What does "zulu time" refer to in aviation?

"Zulu time" in aviation refers to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This standard time reference is crucial for ensuring consistency and coordination across various time zones worldwide, especially in aviation where accurate timing and coordination are vital for flight operations.

Using UTC eliminates confusion that can arise from local time differences and Daylight Saving Time adjustments, providing a uniform time standard that all aviation professionals can rely upon. This is particularly important for flight planning, air traffic control, and communication among pilots and crews operating in different regions. The military also uses the term "Zulu" to represent UTC, as "Z" is the designated letter for this time zone.

This time standard helps to simplify and streamline the scheduling and operation of flights globally, avoiding the potential for errors that might occur due to varying local times.