Reference
Aviation marketplace glossary.
The terms you need to read a listing, a pre-buy report, or a CompAeros score without the jargon getting in the way.
- NDCI Net Decision Confidence Index
- CompAeros' aggregate confidence score for an aircraft-and-mission pairing — combining mission fit, source confidence, certification status, and total-cost transparency. Higher NDCI means a more defensible buying decision.
- MOSOF Market Operating System for Owner-Flown
- CompAeros' positioning model for the owner-flown segment of the marketplace — covering high-performance pistons, turboprops, and very-light jets where the buyer is also the pilot.
- BVID Barely Visible Impact Damage
- Composite-airframe damage that escapes visual inspection but compromises structural integrity. Detection requires NDI techniques (ultrasonic, thermography, X-ray).
- TBO Time Between Overhauls
- Manufacturer-recommended hours between major engine overhauls. PT6 variants typically run 3,000-4,000 hours; FJ44s 3,500-5,000; piston engines 1,500-2,000.
- ESP Engine Service Program (Honeywell)
- Honeywell's engine maintenance program covering HTF7000, TFE731, and other Honeywell engines. Pro-rated coverage adds 4-8% to resale on the right airframe.
- JSSI Jet Support Services, Inc.
- Third-party engine maintenance program covering multiple OEMs. The most flexible and broadest fleet-coverage option for pre-owned buyers.
- MSP Maintenance Service Plan (Rolls-Royce CorporateCare)
- Rolls-Royce's OEM-backed engine program for BR710, BR725, AE3007 engines and related platforms.
- TAP Pratt & Whitney Eagle Service Plan
- Pratt & Whitney Canada's engine program family for PT6, PW305, PW306 engines.
- MTOW Maximum Take-Off Weight
- The certified maximum weight for take-off. Affects runway requirements, climb performance, payload, and regulatory category.
- ADS-B Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast
- Aircraft position and velocity broadcast for surveillance. ADS-B Out has been mandatory in US controlled airspace since 2020.
- FANS Future Air Navigation System
- Suite of digital communication, navigation, and surveillance systems for oceanic and remote airspace. FANS 1/A is required for North Atlantic Tracks above FL290.
- CPDLC Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications
- Text-based communication between pilots and ATC, replacing voice in many oceanic and high-density en-route environments.
- RVSM Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum
- Reduced vertical separation between aircraft above FL290 (1,000 ft instead of 2,000 ft). Requires RVSM-approved altimetry.
- STC Supplemental Type Certificate
- FAA approval for a major modification to a type-certified aircraft. Verifies that the modification has been engineered, tested, and approved for that airframe.
- AOG Aircraft On Ground
- Status when an aircraft is unable to fly due to mechanical issues. AOG support contracts cover priority parts and labour to return the aircraft to service.