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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Glaze iceGlaze ice is a smooth, dense, and transparent layer of ice that forms when supercooled water freezes slowly on an aircraft surface. It is one of the most dangerous icing types because it adds significant weight and disrupts airfoil shape while... Graphical Turbulence GuidanceGraphical Turbulence Guidance is a computer-generated forecast product that predicts clear-air turbulence probability and intensity at specific altitudes by analyzing jet streams, wind shear, and other atmospheric conditions. Gravity WavesGravity waves are oscillating ripples in the atmosphere that form when stable air is displaced vertically and buoyancy restores it to equilibrium. They commonly develop over terrain obstacles and can produce severe turbulence at flight levels. Ground ControlGround Control is the ATC service that directs all aircraft and vehicle movement on airport surfaces, including taxiways, aprons, and ramps, up to the edge of active runways. Ground EffectGround effect is an aerodynamic phenomenon that occurs when an aircraft flies within a height roughly equal to its wingspan above the surface, reducing induced drag and increasing lift. This causes the aircraft to float and alters control... Ground HandlingGround handling comprises all support services provided to an aircraft while parked between landing and departure, including fueling, baggage loading, towing, and pre-flight inspections. Ground OperationsGround operations are all coordinated activities on an airport's surface between flights, including fueling, catering, baggage handling, servicing, and pushback of the aircraft. Ground StopA ground stop is a traffic management order that prevents departing aircraft from proceeding to a specific destination or airspace when that airport or airspace cannot safely handle additional traffic.
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