Definition
A shorthand used in aeronautical publications and NOTAMs to indicate either the act of receiving a radio signal or the equipment (a receiver) that picks up that signal. In aviation context, it most often refers to the radio receiver portion of a navigation or communication system, such as a VOR receiver, ILS receiver, or GPS receiver.
Plain English
Short for 'receive' or 'receiver.' It points to either the action of picking up a radio signal or the piece of equipment that does the picking up.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation abbreviation lists, maintenance notes, equipment descriptions, and communication-related entries.
Derivation
From the Latin 'recipere' meaning 'to take back' or 'to take in.' A receiver is simply the device that takes in the signal sent from somewhere else.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots need to know whether an entry is talking about receiving a message or about the radio equipment that receives signals, especially when checking communication equipment or reading short aviation notes.
Intuition Check
Do not read REC as a clearance or command by itself. It is only a shortened way to say receive or receiver; the surrounding words tell you which one is meant.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM stated that the VOR REC was out of service for scheduled maintenance.
Example Sentence 2
Check that the REC is working before attempting to contact approach control.