Definition
CONUS refers to the 48 contiguous states of the United States plus the District of Columbia. It excludes Alaska, Hawaii, and all U.S. territories. The term is used in aviation publications, weather products, NOTAMs, and military and ATC communications to specify operations or coverage limited to the lower 48 states.
Plain English
The lower 48 states. Alaska, Hawaii, and territories like Puerto Rico and Guam are not part of CONUS.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA handbooks, NOTAM contractions, weather products, flight planning information, and policy notes that say where something applies.
Derivation
Formed from CONtinental U.S. Although Alaska is geographically on the North American continent, CONUS by convention excludes it. The term came from U.S. military usage, where a clear distinction was needed between forces and operations in the lower 48 versus those in Alaska, Hawaii, and overseas territories.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots reference CONUS to confirm which regulations, airspace procedures, and weather services apply versus those for Alaska, Hawaii, or international areas.
Intuition Check
Do not read “continental” as “every U.S. place on the continent.” In this usage, CONUS means the adjoining lower 48 states plus Washington, D.C., not Alaska or Hawaii.
Example Sentence 1
The new advisory applies to all CONUS airports but does not affect operations in Alaska or Hawaii.
Example Sentence 2
Preflight weather checks focused on CONUS conditions for the entire trip.