Questions tagged [terminology]
For questions about words, phrases and definitions that are specific to aviation or used in a different way in aviation.
251
questions
1
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1answer
94 views
What date and time definition is used for the second leg of a flight?
Let's take flight BA0015, from London to Syndney, via Singapore.
This is data from FlightStats.
The first leg has this data:
...
1
vote
2answers
132 views
What is the real difference between aerospace and aeronautical?
I see people using these two words interchangeably. But I feel there is a huge difference between the both.
1
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6answers
172 views
Why is a reduction in lift called 'drag'?
Induced drag is high pressure air 'leaking' to the upper part of the wing (low pressure zone) creating a vortex which means the area of the wing tip with the vortex can't create lift. Drag on the ...
3
votes
5answers
250 views
Is (L/D)max achieved at a specific speed or AOA?
I'm little bit confused about the (L/D)max.
So I've read this blog: https://joeclarksblog.com/?p=4155
and the author shows this graph:
So if I understand it ...
4
votes
3answers
350 views
Cockpit vs Flight Deck?
Is there a distinction between a cockpit and a flight deck on an aircraft, or are the terms interchangeable?
Boeing refers to the flight deck The new Flight-Deck Displays and Airbus refers to the ...
3
votes
1answer
85 views
Term to differentiate between a flight and a flight instance?
What's a term to differentiate between a flight schedule (QF 72) and a particular instance of that flight schedule (QF 72 departing on July 25)?
For example, I might ask "Which flight are you taking"...
2
votes
1answer
83 views
What does “Controlling Object” mean in FAA documentation?
I was examining FAA's legacy files, which contain information for various airspace elements, and I noticed that there is a field in the airport layout file called "Controlling Object", for both base ...
2
votes
2answers
138 views
What is the difference between an engine “shut down”, “cut-off” and “cut down”?
Explain please for non-native speakers the difference between these engine (jet or piston) terms:
shut down
cut-off
cut down
I'm studying at a civil aviation university to become a pilot and a ...
1
vote
2answers
113 views
What exactly rotates along the lateral axis? Is 'rotate' mathematically correct?
Researching the etymology of 'rotate' (that OED lacks!), I chanced on Anas Maaz's Quora answer:
What many does not know is 'rotate' is just not a fancy word, but it involves a real physical ...
2
votes
1answer
122 views
What is an “aeronautically qualified witness”?
Many older NTSB AARs, in their history-of-flight-and/or-accident-sequence sections, make mention of observations by an “aeronautically qualified witness” or witnesses, without any further explanation ...
-1
votes
2answers
109 views
How can we define that an Engine or Airplane is ETOPS compliance?
What is the process for obtaining ETOPS certification for an engine or aircraft?
2
votes
2answers
128 views
What do compressor/turbine stages mean, and why we need a different number of stages?
I am new to aviation. I realize that LP (Low Pressure) and HP (High Pressure) compressors/turbines have a various number of stages.
What do stages mean?
What is the reason to have a different number ...
13
votes
1answer
1k views
Is GOCE a satellite or aircraft?
This vessel (GOCE) is in orbit and maneuvers by using air similar to a plane to create lift and turn. The solar powered ion thrusters powers it continuously inside the atmosphere for years. Is this ...
0
votes
2answers
322 views
Why is there conflicting nomenclature for the 1,000 ft runway markings?
The two thick solid lines on runways at 1,000 ft from the end of the threshold are called "fixed-distance markers" in some documentation, and in others, it is called the "touchdown zone marker".
Are ...
4
votes
1answer
183 views
Do 'threshold' and 'end of the runway' mean the same thing?
While I studied aviation, I got confused by these two words.
Can anybody explain whether they're the same or not, and if not, what is the difference?
1
vote
1answer
91 views
What's the difference between 'modification' and 'corrective action' in an AD or SB?
For example Modification of an airplane in accordance with the instructions of the specific SB as specified in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable...
0
votes
1answer
78 views
Can we use ECI coordinates for an airplane?
It is taught for navigation systems (like an airplane) on Earth we us ECEF (earth-centered, earth-fixed) and for space systems (like a satellite) we use ECI (earth-centered inertial). But why is ECEF ...
