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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Radiation FogRadiation fog forms overnight when the ground loses heat rapidly and cools the air above it until water vapor condenses into tiny droplets. It requires calm winds, clear skies, and high humidity. Rate of ClimbRate of climb is the speed at which an aircraft gains altitude, measured in feet per minute (fpm). It depends on excess engine power and is heavily affected by density altitude. Rate of Climb LimiterAn automatic system that prevents an aircraft from climbing faster than a set maximum vertical speed, protecting the airframe and pressurization systems from excessive ascent rates. Reduction GearboxA mechanical transmission system in turboprop engines that reduces the turbine shaft's high rotational speed (20,000-40,000 RPM) to the slower speed a propeller needs (1,000-3,000 RPM) for efficient thrust production. Relative WindRelative wind is the airflow that an aircraft experiences as it moves through the atmosphere, flowing opposite and parallel to the aircraft's flight path. It is the reference direction for measuring angle of attack and determining lift. Revenue ManagementRevenue management is the airline practice of using data and algorithms to adjust ticket prices and control seat inventory in real time to maximize total flight revenue. RFID TagAn RFID tag is a small electronic chip that stores identification data and transmits it wirelessly to a reader. In aviation, airlines attach these tags to baggage to track luggage automatically through handling and sorting without requiring a... Richardson NumberA dimensionless ratio comparing atmospheric stability to wind shear at a given altitude. Values below 0.25 indicate that wind shear overcomes stability and turbulence develops. Rime iceRime ice is a rough, opaque ice deposit that forms when supercooled water droplets freeze instantly on an aircraft's surface. It appears white and milky due to trapped air and typically forms in stratiform clouds at temperatures between -10°C and... RollRoll is rotation of an aircraft around its longitudinal axis, controlled by ailerons to tilt one wing up and the other down during turns and maneuvers. Rotation SpeedThe airspeed at which a pilot pulls back on the controls during takeoff to raise the nose and increase the wing's angle of attack, generating enough lift for the aircraft to leave the ground. RudderThe rudder is a movable control surface on the vertical tail fin that controls yaw, the aircraft's rotation around its vertical axis. Pilots operate it with foot pedals to coordinate turns and maintain directional control. RunwayA runway is a defined rectangular surface at an airport prepared for aircraft takeoff and landing. Runways are oriented to align with prevailing winds and numbered by magnetic heading. Runway IncursionA runway incursion is any unauthorized or incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on a protected runway surface. It is one of the most dangerous hazards in aviation and a leading cause of collisions and fatal accidents. Runway Visual RangeRunway Visual Range (RVR) is the maximum distance a pilot can see runway lights or markings from the touchdown zone, measured in feet by transmissometer instruments and used as the official visibility standard for low-visibility landings.
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