What is the primary purpose of using Zulu time in aviation?

The primary purpose of using Zulu time, or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), in aviation is to standardize time across different time zones. This standardization is crucial in aviation because flights often operate across multiple time zones, and having a common reference time, such as Zulu time, helps ensure clear communication and coordination among pilots, air traffic control, and other aviation entities.

Using a standardized time format helps to avoid confusion that could arise from differences in local time. For example, if one flight operates on Eastern Standard Time and another on Pacific Standard Time, it would become complicated to manage schedules and operations without a consistent reference. By utilizing Zulu time, everyone involved in aviation can synchronize their operations effectively, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and reducing the risk of errors related to time calculations.