Glossary
Aviation Geography
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
Embed This Widget
Add the script tag and a data attribute to embed this widget.
Embed via iframe for maximum compatibility.
<iframe src="https://airportfyi.com/iframe/glossary/utc/" width="420" height="400" frameborder="0" style="border:0;border-radius:10px;max-width:100%" loading="lazy"></iframe>Paste this URL in WordPress, Medium, or any oEmbed-compatible platform.
https://airportfyi.com/glossary/utc/Add a dynamic SVG badge to your README or docs.
[](https://airportfyi.com/glossary/utc/)Use the native HTML custom element.
Definition
The primary time standard for regulating clocks and aviation worldwide (also called Zulu time)
Related Terms
International Date Line (IDL)
An imaginary line roughly along the 180° meridian where the calendar date changes
Jet Lag
Fatigue and disorientation from rapid travel across multiple time zones
METAR (METAR)
Aviation Routine Weather Report — a standardized format for reporting current weather conditions
Time Zone
A geographic region observing a uniform standard time, typically offset from UTC
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)?
The primary time standard for regulating clocks and aviation worldwide (also called Zulu time)
What does UTC stand for?
UTC stands for Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The primary time standard for regulating clocks and aviation worldwide (also called Zulu time)
How does Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) relate to other aviation concepts?
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is closely related to International Date Line and Jet Lag, among other key aviation concepts.
More in Aviation Geography
Bearing
Continental Airspace
Flight Corridor
Great Circle Distance (GCD)
Hemisphere
International Date Line (IDL)
Kangaroo Route
Knot (kt)
Latitude
Longitude
Magnetic Variation
Nautical Mile (NM)
Oceanic Airspace
Polar Route
Statute Mile (SM)
Time Zone
Transatlantic Route
Transpacific Route
Tropic of Cancer