Definition
The air and space warfare branch of the United States armed forces, responsible for military operations in the air and certain related domains. In the context of FAA publications, USAF appears in references to military airspace, joint-use airfields, military training routes, and procedures developed in cooperation with civil aviation authorities.
Plain English
The U.S. military's air force. In FAA documents it usually shows up when something involves military airfields, military airspace, or rules shared between civilian and military flying.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA acronym lists, procedure notes, charts, and aviation documents when the United States Air Force is the organization involved.
Why Pilots Care
Civil pilots regularly share airspace and sometimes airfields with USAF operations. Knowing when a chart, NOTAM, or procedure references the USAF helps you understand who controls the airspace, what restrictions may apply, and who you may be talking to on the radio.
Example Sentence 1
The approach plate noted that the airfield is jointly operated by the USAF and a civilian airport authority.
Example Sentence 2
Coordination with USAF units was required for the mission.