Plain English Meaning

Short letter codes that stand for airports and navigation points, used everywhere in flight planning and ATC instead of writing out the full name.

Full Definition

Three- or four-character codes assigned by the FAA (and ICAO internationally) to identify airports, navigation aids, and other fixed points used in flight planning, ATC communications, weather reports, and route descriptions. Examples include KORD for Chicago O'Hare, BUM for the Butler VOR, and KDEN for Denver International.

Context Anchor

Seen in preferred IFR route listings, flight plans, charts, and FAA route descriptions where a route must name exact airports or points.