GEN 2. TABLES AND CODES

GEN 2.1 Measuring System, Time System, and Aircraft Markings

  1. Units of Measurement
    1. The following table identifies the units of measurement that have been selected for use in messages transmitted by all U.S. aeronautical stations, in the U.S. AIP, NOTAM dissemination, and other publications.
  2. Time System
    1. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is used in the Air Traffic and Communication services provided and in most documents published by the Aeronautical Information Services.
    2. When local mean time is used, it will be so indicated as local standard time (LST). See FIG GEN 2.1-1 for a depiction of the standard time zones within the continental U.S.
  3. Geodetic Reference Datum
    1. All published geographic coordinates indicating latitude and longitude are expressed in terms of the World Geodetic System - 1984 (WGS-84) geodetic reference datum.
  4. Nationality and Registration Marks
    1. The nationality mark for the aircraft registered in the U.S. is the letter N, followed by a series of numbers or a series of numbers and letters.

      TBL GEN 2.1-1

      For Measurements of:

      Units used:

      Distance used in navigation, position reporting, etc. - generally in excess of 2 to 3 nautical miles

      Nautical miles and tenths

      Relatively short distances such as those relating to aerodrome (e.g., runway lengths)

      Feet

      Altitudes, elevations and heights

      Feet

      Horizontal speed, including wind speed

      Knots

      Vertical speed

      Feet per minute

      Wind direction for landing and taking off

      Degrees magnetic

      Wind direction except for landing and taking off

      Degrees true

      Visibility, including runway visual

      Statute miles or feet

      Altimeter Setting

      Inches of mercury

      Temperature

      Degrees Fahrenheit

      Weight

      Pounds

      Time

      Hours and minutes, the day of 24 hours beginning at midnight Coordinated Universal Time

      FIG GEN 2.1-1

      A graphic depicting the standard time zones within the continental U.S.