RPAS Operations Acronyms Guide

Did you know that in RPAS operations, a PIC can also act as a VO to maintain VLOS, but requires an SFOC to fly BVLOS? 

Are all those acronyms making your head spin?

There are a LOT of acronyms in drone operations which is why we put together this handy guide to keep you in the loop, no FOMO here!

A AGL: Above Ground Level
ASL: Above Sea Level
ATC: Air Traffic Control

B
BVLOS: Beyond Visual Line Of Sight

C
CARs: Canadian Aviation Regulation
CFS: Canadian Flight Supplement

F
FC: Flight Controllers

L
LOS: Line of Sight

N
NM: Nautical Mile
NOTAM: Notice To Airmen

P
PIC: Pilot In Command

R
RPA: Remotely Piloted Aircraft
RPAS: Remotely Piloted Aircraft System

S
SFOC: Special Flight Operations Certificate

U
UAS: Unmanned Aircraft System
UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

V
VLOS: Visual Line Of Sight
VO: Visual Observer

These are just a few of the many acronyms present in the drone and aviation world. Without getting too technical, this list should leave you feeling confident to spark a conversation with a professional in the industry, or, at the very least, understand what they are talking about. ;)

Happy (and safe) flying!