Drone acronyms are everywhere—this glossary helps you quickly decode them for safer, smarter drone operations.
A–D
E–O
- EASA
- EFB
- EFT
- eID
- EO
- EOD
- EO/IR
- ELINT
- EMI
- ESC
- ESM
- EVLOS
- eVTOLs
- FAA
- FCC
- FCS
- FHSS
- FICCI
- FLIR
- FOB
- FOC
- FOCA
- FOV
- FPS
- FPV
- FRIA
- FRZ
- GBDAA
- GCP
- GCS
- GDPR
- GEO
- GEOID
- GML
- GNSS
- GPS
- GSD
- GVC
- HDR
- HS
- HOGE
- IACRA
- ICAO
- ICS
- IED
- IFOV
- IMU
- INS
- IR
- ISA
- ISR
- ITU
- JARUS
- LAAMS
- LAANC
- LAATM
- LAI
- LAS
- LBA
- LEO
- LIDAR
- LOA
- LoRa
- LoRaWAN
- LOS
- LSALT
- LTE
- LWIR
- MAC
- MAVLink
- MEO
- MIMO
- MLIT
- MMS
- MS
- MSL
- MTF
- MTOM
- MTOW
- MWIR
- NDAA
- NCSL
- NFZ
- NIST
- NMEA
- NOTAM
- NPA
- NPRM
- NTIA
- OBIA
- OEM
- OFDM
- OGI
- OOP
- OSD
P–Z
- PAS
- PASM
- PAV
- PCV
- PdM
- PEC
- PIC
- PID
- PIPL
- PIR
- PLD
- PM
- PN
- PPP
- PPK
- PPS
- PSL
- PSM
- PTZ
- PWM
- PX4
- RAIM
- RAM
- RCC
- RCS
- RED
- ReOC
- RePL
- RFI
- RFID
- RID
- RMS
- ROC
- ROI
- RPAS
- RPAAS
- RPC
- RTCM
- RTH
- RTN
- RTK
- SADL
- SaR
- SAR
- SARP
- SATCOM
- SBAS
- S.Bus
- SBIR
- SDR
- SEDENA
- SfM
- SFOC
- SIGINT
- SLAM
- SMS
- SNR
- SOP
- SOPMOD
- SORA
- SSR
- STANAG
- STTR
- STK
- sUAS
- TCAS
- TCCA
- TIN
- TIRS
- TLM
- TOF
- TP
- TPS
- TSA
- TSO
- TTP
- UAM
- UAOP
- UAS
- UASTM
- UAV
- UAVM
- UCAVs
- UHD
- UHF
- UUV
- UWB
- USV
- UTM
- VHF
- VLOS
- VSAT
- VTOL
- WAAS
- WMS
How the Drone Acronyms Directory Works
Use the search bar below to quickly find the acronym you’re looking for. Type any part of the acronym, and the list below will automatically filter in real-time. Each term links to a full definition page, helping you understand its meaning, usage, and relevance to the drone ecosystem.
Why Drone Acronyms Matter
The drone industry is full of abbreviations that represent critical technologies, safety protocols, and regulatory concepts. Understanding them is essential when you’re:
- Studying for a basic or advanced RPAS license
- Reading compliance materials or manufacturer manuals
- Working in drone mapping, thermal inspections, or BVLOS operations
- Evaluating drone specs, payloads, and software tools
- Communicating with clients, regulators, or team members
Knowing your acronyms can be the difference between a safe, legal flight — and a costly mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drone Acronyms
How current is this list?
We actively maintain and expand the glossary as new drone acronyms are introduced in the field.
Can I suggest a missing acronym?
Yes — scroll down and use the Contact Us link to submit a new term. We’ll add it after review.
Is this helpful for drone exam preparation?
Definitely. This glossary includes many acronyms found on RPAS exams, making it a strong study resource.
For examples of these acronyms visit our Industries page.