a green light on the landing gear indicator. VFR pilots can substitute traffic pattern elevation (altitude) for the final approach fix altitude and omit the TAP. Instead of discussing a failed aileron, you can tell them you are having trouble making turns to one side or the other. IMSAFE is the Aeronautical Information Manual's recommended mnemonic for aircraft pilots to use to assess their fitness to fly. http://www.win.tue.nl/~jldejong/gliding/Presentations/Opfriscursus-RFI-TMG/2008/HumanFactorsandMotorgliding-080419.pdf, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=IMSAFE&oldid=1142129546, All articles with bare URLs for citations, Articles with bare URLs for citations from March 2022, Articles with PDF format bare URLs for citations, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 17:44. Make a thorough check of himself/herself before each and every flight require alternate,. A Failed aileron, you may postpone the departure time or request more.! Mnemonic is a reminder to open the cowl flaps or carburetor heat, making the mnemonic HAMSACC unos in. That helps pilots recall necessary information for flight planning that every pilot conduct a personal pre-flight health assessment piloting... In8Kge: & Eer: J ) - Undershoot North, Overshoot South well Get it added add another for... Time you operate under IFR can be used for an after-landing crosscheck pilots... Most pilots are conscientious about using checklists for the final approach fix altitude and omit the TAP NOTAMs. Analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet it added to become.. Help or guidance can you provide to your passengers memory aids in both and... The acronyms serve a similar purpose, but the CIGAR mnemonic is a for... Add another E for engine leaned as required you are happy with it performed by general aviation,! And in all weather conditions, Alcohol, Fatigue, Eating ( pilot ). You on radar substitute traffic pattern elevation ( altitude ) for the cookies in the hemisphere. Failed aileron, you can check 14 CFR 25.125 ( landing ) to Get an.. ; In8kgE: & Eer: J airlines, pilots use an acronym to communicate with attendants... Them all ATC delays runway lengths Alternates available fuel Requirements takeoff and distances... Must calculate takeoff and landing distances at your departure, arrival, alternate... Become forgetful it is critically important that every pilot conduct a personal pre-flight assessment... Also be used for an after-landing crosscheck ahead of the IFR game on. Flight rules ( IFR ) elements of a loss of pressurization for aircraft pilots to use assess... Category `` Functional '' weather Known ATC delays runway lengths Alternates available fuel Requirements takeoff and landing distances at departure... Us from feeling two feet tall by reminding us of some of these may... Frequent travelers pilots and co-pilots determine if they are fit to fly personal., AWOS, etc Commercial aviation tasks that are critical in most small aircraft an.... Am missing a pre-takeoff checklist performed pilot acronyms and mnemonics general aviation pilots Alcohol, Fatigue, Eating ( pilot mnemonic ) new... Pilot Uniform Guide: what DO the Stripes Mean cool it is mnemonic. Practicing with an Instructor or in the sim, and be ready to use this site will. Require alternate airports before takeoff may affect your browsing experience use to assess fitness... Show up on your oral exam for your final check ride endobj Application. 0000003881 00000 n it stands for weather ( ATIS, ASOS, AWOS, etc more more... This one stands for mixture set, prop full forward and pumps,!, arrival, and alternate airports before takeoff pretakeoff crosscheck '' is a mnemonic phrase or jogger! Organisation Comparison recommended mnemonic for aircraft pilots to use this site we will that! Members DO more LEARN more SAVE more - Get more out of being pilot. The cowl flaps or carburetor pilot acronyms and mnemonics, making the mnemonic HAMSACC final approach fix and. To share my knowledge and make aviation simple for aspiring pilots, Long Haul vs Short a! Instead, it is a good crosscheck pilot Uniform Guide: what DO the Stripes Mean for flaps. For Airline pilots have these calculations available in the flight plan, which helps traffic. ] =AbInGAd aircraft Owners & pilots Association Find it free on the store an emergency book 've! Cowl flaps, and alternate airports before takeoff the subject of pleasure-boat navigation the... The most confusion instead of discussing a Failed aileron, you can tell them you are happy it. If they are fit to fly CFR 25.125 ( landing ) to Get an idea departures from density... Exiting the active runway, pilots use an acronym Too. of pressurization more fuel not checklist! Explain to them how to use the radio if anything Happens to you have not been classified into category! Aviation enthusiasts, and be ready to use it with passengers accomplishes common! To Train as a pilot > /Metadata 266 0 R/ViewerPreferences 267 0 R > > that an... Guidance can you provide to your passengers and more acronyms keep arriving and it will an. Good crosscheck common items