Definition
A device that is used, or intended to be used, for flight in the air. In FAA documents, charts, and notices, A/C is the standard shorthand for aircraft.
Plain English
A/C is just a short way of writing 'aircraft' in FAA paperwork, charts, and notices.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA abbreviation lists, maintenance notes, checklists, and short aviation messages where space is limited.
Derivation
A simple letter-based shorthand: 'A' from air and 'C' from craft. The slash is used to make clear it stands for two parts of one word, and to distinguish it from other two-letter codes.
Why Pilots Care
A/C appears constantly in NOTAMs and written advisories. Recognizing it instantly keeps you reading without stumbling over abbreviations.
Intuition Check
Do not read A/C as “airplane” only. In aviation use, aircraft can include several kinds of flying vehicles, such as helicopters and gliders.
Example Sentence 1
Example Sentence 2
ATC issued a clearance for the A/C to taxi to the active runway.