Drone terms and acronyms to be familiar with.

If you’re studying for your 107 exam or just regularly operate drones, here are some terms to be familiar with!

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UA: UNMANNED AIRCRAFT

An unmanned aircraft is exactly as it sounds – an aircraft that can fly without carrying any people on

board, including the pilot. This generally encompasses all types of unmanned aircraft.

UAS: UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM

Another name for UA. Although, this may mean the entire “system”, to include all sensors and other

systems aboard the aircraft.

SUAS: SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM

Generally, this is a UAS that is larger than 0.55 lbs but is less than 55.00 lbs.

UAV: UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

Another term for UAS

DRONE

Another term for UAS, although some consider this to be the less official “street” term for UAS.

VFR: VISUAL FLIGHT RULES

VFR is generally used in manned aircraft aviation to describe the type of operations or set of “rules”

that a pilot is flying under. Visual flight rules mean that the pilot is primarily looking outside of the

aircraft to avoid other aircraft and navigate the sky. He is flying “visually”.

IFR: INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES

IFR, like VFR, is a set of rules that a pilot is operating the aircraft under. Under IFR, the pilot is flying

primarily using his or her instruments, not by looking outside the aircraft. Under these instances,

the aircraft must be on a pre-determined IFR flight plan with the FAA. The air traffic controllers are

responsible for telling the pilot how high, how fast, and which direction to fly in order to not hit other

aircraft.

FAA: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

The FAA is the government agency that regulates the airspace over the United States.

VLOS: VISUAL LINE OF SIGHT

VLOS refers to being able to see something with your own eyes. This is generally in reference to

being able to see your drone and its position at all times.

PIC: PILOT IN COMMAND

The PIC is the final say and bears the final responsibility for safe flight operations.

NAS: NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM

The NAS generally refers to the airspace over the United States

VO: VISUAL OBSERVER

The VO assists the pilot of a drone in avoiding obstacles and other aircraft.

AGL - Above ground level.

MSL - Mean sea level.

TFR - Temporary flight restriction.