Aviation Glossary - Q

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Q-code - system developed when air-to ground communication was by wireless telegraphy, enabling many routine phrases and questions to be reduced to three letters. Now largely redundant, except these:

QDM - magnetic bearing to a direction-finding station.
QDR - magnetic bearing from the station.
QFE - atmospheric pressure at aerodrome elevation. With its sub-scale set to the aerodrome QFE an altimeter will indicate height above that airfield.
QFU - magnetic orientation of runway in use.
QNE - reading in feet on an altimeter set to 1013.2 millibars (standard pressure) when the aircraft is at aerodrome elevation.
QNH - altitude above mean sea level based on local station pressure.
QTE - true line of position from a direction-finding station.
QUJ - true bearing

QFI - Qualified Flying Instructor. Also QHI, qualified helicopter instructor.

Quadrantal Rule - system of cruising altitudes used in UK uncontrolled airspace below FL250.