Reference
Aviation glossary
Concise definitions for aviation terminology — from METAR and NOTAM to aerodynamics and airline operations. Search directly or scan alphabetically.
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Advection FogAdvection fog forms when warm, moist air moves horizontally over a cooler surface, cooling to its dew point and condensing into fog. Unlike radiation fog, it requires wind and can persist throughout the day. Adverse YawAdverse yaw is an undesired rotation of the aircraft's nose away from the intended turn direction, caused by the drag imbalance created when ailerons deflect during a turn. Aerodynamic StallAn aerodynamic stall occurs when a wing's angle of attack exceeds its critical value, causing airflow to separate from the upper surface and lift to drop sharply. It can happen at any speed and in any aircraft attitude. AFM/POHThe Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) and Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) are manufacturer-approved documents containing performance data, limitations, and procedures required to operate a specific aircraft safely and legally. AileronAilerons are movable control surfaces on aircraft wings that control roll. The pilot deflects them to bank the aircraft left or right, with each aileron moving in the opposite direction to create differential lift. Air MassA large body of air with roughly uniform temperature and humidity that forms when air stagnates over a region long enough to adopt that area's surface characteristics. Air Traffic ControlAir Traffic Control (ATC) is a ground-based service that directs aircraft movement and maintains safe separation in the air and on airport surfaces through radar, radio communication, and standardized procedures. Air Traffic Control RestrictionAn Air Traffic Control restriction is a mandatory directive issued by air traffic management to manage safe and efficient flow of aircraft through airspace. These restrictions delay, reroute, or ground flights independently of airline decisions. Aircraft Control SurfaceA control surface is a movable panel on an aircraft's wings or tail that deflects into the airflow to change aerodynamic forces and control the aircraft's attitude, roll, pitch, or yaw. Aircraft EngineeringAircraft engineering is the discipline of designing, building, and maintaining aircraft by integrating aerodynamics, structures, materials, and systems to meet safety and regulatory standards. Aircraft MonetizationAircraft monetization is the practice of generating revenue from an aircraft beyond carrying fare-paying passengers, such as through leasing, maintenance services, crew supply, or cargo operations. Aircraft SwapThe substitution of one aircraft for another on a scheduled flight due to mechanical issues, maintenance requirements, or operational disruptions. The replacement must meet certification, capacity, and range requirements. Aircraft TurnaroundAircraft turnaround is the ground process of preparing an aircraft for its next flight, encompassing all tasks from arrival at the gate to pushback departure. Aircraft UtilizationAircraft utilization measures the number of flight hours an aircraft operates within a given time period, typically expressed as block hours per day. It reflects how efficiently an aircraft generates revenue and is a key efficiency metric in... Airflow SeparationAirflow separation is the detachment of smooth air from a wing's surface, causing flow to become turbulent. It occurs when the angle of attack exceeds the wing's capability to maintain attached flow, resulting in a stall. AirfoilAn airfoil is any surface shaped to generate lift when air flows over it. Wings, propeller blades, and rotor blades are common airfoils used in aircraft. Airline AllianceA formal agreement between two or more airlines to coordinate operations, share routes, and link frequent flyer programs, allowing passengers to earn and redeem miles across all partner carriers on a single journey. Airline connectivityAirline connectivity is the ability of an airline's route network to connect passengers between city pairs via direct flights or one or more connecting airports through hubs. Airline Network ModelsStrategic frameworks airlines use to organize routes and connect passengers across their service area. The three core models are hub-and-spoke, point-to-point, and hybrid networks. AIRMETAn aviation weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service warning pilots of moderate weather hazards such as turbulence, icing, and instrument flight conditions that may affect general aviation operations. Airport codeAn airport code is a short alphanumeric identifier assigned to an airport for use in aviation systems. Two systems are in active use: IATA codes (three letters) for ticketing and baggage, and ICAO codes (four characters) for flight planning and... Airport SlotAn airport slot is a scheduled permission for an airline to use a specific runway or gate at a defined date and time, allocated by airports where capacity is constrained. Airside OperationsAirside operations encompasses all airport activity in the restricted zone beyond the security boundary, where aircraft move, park, and are serviced on runways, taxiways, and aprons. AirspeedAirspeed is the speed of an aircraft relative to the surrounding air mass. It is measured by a pitot-static system and serves as the primary reference for aircraft performance, control, and safety. Alliance partnerAn airline that has formally joined a global alliance, giving its passengers coordinated access to shared routes, frequent flyer programs, and airport lounges across member carriers. Altimeter SettingThe barometric pressure value a pilot sets in an altimeter to correct for local atmospheric conditions and ensure accurate altitude readings above mean sea level. Ancillary RevenueAncillary revenue is income airlines earn from sources beyond the base ticket price, including baggage fees, seat selection charges, travel insurance, and loyalty program sales. Angle of AttackThe angle of attack is the angle between a wing's chord line and the oncoming airflow. It determines how much lift a wing generates and is critical to understanding stalls. Anti-Ice SystemsAnti-ice systems prevent ice formation on critical aircraft surfaces by maintaining heat through bleed air, electrical elements, or glycol fluid, working proactively before ice can accumulate. Approach PlateA standardized chart that provides pilots with all navigation data, altitudes, frequencies, and procedures needed to fly a specific instrument approach to a runway. ApronThe apron is the paved surface area at an airport where aircraft park, load and unload cargo, refuel, and receive maintenance between flights. ArmArm is the horizontal distance in inches from an aircraft's datum to a specific location, used to calculate weight and balance by determining the moment (turning force) of loaded items. ATCAir Traffic Control (ATC) is the ground-based service that guides and separates aircraft in the air and on the ground to maintain safety and efficiency in controlled airspace. AutolandAutoland is an automated flight control system that guides an aircraft through approach, flare, and touchdown without pilot input, enabling operations in extremely low visibility conditions. Award FlightAn award flight is a ticket booked using frequent flyer miles or points from a loyalty program instead of cash. Airlines set the miles required and control which seats are available for award redemptions.
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