Guide to the abbreviations used for drones
A recent analysis of the keywords used by users on the net, has highlighted that there are high volumes of research regarding acronyms such as Ap, Sapr, Apr, UAS, UAV used for drones. The purpose of this article is to provide a quick guide to the meaning of each of them and their use.
Arp or APR?
Users, in trying to extricate themselves from the abbreviations of the drones, often incorrectly type the abbreviation being searched. A frequent case is that of the acronym APR, which is confused with Arp in 2491 searches.
From Ap to UAV – Meaning of all abbreviations
All abbreviations are in alphabetical order. For each acronym (acronym) the meaning is provided and explained in which area it is used.
A
Ap > AirPlane
Acronym was used to identify a fixed-wing drone (APR).The acronym was used in the old version of the ENAC LIC15, and was used to identify a type of license (pilot certificate), precisely for fixed-wing drones. The term was used in combination with piloting classes VL, L and H. Thus, for example, a pilot with certificate, VL/Ap, was therefore enabled to fly a fixed-wing drone with an Operational Take-off Mass (MOD) , between 300 gr. and 4 Kg. This classification is no longer in use.
APR > Remote Piloted Aircraf
Used to identify only the aircraft, or the drone, not its accessory components such as the radio control, the Ground station, etc. The term APR is used by ENAC to identify the drone (UAV) only.
As > Aerostate
Acronym used to identify airships. The airship is composed of a casing filled with light gases and propellers for movement. The acronym was in use in the old version of the ENAC LIC15, and was used to identify a type of license (pilot certificate), precisely for aerostats.
H
Hc > HeliCopter
Used to identify helicopters (model aircraft). In this case the flight is ensured by the combined action of the rotors (main and tail). The acronym was in use in the old version of the ENAC LIC15, and was used to identify a type of license (pilot certificate), precisely for helicopters.
M
Mc > MultiCopter
Aacronym that identifies the APR, or the drone as it is understood today. In the drone the propellers (which are also the wings), ensure the lift, or the flight of the drone. The acronym was used in the old version of the ENAC LIC15, and was used to identify a type of license (pilot certificate), precisely for drones with rotors. The term was used in combination with piloting classes VL, L, and H. Thus a pilot holding a L/Mc license was therefore enabled to fly a multicopter, with an Operational Take-off Mass (MOD), between 4 Kg. And 25 Kg. This classification is no longer in use.
R
RPAS > Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
It is an English acronym and means remote controlled aero system.
S
SAPR > Remote Piloting System
Is the set of the APR and the “components” – drone, remote control, Ground station, pilot, co-pilot/observer, etc. – which together constitute the system and define it. The term SAPR is used by ENAC to identify drones and related control systems.
U
UAS > Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Indicates an integrated unmanned aerial system. The term therefore applies to drones and its control device. This term under European legislation is used to refer to drones.
UAV > Unmanned Aerial Veichle
is the English acronym used to indicate an unmanned aircraft, or the drone. Under the European drone legislation the term is no longer in use and has been replaced by the term UAS.
Where do the acronyms used for drones come from?
The acronyms in use for the drones mentioned in this post, mainly derive from the regulations that the drone industry.
With reference to the ENAC regulation on drones, valid in Italy, are commonly used terms:
- APR, SAPR, Ap, As, Hc, Mc, mentioned both in the “Remote Pilot Aircraft Regulation” – Ed.3 of 11 November 2019 ,
- in the ENAC ATM-09 Circular “Remote piloted aircraft – Criteria for the use of airspace,
- which Circular LIC15 of 9 June 2016.
The acronyms RPAS, UAS, UAV, on the other hand, originate from both the drone industry and the European drone legislation.
Insights
For further information, we recommend reading the following 4mydrone Blog articles:
· Remotely piloted aircraft or UAV?
· Drones-UAVs – Definitions and acronyms for orientation
· Ap, Hc, Mc, As: LIC15-ENAC drone acronyms
· APR Pilot, SAPR Operator and Client
· European EASA Drones Regulation – Catg. Open
· European EASA Drones Regulation – Catg. Specific
· EASA Regulation – Standard scenarios updates and new classes C5 and C6
Note regarding the images: The post highlighted image is taken from pixabay.com, it is free for commercial use, without attribution request. The author of the image is Gábor Adonyi, Who is the legitimate owner. The use of images has the exclusive purpose of a better understanding of the contents of the article.
Last Updated on/Ultimo aggiornamento – 28/07/2020
