Understanding Aviation Terms and Acronyms

Used when there is an aircraft issue that delays flying. Reasons for an AOG include maintenance, repairs, and necessary crew changes. AOGs can also occur if an inspection is not completed on time. Safety is the top priority. 

This acronym is a memory aid that represents the five documents legally required for an aircraft to fly. 

• Airworthiness certificate – Certifies that a jet is safe to fly. 
• Radio station license – Authorizes the aircraft crew to operate the jet’s radio communications equipment. 
• Registration certificate – Identifies the jet’s ownership and shows proof of registration. This certificate is valid for seven years. 
• Operation limitations – Lists the operating limitations of each aircraft, including weight and balance limits. 
• Weight and balance data – Includes the weight and position of each passenger, which is especially important when chartering private aircraft. 

A private terminal where travelers go to board their charter flights. Private flyers can arrive just minutes before takeoff. Traveling through a fixed-base operator allows private flyers to bypass long security checkpoints and busy terminals. One can board a private charter and be seated within moments of stepping on board. Before flying, travelers can enjoy complimentary amenities like refreshments, magazines, and food.

The FBO may also include an MRO (Maintenance Repair Operation), where private jets are serviced, maintained, and refueled.   

There are three purposes for a ferry flight; 1. To return an aircraft to base. 2. To deliver an aircraft from one location to another. 3. To move an aircraft to and from a 

maintenance base.  

Implemented to control air traffic volume when projected high traffic demand is expected to exceed the airport’s acceptance rate for a long period of time. This usually occurs due to the airport’s acceptance rate being reduced for reasons like low ceilings/visibility or runway construction.

Unusual, unexpected, or extenuating circumstances causing a scheduled flight delay or cancellation affecting airports, airlines, and passengers. These issues range from extreme weather to rerouted flights and unexpected maintenance needs.  

To help mitigate the problems caused by IROPs, organizations like XO have teams working day and night to coordinate recovery flights so passengers can get to their destinations with the shortest possible delay.    

The registration number on a US-registered plane. The letter N is the letter used internationally to identify a US plane (commonly referred to as the tail number) and was designated by the International Air Navigation Convention in 1919. 

The number assigned to an aircraft by the government for identification purposes. It must be displayed on the aircraft’s exterior so it is visible and listed on the aircraft’s Certificate of Registration. 

Landing practice runs where aircraft don’t make a full stop after a landing but proceed immediately to another take-off.

An aircraft with a jet engine where the jet’s energy operates a turbine that drives the propeller.

A term for Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), also known as Greenwich Mean Time. All flight plans use Zulu Time.

XO offers access to one of the most extensive fleets in the industry, including the unrivaled global Vista Members’ fleet, featuring super midsize to ultra-long-range aircraft, Gulfstream, Bombardier Challenger, and Bombardier Global jets, including the game-changing Global 7500. 

XO can always provide the perfect plane for your chosen destination. Aviation experts and client services teams can be reached around the clock in all time zones to guide your choices and individually tailor each flight experience.  

Booking through XO is flexible, efficient, and immediate with no required ownership or long-term commitment. Membership offers additional benefits.