Check this glossary to understand all the special operations terms and abbreviations used in the SO regulations.
Any mistakes or things missing may be reported to specops@ivao.aero
- AAR - Air-to-Air Refueling: The process of transferring aviation fuel from one military aircraft (the tanker) to another (the receiver) during flight.
- ABM - Air Battle Manager: Personnel responsible for managing air combat operations, including radar surveillance and coordination of fighter aircraft.
- ATC - Air Traffic Control: Service provided by ground-based controllers to guide aircraft during various phases of flight.
- ATIS - Automatic Terminal Information Service: Continuous broadcast of recorded information concerning the arrival and departure procedures at an airport.
- ATP56 - Air-to-Air Refuelling Procedures: Standardized procedures for conducting air-to-air refueling operations, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- AWACS - Airborne Warning and Control System: Aircraft equipped with radar and sensors for detecting and monitoring aircraft, used for surveillance and command functions.
- BS - Bomb Squadron: A formation of aircraft typically bomber type.
- CAS - Close Air Support: A aerial warfare action—often air-to-ground actions such as strafes or airstrikes—by military aircraft against hostile targets in close proximity to friendly forces.
- C-Day – The unnamed day on which a deployment operation begins or is to begin
- DIR - Division Director: Head of an IVAO division responsible for overseeing all activities within the division, including special operations.
- EW - Electronic Warfare: Is a warfare involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum (EM spectrum) or directed energy to control the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede enemy operations.
- FRA - Facility Rating Assignments: A system used to filter the connection to ATC positions by rating. They are set to ensure a minimum level of expertise for the position according to the user rating.
- FOB - Forward operating base: A temporary, secured operational position that supports strategic goals and tactical objectives.
- G-LOC ‐ G-induced Loss of Consciousness: The loss of consciousness by high G-forces, normally known from steep manouvers during turns etc.
- GAT - General Air Traffic: Encompasses all flights conducted in accordance with the rules and procedures of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
- HQ - Headquarters: Central administrative and operational center of IVAO or a specific division.
- ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organisation.
- ICAO SARPs - Standard and Recommended Practices: Standards set by ICAO for international civil aviation, providing guidelines for safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection.
- IVAO: International Virtual Aviation Organisation.
- LOA - Letter of Agreement: Formal document outlining agreed-upon procedures between aviation authorities, agencies, or organizations.
- NOTAM - Notice to Airmen: Notice containing information concerning the establishment, condition, or change in any facility, service, procedure, or hazard in the National Airspace System.
- OAT - Operational Air Traffic: All flights which do not comply with the provisions stated for general air traffic (GAT) and for which rules and procedures have been specified by appropriate national authorities.
- POC - Point of contact. The person you contact about a specific program or assignment.
- SOG - Special Operations Group: Authorized groups within IVAO specializing in conducting special aviation operations, subject to specific rules and privileges.
- SOD - Special Operations Department: Organizational unit within IVAO responsible for overseeing and regulating special operations activities.
- SO-HQ - Special Operations Headquarters: Central administrative body within IVAO overseeing all aspects related to special operations worldwide.
- VID - Virtual Identification: Unique identifier assigned to each member of IVAO, used for tracking and verifying membership.
- WT - World Tour: Global aviation event organized by IVAO World Tour Department, involving multiple legs and various destinations worldwide.