Aeronautical Code signals


The Aeronautical Code signals are radio signal codes. They are part of a larger set of Q Codes allocated by the ITU-R. The QAA–QNZ code range includes phrases applicable primarily to the aeronautical service, as defined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
First defined in ICAO publication "Doc 6100-COM/504/1" in 1948 and in "ICAO Procedures for Air Navigation Services, Abbreviations and Codes " , the majority of the Q codes have slipped out of common use; for example today reports such as QAU and QAZ would be voice or computerized transmissions. But several remain part of the standard ICAO radiotelephony phraseology in aviation.
CodeMeaningSample use
QFEAtmospheric pressure at a specified datum such as airfield runway threshold. When set, the altimeter reads the height above the specified datum.Runway in use 22 Left, QFE 990 millibars
QFFAtmospheric pressure at a place, reduced to MSL using the actual temperature at the time of observation as the mean temperature.
QNEIndicated altitude at the landing runway threshold when 1013.25 hPa or 29.92 inHg is set as altimeter setting.
QNHAtmospheric pressure at mean sea level. When set on the altimeter it reads altitude.Request Leeds QNH

CodeMeaningSample use
QDMMagnetic bearing to a station request QDM
QDLSeries of bearings taken at regular intervals
QDRMagnetic bearing from a station request QDR
QFUMagnetic bearing of the runway in useRunway 22 in use, QFU 220
QGEDistance
QGHControlled Descent through Clouds
QTETrue bearing/track from a station request QTE
QTFPosition in relation to a point of reference or in latitude and longitude
QUJTrue bearing/track to a station

CodeMeaningSample use
QGHcontroller-interpreted DF let-down procedure, on UHF or VHF