Questions tagged [terminology]
For questions about words, phrases and definitions that are specific to aviation or used in a different way in aviation.
305
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3answers
4k views
What is the purpose of classifying fighters?
Fighters are classified by generation, as explained in this answer. Given this Wikipedia sum up, some fighters are not clearly in a defined generation, especially for 4th generation subclasses. Thus ...
9
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3answers
2k views
What does “Raven” [phonetic] means when used by ATC?
What is the meaning of "Raven" [phonetic] heard in use at Reagan National Airport? Most recently heard: The ATC will say "proceed direct raven" or "direct raven maintain" whatever altitude; or "...
3
votes
6answers
985 views
Is there a more specific term than 'flight line' for straight lines flown during flight?
I work for a small software startup, where its just my boss and I. Prior to this job, I had no experience with aircraft. We have a client that uses our software to fly a pattern over an area, where ...
4
votes
5answers
251 views
Is there a proper term to use when you're referring to the total number of people on an aircraft, including both the passengers and crew/pilots?
I've found that often when people quote the number of passengers on an aircraft, they exclude the crew/pilots, which they'll provide separately.
Is there a proper term to use when you're referring to ...
9
votes
1answer
4k views
Why does the auto brake panel on an A320 use “lo”, rather than “low”?
Is there a specific reason that Airbus chose to shorten "LOW" to "LO" for the lowest autobrake setting?
Wouldn't it be more consistent to use three letters for each setting?
2
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1answer
66 views
What does “5B3/P” in CFM56-5B3/P mean?
For the CFM56 engine model CFM56-5B3/P, what does "5B3/P" mean?
11
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3answers
3k views
What is the name of the movement which is carried out by plane beginning from the runway and ending at takeoff?
What is the name of the movement which begins after the plane lines up on the runway and takeoff clearance is received, and ends when the plane lifts off from the runway? Is it also called as 'taxiing'...
0
votes
1answer
101 views
Does this web page really correctly depict the angle that is called “incidence” in the French language in the aviation context?
Does this web page really correctly depict the most common usage of the term "incidence" in the French language in the aviation context, in the context of speaking of an entire aircraft and not just ...
0
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1answer
117 views
A question about the exact meaning of one British usage of the term “Angle of Incidence”
This answer to a related question stated:
Most anything can have an angle of attack. If you must be specific,
you mention 'angle of attack of ...'
...
When we talk about airplane as a whole, ...
-1
votes
1answer
67 views
The meaning of “fully paid” [closed]
What is the meaning of "fully paid" in the airline industry? Based on my research it's an adjective and it means "paid for at full face value with no further money due from the stockholder", but I ...
2
votes
3answers
203 views
Is there a standard word or phrase in the English-speaking world to describe the angle between the fuselage and the flight path / relative wind?
Is there a standard word or phrase, or several alternative commonly-used words or phrases, in the English-speaking aviation world to describe the angle between the longitudinal axis of the fuselage, ...
3
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1answer
75 views
How common is it in current British usage for the angle between the chord line of a wing and the flight path to be called the “angle of incidence”?
In American usage, the angle between the chord line of a wing and the flight path is called the "angle of attack". The angle of attack is also represented by the greek letter "alpha". However, some ...
32
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7answers
7k views
What does “Ground loops are costly. Fly them until they stop” mean?
In one of the earliest scenes of William A. Wellman's 1942 film Thunder Birds, a sign can be seen in a room of a USAAF base (some relax or briefing room, apparently), which says:
Ground loops are ...
10
votes
3answers
4k views
What is the piece that covers the top part of tires?
I would like to know the name and the usefulness of this piece that covers the top of the tire of some planes, such as some Cessnas.
3
votes
1answer
201 views
What is the term for an aileron that’s also used as a ground spoiler?
Ailerons and spoilers1 have a considerable amount in common; both are wing-mounted panels, hinged at their leading edges, that move up and/or down to alter the aircraft’s aerodynamic characteristics. ...
8
votes
4answers
3k views
What exactly is a “coordinated” turn?
I am wondering what turn coordination really means and what makes a turn uncoordinated?
I know that when the turn is coordinated, there is no slip and skid, an aircraft is flying a perfect circle ...