0
votes
1answer
157 views
What is the meaning of AFT in airworthiness directives?
What is the meaning of AFT in airworthiness directives?
1
vote
1answer
95 views
What is the meaning of “regular pitch” when applied to a propeller?
I am looking at parameters of a propeller that looks like this:
3 blade xx inch diameter (regular pitch)
What does "regular pitch" mean?
3
votes
1answer
75 views
Is the “PROB” in a TAF only applying to the next group or all following ones?
Let's assume I have a TAF that reads:
[...]
PROB40
TEMPO 0815/0822 5000 -SHSN BKN008 OVC015
TEMPO 0822/0909 1000 SN VV003
BECMG 0902/0904 16012KT
Which of the <...
0
votes
1answer
131 views
What is the name for a flap that increases the wing's area but not its camber?
Flaps are high-lift devices mounted to the rear portion of an aircraft's wing.
Some types of flaps increase lift by increasing the wing's camber, or, at least, that of its lower surface (plain flaps, ...
12
votes
6answers
3k views
What is Density Altitude?
I'm trying to get a deep understanding of the term: Density Altitude.
So I have read the explanations in my instruction book, and online articles.
One source explained it differently then the other ...
16
votes
2answers
5k views
What does it mean to “firewall” an aircraft engine?
I (think) I understand what a firewall is (at least, in a single engine aircraft where the engine is at the front of the fuselage), but what does it mean "to firewall" an aircraft's engines, as ...
1
vote
1answer
1k views
What are ARTCC, RCO and FSS and what are differences?
I am confusing what ARTCC, RCO and FSS. and also what do they do?
Do they control air traffic by communicating with pilots?
Also, do they offer WX information in air born?
22
votes
5answers
10k views
What exactly do “captain”, “pilot”, “co-pilot” and “first officer” mean?
I know the co-pilot sits beside the pilot. But it's not clear for me, who is the captain and who is the first officer?
And where they are sitting during the flight? Who is in right seat and who is in ...
3
votes
2answers
783 views
What is a “sidestep landing” in an instrument approach?
I have never seen a sidestep landing on an approach plate. What is a sidestep landing and when I can chose this approach?
3
votes
2answers
158 views
Why are waypoints not named uniquely?
Waypoint names are not unique. Why ?
This is unnecessary (it would be possible to use unique names only).
It introduces potential for confusion.
So why are duplicate waypoint names permissible and ...
1
vote
1answer
142 views
What is an “unsafe airline”? [closed]
Question:
Is there any internationally accepted definition for what an "unsafe airline" is based on objective criteria (e.g. fatalities per million passengers) ?
Or is there an international standard ...
4
votes
2answers
323 views
What is a “natural flight loop”?
I'm roughly (edit: very well) familiar with flight simulation, but recently I came across a new term. In this brochure (scroll to the second page) by Airbus about flight simulators, they talk about
...
5
votes
1answer
3k views
Are QDM and QDR the same as 'inbound' and 'outbound' courses?
I'm about to take my last test to join an airline: the simulator. I've been told they ask to perform some QDR/QDM interceptions, as well as radial ones.
About QDM/QDR:
QDM: Magnetic course from the ...
6
votes
1answer
1k views
What is the difference between redundancy and fault tolerance?
What is the difference between redundancy and fault tolerance in the context of aviation ?
1
vote
1answer
181 views
Why is it common to speak of “Concorde” rather than “the Concorde”?
Suppose you researching a book on the history of Boeing B-17.
Suppose you researching a book on the history of the Boeing B-17.
Which of those sentences sounds more complete and correct?
OK, so ...
27
votes
2answers
7k views
What is a rubber engine?
I hear it a lot in engine design , I think that belongs to some phase about we can change the engine parameters according to requirements but I am not sure about it.
2
votes
1answer
78 views
What do “azimuth window” and “compass switch” refer to in this accident report?
I recently read the accident report on BEA 548, but I'm unsure of some technical terms used on p. 4 of the report (p. 14 of the linked PDF):
Apart from the probability that in the particular ...
13
votes
3answers
2k views
What does “out of trim” mean?
