Airline Carriers Based in the U.S. Key Terms

Take to the skies with the right U.S. airline carriers terminology

Whether you're a pilot, an airline executive or a member of the ground crew, it is imperative that you are familiar with the important terminology associated with the U.S. airline industry. In order to understand all of the rules and regulations that govern the operation of U.S.-based airline carriers, you should familiarize yourself with the following terms.

 

Air Transport Association of America (ATA)

Comprised of the largest airline carriers in the United States, the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) was founded in 1936 and serves to shape the policies and regulations that govern the U.S. airline industry.
Try: Visit the Air Transport Association of America for more information.

Airline Deregulation Act of 1978

The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 marked the privatization of the U.S. airline industry and the end of its governance by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).
Try: AV Jobs provides an explanation of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978.

Passenger facility charge (PFC)

The passenger facility charge is the fee that airports controlled by government agencies are allowed to charge all airline customers in order to fund airport projects approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Try: Learn more about the passenger facility charge from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Code-sharing

Code-sharing refers to the partnership of two or more airline carriers to provide customers with a wider range of travel options. Code-sharing usually allows customers to use earned travel miles and discounts from one airline with its code-sharing partners.
Try: Read about code-sharing at Alaska Airlines.

Certified air carriers

Certified air carriers are airlines that have undergone a certification process by the Federal Aviation Administration and have met the standards of safety and operation set by the Federal Aviation Act of 1958.
Try: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters has more information about certified air carriers.

Minimum equipment list (MEL)

A minimum equipment list (MEL) is a document provided by the FAA that defines the equipment that must be operable before an aircraft can take flight. It also lists the equipment that an aircraft is safely able to fly without.
Try: Visit the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association to learn about minimum equipment lists.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---