Plain English Meaning

It is the official list of the words pilots and controllers use when talking to each other, so everyone means the same thing when they say it.

Full Definition

An FAA-published reference that defines the standard words, phrases, and terms used in communications between pilots and air traffic controllers. It establishes the common vocabulary used in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), FAA orders, and ATC procedures so that both sides of a radio exchange interpret terms the same way.

Context Anchor

You will see it cited in FAA handbooks when a term used in communication or procedures needs an exact, standard meaning.

Derivation

“Glossary” comes from an old Greek word for “tongue” or “language,” and later came to mean a list that explains or difficult words. That because many -looking words have exact meanings when pilots and controllers use them.