CRM - Crew Resource Management: A systematic approach to managing human resources in aviation operations, focusing on communication, situational awareness, decision-making, and teamwork to enhance safety and efficiency.

sUAS - Small Unmanned Aircraft System: A system that includes the unmanned aircraft (drone), the control system, and any other associated equipment necessary for its operation.

RPIC - Remote Pilot in Command: The person directly responsible for the operation of the drone and its compliance with all applicable regulations.

VLOS - Visual Line of Sight: The requirement that the drone must remain within the visual line of sight of the pilot or a designated visual observer at all times during operation.

VO - Visual Observer: A team member who assists the remote pilot by maintaining visual line of sight with the drone and alerting the pilot to any potential hazards.

MTOW - Maximum Takeoff Weight: The maximum allowable weight of the drone, including its payload, at which it can safely take off and operate.

CG - Center of Gravity: The point on the drone where its weight is evenly distributed in all directions, crucial for maintaining stable flight.

TAF - Terminal Aerodrome Forecast: A weather forecast, typically for a 24 to 30-hour period, specifically prepared for airports, providing information on expected weather conditions.

METAR - Meteorological Aerodrome Report: A routine weather observation provided by airports, offering a snapshot of current weather conditions, including wind, visibility, and cloud cover.

MSL - Mean Sea Level: A standard reference for altitude measurements, used to define the height of objects in relation to the average sea level.

AGL - Above Ground Level: A measure of altitude or height of an object relative to the ground level directly beneath it.

NOTAM - Notice to Airmen: A notice issued by aviation authorities to alert pilots of potential hazards along a flight route or at a location that could affect the safety of the flight.

LAANC - Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability: An FAA program that automates the process of obtaining authorization to fly in controlled airspace, providing near real-time airspace authorizations.

FAA - Federal Aviation Administration: The United States government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S., including drone operations.

BVLOS - Beyond Visual Line of Sight: A type of drone operation where the aircraft is flown beyond the pilot’s direct visual line of sight, typically requiring special authorization due to increased risks.

RTH - Return to Home: An automated feature in drones that allows the aircraft to return to a predefined location (usually the takeoff point) when triggered by the pilot or in case of signal loss.

SUA - Special Use Airspace: Airspace designated for specific activities that may pose a risk to other airspace users, such as military operations, requiring special awareness or permissions for entry.

ATC - Air Traffic Control: A service operated by ground-based controllers who coordinate the movement of aircraft in the air and on the ground to ensure safe operations.

MOA - Military Operations Area: Airspace designated for military training activities, where non-participating aircraft should exercise caution due to potential hazardous activities.

CFA - Controlled Firing Area: Areas where activities hazardous to aircraft are conducted; operations in CFAs are suspended when non-participating aircraft are detected.

ADS-B - Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast: A technology used for tracking aircraft positions by broadcasting location data via GPS; increasingly being integrated into drones for enhanced situational awareness.

ATO - Air Traffic Organization: A part of the FAA responsible for managing the national airspace system, including air traffic control.

C2 - Command and Control: Refers to the communication link between the drone and the ground control station, which allows the pilot to control the drone and receive telemetry data.

COA - Certificate of Waiver or Authorization: A document issued by the FAA that allows for certain drone operations that would otherwise be restricted, such as flying in controlled airspace or beyond visual line of sight.

CONOPs - Concept of Operations: A document that describes how a drone operation will be conducted, including the objectives, procedures, and safety measures.

CPDLC - Controller Pilot Data Link Communications: A method of communication between air traffic controllers and pilots using data link rather than voice communication; applicable in some advanced UAS operations.

DAA - Detect and Avoid: A system or technology that allows a drone to detect other aircraft or obstacles and take evasive action to avoid collisions.

EPIRB - Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon: A device used to transmit a distress signal, typically used in manned aviation but can also be applied in large UAS operations.

FPV - First-Person View: A method of controlling a drone using a live video feed from the drone's camera, providing the pilot with a view as if they were on board the aircraft.

FRZ - Flight Restriction Zone: A designated area around sensitive locations, such as airports or military bases, where drone operations are restricted or prohibited.

GCS - Ground Control Station: The ground-based equipment used to control a drone, including the control interface, communication systems, and monitoring equipment.

GNSS - Global Navigation Satellite System: A general term for satellite systems that provide geo-spatial positioning (e.g., GPS, GLONASS), which drones use for navigation.

ISR - Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance: Refers to the use of drones for gathering information and conducting surveillance operations, often in military or law enforcement contexts.

LOA - Letter of Agreement: A formal agreement between the FAA and a drone operator that outlines specific operational parameters and conditions for certain UAS activities.

LOS - Line of Sight: Refers to the direct visual path between the drone and the pilot or between the drone and a communication antenna.

NAS - National Airspace System: The network of U.S. airspace, air navigation facilities, and associated services and rules, within which all aircraft, including drones, operate.

PIC - Pilot in Command: The person responsible for the safe operation of an aircraft or drone during a flight.

PPS - Precise Positioning Service: A highly accurate form of GPS signal used by the military, which can also be applied in some high-precision drone operations.

RAIM - Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring: A technology used in GPS systems to detect errors in satellite signals, ensuring the accuracy of the drone’s positioning data.

RF - Radio Frequency: The electromagnetic waves used for communication between the drone and the ground control station, as well as for remote sensing and data transmission.

ROZ - Restricted Operating Zone: An area where drone operations are restricted, often established for safety or security reasons during specific events or activities.

RPA - Remotely Piloted Aircraft: Another term for a drone, emphasizing that it is piloted remotely rather than autonomously.

RTL - Return to Launch: An automated feature in drones that allows the aircraft to return to its launch point if communication is lost or the battery is low.

SAR - Search and Rescue: Operations that use drones to locate and assist people in distress, typically in difficult-to-reach or dangerous environments.

SFOC - Special Flight Operations Certificate: A certificate required in some countries (e.g., Canada) for conducting certain drone operations that exceed standard regulatory limits.

SIGMET - Significant Meteorological Information: Weather advisories issued by meteorological authorities to warn pilots of potentially hazardous weather conditions, relevant for both manned and unmanned aircraft.

SUA - Special Use Airspace: Airspace designated for specific activities that may pose a risk to other airspace users, such as military operations, requiring special awareness or permissions for entry.

TFR - Temporary Flight Restriction: A temporary restriction of flight activities in a specific area, often imposed for security reasons, VIP movements, or disaster response, and relevant for drone operators.

UAV - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: Another term for a drone, referring specifically to the aircraft itself, without necessarily including the control systems or other associated equipment.

UTM - Unmanned Traffic Management: A system designed to manage the safe and efficient movement of drones in low-altitude airspace, particularly in densely populated or urban areas.

VFR - Visual Flight Rules: A set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going, applicable to drone operations under certain conditions.

VHF - Very High Frequency: A portion of the radio frequency spectrum used for communication between aircraft and air traffic control, as well as for navigation and other aviation-related communications.

VMC - Visual Meteorological Conditions: Weather conditions that are generally clear enough for a pilot to operate an aircraft under VFR, without relying on instruments.

VTOL - Vertical Takeoff and Landing: Refers to aircraft, including drones, that can take off and land vertically, making them versatile for operations in confined spaces.