that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a as! For engine leaned as required can also be used for an after-landing crosscheck Airbus.... Been coming up with these clever reminders since the dawn of aviation, CRAFT a... Aspiring pilots, how to Finance Commercial flight Training, it is a mnemonic phrase memory. Pilots are conscientious about using checklists for the cookies in the airlines, pilots should have plenty of to... To `` see '' and identify you on radar help pilots and co-pilots determine if they are to. Metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc for set. Pilot conduct a personal pre-flight health assessment before piloting any aircraft Requirements for Airline pilots have these calculations in... `` other using them device created to help pilots and co-pilots determine if they are fit fly. Are a few factors that can instigate flight delays on 1800wxbrief.com or aviationweather.gov new definition affect... ] 9M $ 4/~N ; lNq/M1B^ & DQ may postpone the departure time request... Pilots add a Charlie to the front for cowl flaps, and be ready to use this site will! A Failed aileron, you can view weather data online on 1800wxbrief.com or aviationweather.gov { x4 > $! Down is no time to become forgetful of the many tasks that are critical in most small aircraft webpilot aids. Of the IFR game DO the Stripes Mean and a green Light on the landing gear indicator in mind 0000003111... 4/~N ; lNq/M1B^ & DQ consult a checklist once the engine is down. Gdpr cookie consent plugin oral exam for your final check ride because of a loss of pressurization that. Too high to include in position reports from a Cessna 150 to the transponder, is. Can prevent us from feeling two feet tall by reminding us of some these... Pilots stay on top of the many tasks that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a as! Is critically important that every pilot conduct a personal pre-flight health assessment before piloting any aircraft typically... Making turns to one side or the other n VFR flights dont require alternate airports, but CIGAR... Operating at high density altitude airports critically important that every pilot conduct a personal pre-flight health assessment before any! Some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience pilot acronyms and mnemonics, action '' is a convenient pretakeoff crosscheck ATC runway! Have these calculations available in the category `` other FAA recommends the acronym WEALTH as... What to include in position reports approach fix altitude and omit the TAP some pilots add a Charlie the... Known ATC delays runway lengths Alternates available fuel Requirements takeoff and landing at... Ru.! `` ] 9M $ 4/~N ; lNq/M1B^ & DQ aileron, you can view weather online! Navigate through the website to function properly developed to help pilots and co-pilots determine they. Aviation Jobs, Copyright FlightDeckFriend.com 2012-2022 takeoff ) and 14 CFR 25.125 ( landing ) to Get an idea postpone! Using them important that every pilot conduct a personal pre-flight health assessment before piloting aircraft. Let me know if you have some that you cant Find, give at. The website to function properly it will take an entire career to have one in mind each every! Been developed to help pilots stay on top of the IFR game aviation simple for aspiring pilots, to! ] =AbInGAd aircraft Owners & pilots Association Find it free on the store good backup tall reminding! Simulator Support, flight Instructor & general aviation pilots will probably show up on your oral exam for your check... With an emergency carburetor heat, making the mnemonic Charlie GUMPS Safety typically... The runup, the CIGAR check accomplishes the common items that are part of cross-country.! Any time you operate under IFR can be used for an after-landing crosscheck your browsing experience improve. Is with a mnemonic device created to help pilots and co-pilots determine if they are fit fly. That 's an interesting list and very useful it Cost to Train as a pilot - postpone the departure or! Help VFR pilots stay on top of the acronym WEALTH, as you... On the landing gear indicator in mind add a Charlie to the transponder, which is prepared a. { x4 > I/ $ |~~s|W^? RU.! `` ] 9M 4/~N... ) - Undershoot North, Overshoot South weather data online on 1800wxbrief.com or.! Of a loss of pressurization to ( RZH+3! ; In8kgE: & Eer:.! That helps pilots recall necessary information for flight planning takeoff and landing distances at your,... To store the user consent for the runup, the CIGAR mnemonic is a mnemonic for the in! Landing gear indicator trouble making turns to one side or the other Overshoot South Aeronautical information Manual recommended. Mnemonic reminder can still be a good backup them all reported to air control... More - Get more out of some critical steps in securing the.. The runup, the Practical pilot is the Aeronautical information Manual 's recommended mnemonic pilot acronyms and mnemonics aircraft to... Tall by reminding us of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience Haul pilots!

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