0
votes
1answer
76 views
What is the meaning of “transition area” as used by the FAA? Has the meaning changed over time since the term was introduced?
What is the meaning of "transition area" as used by the FAA? Does it currently have a specific meaning? Does the FAA still use the term at all? Has the meaning changed over time since the term was ...
23
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1answer
14k views
What does “Boeing” mean?
We know about the existence of Boeing planes like the 737, 747, and other planes. But where did the name "Boeing" come from?
1
vote
1answer
115 views
Does the phrase “.78/280/250” have a standard meaning to an airline pilot, in the context of a long descent?
Does the phrase ".78/280/250" have a standard meaning to an airline pilot, in the context of a long descent?
Specific context-- the table in this answer-- Is the descent performance of the PMDG 737-...
13
votes
1answer
1k views
What is an airliner's “green dot speed”, and how does it vary with weight, and why?
A related question told us, quoting from an Airbus performance manual,
Green dot speed (minimum gradient) is a function of weight.
Comments under the question stated that the "green dot speed" ...
1
vote
2answers
189 views
How do STOVL and V/STOL aircraft differ?
Wikipedia's page for STOVL begins with
A short take-off and vertical landing aircraft (STOVL aircraft) is a fixed-wing aircraft that is able to take off from a short runway (or take off vertically ...
11
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4answers
5k views
What is an aircraft magneto?
I know that magnetos are related to the engine and that on many planes, they are used to start the engine. But what exactly do they do in the engine?
2
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2answers
91 views
“Gross” and “net” planned runway length for the Haifa airport
My city's mayor was just boasting on how she'd gotten an approval for an airport runway of length "2100 m gross, 1900 m net length", and that this would be enough to connect the city - Haifa - to hubs ...
1
vote
2answers
110 views
What is the difference between Review and Analysis in DO-178C?
In the context of DO-178C, what is the difference between review and analysis of the outputs of the software development processes?
Are they both the same?
26
votes
7answers
7k views
At what point does an aircraft become an airliner?
For me, the term 'airliner' conjures up an image of a passenger jet that is capable of hosting a large number of passengers¹ but I'm finding it difficult to source a reputable definition or etymology ...
0
votes
3answers
281 views
What's the meaning of “the break is a level” in a recovery operation of an aircraft carrier?
The break is a level, 180° turn made at 800 feet (240 m), descending to 600 feet (180 m) when established downwind. Landing gear/flaps are lowered, and landing checks are completed.
(source: wikimili....
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vote
4answers
229 views
What is “company compensation fuel” and “pad fuel”?
I tried to find the definition of these fuels but I could't.
Does anyone know about company compensation fuel or pad fuel?
In which document can I find the definition of these fuels?
3
votes
1answer
214 views
What does “mission mixing” mean for long-range aircraft?
I know very little, like long-range aircraft will be used for short-range and medium-range operations. But what is the purpose of using them like that? Also I want to get complete details of "mission ...
8
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3answers
3k views
What does it mean when autoland is fail passive / fail operational?
The below explanation is what I've got from the internet about fail passive and fail operational:
Fail operational - Where you have 3 autopilots engaged, such that any single failure will result in ...
1
vote
2answers
267 views
What does “short parked” mean?
Recently, when flying (as a passenger of a regular flight) from Stockholm/Arlanda, there was quite a long bus ride from the gate to the aircraft, because the latter was "short parked", according to ...
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vote
0answers
59 views
What does “representative sample engine” mean for an overhaul extension?
If the PT6 turbo prop engine is required for an extension for overhauling due to operational reasons, the manual has to be searched if the extension is feasible for the company. The company states ...
5
votes
1answer
165 views
What is “scintillation” and are “qualified pilots” aware of it?
This answer to Has great eyesight been necessary for astronomers? mentions Astronomer Jocelyn Bell Burnell's recounting of a likely first visual observation of a pulsar. This can be found for example ...
0
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1answer
104 views
Launch control equivalent while take-off
What is the proper term used when the plane is stopped and the engine is ramped up and after a certain thrust is reached, it suddenly starts off with a jerk.
1
vote
3answers
127 views
Does it make sense to say an aircraft has an attitude of 3° or that it has a flight position of 3°?
