Reference
Aviation glossary
Concise definitions for aviation terminology — from METAR and NOTAM to aerodynamics and airline operations. Search directly or scan alphabetically.
B
Back Side of the Power CurveA flight regime below an aircraft's most efficient speed where decreasing airspeed requires increasing power rather than less, reversing the normal speed-power relationship. Baggage Belt LoaderA motorized conveyor belt mounted on a mobile vehicle that transfers luggage and cargo between the airport ramp and an aircraft's cargo hold. Baggage Handling SystemAn integrated network of conveyor belts, scanners, and automated equipment that tracks and routes checked baggage from check-in through security screening, sorting, and loading onto aircraft using barcode or RFID tags. Bank AngleBank angle is the angle between an aircraft's wings and the horizontal horizon during a turn. It controls turn rate and load factor, with greater angles producing tighter turns and higher g-forces. Belly CargoBelly cargo is freight loaded into the lower cargo hold of a passenger aircraft, utilizing unused space beneath the cabin floor to generate additional revenue for airlines. Bernoulli's PrincipleBernoulli's Principle states that as the speed of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases. In aviation, this relationship explains how wings generate lift by accelerating airflow over a curved upper surface. Best-Angle-of-Climb SpeedBest-angle-of-climb speed (Vx) is the airspeed at which an aircraft gains the most altitude over the shortest horizontal distance, used primarily for obstacle clearance after takeoff. Best-Rate-of-Climb SpeedBest-rate-of-climb speed (Vy) is the airspeed at which an aircraft gains the most altitude per minute. It represents the point where available power exceeds required power by the greatest margin. Bleed AirBleed air is hot, high-pressure air extracted from a jet engine's compressor and routed to aircraft systems like cabin pressurization, air conditioning, and anti-ice protection. Bypass RatioThe ratio of air bypassing a jet engine's core to air passing through it. Higher bypass ratios produce quieter, more fuel-efficient engines typical of commercial aircraft.
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