Pictorial representation is not as easy as one might think.
Each NOTAM has a centre and radius of influence at the end of the Q Line which should describe the smallest circle capable of containing the activity. A common RAF flight refuelling exercise involves flying up and down the east coast of the UK. Which means that the circle covers most of the FIR. So if you were operating off the east coast and looking at a map of your route it's quite on the cards that neither the centre nor any part of circumference of the plotted activity would appear on the chart of your route. Years ago there was a fatal CFIT in high ground in South Wales. The NAV was found tuned in to the Lands End VOR, no reason why not, the a/c was within its operational coverage, however it was NOTAMMED as out of service. How do you pictorially represent that something well away from your intended route might affect your flight?
Abbreviations are part of the language of aviation and convey a precise meaning. So as a landing aid we have a Precision Approach Path Indicator. That in itself is an abbreviation, a name used for a precisely defined piece of kit. It's abbreviated to PAPI and everyone should understand what it means. A list of the abbreviations used on AIS publications is in GEN 2.2 of every ICAO state's AIP as well as in ICAO 8400. Since the Chicago Convention allows national differences GEN 2.2 is more precise because it includes abbreviations used by that state's AIS that may not be included in ICAO 8400.
While it's true that in aviation we have a lot of TLA's (three letter acronyms!) the use of jargon is certainly not exclusive to us. In the UK the meaning of Zebra Crossing is clearly understood by all motorists but it would have an entirely different meaning in Africa and would be greeted by incomprehension in the US. The overwhelming need for standardisation of terminology in international aviation was recognised many years ago. It is a huge contributor to safety.
Last edited by Mike Cross; 8th Jul 2013 at 06:01.