Our flight was delayed from takeoff because the captain reported it to be "out of trim". What does this mean?
10
votes
1answer
274 views
In the United States, are ultralights legally considered aircraft?
I sometimes hear it stated that in the United States, ultralight vehicles are not legally considered to be aircraft. For example, Wikipedia used to state:
In the United States ultralights are ...
0
votes
1answer
60 views
Is the National Aviation Authority the same as the Civil Aviation Authority?
Are the NAA (National aviation authority) and the CAA (Civil aviation authority) the same organisation? According Wikipedia it looks like they are the same organisation.
1
vote
1answer
1k views
What is the difference between microburst and windshear?
When I read about these weather phenomena, I find that both of them depict the same thing, and have the same actions to avoid. So why are they differentiated?
http://www.myairlineflight.com/windshear....
5
votes
1answer
646 views
What is the meaning of HOT-1, HOT-2, CAM, etc., in cockpit voice recorder transcripts?
When reading the the written down recordings of CVR like here, for instance, it is common to see abbreviations like HOT-1, HOT-2 or CAM. I guess that CVR records multiple channels and the codes ...
3
votes
1answer
475 views
What are the fins near the tail of a helicopter called?
My young sons are very enthusiastic about helicopters and I am repeatedly asked to name parts of their model aircraft. I would like to do so correctly, but my research has not always given definitive ...
1
vote
1answer
63 views
How to call a cartesian (END) coordinate system, that is referenced in surrounding air?
I'm looking for the correct/usual terminology for a coordinate system, that is moving with the wind.
I do calculations in a Cartesian East-North-Down (END) system. When taking wind into account I'd ...
1
vote
1answer
236 views
What are the radius of containment (Rc) and horizontal protection limit (HPL) and how are they related to Type Code?
In ICAO Document 9871 (Technical Provisions for Mode S Services and Extended Squitter) page 30 they have mentioned it in the form of a table. But they haven't explained HPL and Rc in detail.
1
vote
1answer
129 views
AN-hedral or Cath-hedral? [closed]
We normally hear of wing geometry with dihedral. Most commonly, when speaking of a wing with negative dihedral, we hear the term anhedral. As I recall the prefix "an" indicates "without". On a few ...
1
vote
3answers
1k views
Definition of “Rotation Speed” vs “Lift Off Speed” vs “Fly Off Speed”
Is rotation speed and lift-off speed ever used interchangeably? (AMENDED Question) Is lift off speed and fly off speed the same? (See supplemental info below)
I thought I clearly understood the ...
2
votes
2answers
1k views
Why bother tracking TSN after an overhaul?
I've noticed that mechanics often like to keep track of "time-since-new" (TSN) on components that have already been overhauled. What would TSN matter when the component is tracked by TSO for ...
13
votes
4answers
3k views
What is the official term for a gas / petrol station for planes?
I'm talking specifically about small airports where they don't have the fancy equipment and they actually have to go to a specific place to refuel for example cars go to gas station / petrol station ...
1
vote
1answer
254 views
What is a CRM and what does it stand for? [duplicate]
I've always wanted to ask a pilot what a CRM was. Of course, I didn't really get lots of chances to ask pilots, no I thought of just asking here. What is a CRM and what does it stand for?
3
votes
0answers
186 views
Are the terms “Aircraft Version” and “Aircraft Variant” synonyms?
Related to the answer of the following question:
How are evolution and variants of aircraft considered by certification authorities?
Are the terms "Aircraft Version" and "Aircraft Variant" synonyms? ...
7
votes
2answers
361 views
What does “leave clear on its left” mean in UK regulations relating to collision avoidance on non-runway landings?
This doesn't seem to be plain English, could someone explain this with a simple example for me please? I'm not sure what 'Leave clear on it's left' means, and it's not clear whether the subject of the ...
10
votes
1answer
2k views
Is the term “guinea pig” defined in the Pilot/Controller Glossary?
Is the term "guinea pig" now or was it previously defined in the Pilot/Controller Glossary?
If it's not defined in the Pilot/Controller Glossary, maybe it's in some other publication.
I was flying ...
