Glossary

This glossary contains information on terms, phrases and abbreviations used by the Aviation industry. While this list does not include all aviation terminology, it is the purpose of this glossary to aid the general viewer in better understanding aviation terms as it pertains to content on this website. A full list of aviation terminology can be found here.
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N

Nacelle

A streamlined enclosure on an aircraft in which an engine is mounted. On multiengine propeller-driven airplanes, the nacelle is normally mounted on the leading edge of the wing.

NACG.

See National Aeronautical Charting Group.

NAS

See National Airspace System.

National Aeronautical Charting Group (NACG).

A Federal agency operating under the FAA, responsible for publishing charts such as the terminal procedures and en route charts.

National Airspace System (NAS).

The common network of United States airspace—air navigation facilities, equipment and services, airports or landing areas; aeronautical charts, information and services; rules, regulations and procedures, technical information; and manpower and material.

National Route Program (NRP).

A set of rules and procedures designed to increase the flexibility of user flight planning within published guidelines.

National Security Area (NSA).

Areas consisting of airspace of defined vertical and lateral dimensions established at locations where there is a requirement for increased security and safety of ground facilities. Pilots are requested to voluntarily avoid flying through the depicted NSA. When it is necessary to provide a greater level of security and safety, flight in NSAs may be temporarily prohibited. Regulatory prohibitions are disseminated via NOTAMs.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

A United States Government independent organization responsible for investigations of accidents involving aviation, highways, waterways, pipelines, and railroads in the United States. NTSB is charged by congress to investigate every civil aviation accident in the United States.

NAV/COM.

Navigation and communication radio.

NAVAID.

Navigational aid.

NDB.

See nondirectional radio beacon.

Negative static stability.

The initial tendency of an aircraft to continue away from the original state of equilibrium after being disturbed.

Neutral static stability.

The initial tendency of an aircraft to remain in a new condition after its equilibrium has been disturbed.

NM.

Nautical mile.

NOAA.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.