MAN PORTABLE AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS (MANPADS)

MANPADS are lightweight, shoulder-launched, missile systems used to bring down aircraft and create mass casualties. Terrorists choose MANPADS because the weapons are low cost, highly mobile, require minimal set-up time, and are easy to use and maintain. Although the weapons have limited range, and their accuracy is affected by poor visibility and adverse weather, they can be fired from anywhere on land or from boats where there is unrestricted visibility to the target.

Listed in the Pilot/Controller Glossary as a cross-reference to MAN PORTABLE AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS (MANPADS), whose text is shown above.

Source FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary↗ · checked 2026-08-25