I am trying to translate an aircraft manual, and there is a diagram showing what the HUD would look like given a "posición de vuelo de 3°".
The diagram is captioned in Spanish as "vuelo horizontal a ...
3
votes
1answer
200 views
What does it mean when an aircraft engine is de-paired?
What does it mean when an aircraft engine is de-paired? e.g. the PW1000g engines being de-paired because of issues in the LPT or the Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines due to excessive corrosion on some ...
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vote
0answers
75 views
What is the difference between flight watch and home reserve?
Can anyone explain the difference between 'flight watch' and 'home reserve' with regards to flight and duty periods.
This is in regards to a charter operation, where crew members are on standby at ...
2
votes
1answer
117 views
Are the “centerbody”, “fan hub frame”, and “intermediate case” all the same thing or separate parts?
I'm curious about the frames & cases at the front of an engine. I've seen OEMs call them the centerbody, fan hub frame, and intermediate case. Are these all the same thing or are these each a ...
0
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4answers
212 views
Is falling a mode of flying? [closed]
I frequently observe people arguing (on this very web site) about the question if falling is a mode of flying or not. It appears to me that the majority of people have a strong opinion that it is not.
...
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3answers
179 views
Is “wingman” strictly a military term?
Does it have to be a potential combat situation for a pilot flying on another's wing to be called a wingman. If two aircraft are being flown in formation to a destination simply for the purpose of ...
2
votes
2answers
146 views
In the modern aviation context, is the word “supercharger” generally assumed to mean a gear-driven system rather than an exhaust-driven system?
In the modern aviation context, is the word "supercharger" generally assumed to mean a gear-driven system rather than an exhaust-driven system?
At one time the word "supercharger" often was used to ...
4
votes
1answer
128 views
Is the “wing area” of a biplane the projected area or the total area?
When you specify the wing area of a biplane, do you specify the planform area (the projected area) or do you specify the effective area of both the wings?
0
votes
1answer
744 views
What is the difference between an aileron and a flap?
I have already been searching Google for the difference between an aileron and a flap, but I am not much satisfied, so now I am asking here on SE.
What is the difference between an aileron and flap? ...
0
votes
1answer
234 views
What does pre/post modification mean in Airbus MPD?
What is the difference between POST MOD (with partial mod i.e SXXXX) and PRE MOD (with partial mod) in the applicability column of an Airbus MPD (Maintenance Planning Document)?
3
votes
1answer
181 views
What does “wraparound” mean in the context of flight controls?
In the references regarding the flight control (for example in F-16) I see the word "wraparound". For example "Rudder coil wraparound", "IBU pitch wraparound", "IBU lateral wraparound"or "AMUX bus ...
11
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2answers
2k views
Why are Krueger flaps called flaps and not slats?
I always thought that flaps are trailing edge high lift devices and slats are leading edge high lift devices. This is also confirmed by the accepted answer for What is the difference between flaps and ...
0
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2answers
219 views
Is there a specific aviation term for suicide by pilot?
CFIT, controlled flight into terrain, refers to an aircraft being unintentionally flown into the ground.
Is there any term specific for suicide by pilot? CFIT would not apply to that situation.
2
votes
2answers
156 views
Does “nose dive” have a technical aviation meaning?
I've usually heard the term 'nose dive' used in a metaphorical sense -- "Wow, your stock portfolio is really in a nose dive!"
Does it have any legitimate aviation meaning?
More specifically, is it ...
2
votes
1answer
210 views
What's the difference between a “flight line” and a “tarmac”?
I was at a conference where there was a discussion on ontology for assets. There were two classification trees, one for assets on the flight line and one for assets on the tarmac.
What is the nuance ...
0
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3answers
397 views
What is the area between the taxiway and runway shown in the picture below?
Is this the Arresting area? I'm not too sure what you call this area
7
votes
1answer
345 views
Why do we commonly use a “/” in acronyms in aviation world?
In non-aviation world, separation between letters in acronyms is either nothing (e.g. URL) or a point (e.g. A.M.). But in the aviation world, the "/" is common (e.g. G/S, V/S).
I'm puzzled as:
some ...
