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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Wake TurbulenceWake turbulence is the invisible aerodynamic disturbance trailing behind an aircraft in flight, most dangerously manifested as counter-rotating vortices shed from wingtips that can roll a following aircraft out of control. Warm FrontA warm front is a boundary where advancing warm air gradually rises over retreating cooler air, producing widespread clouds and precipitation hundreds of miles ahead of the surface boundary. WeathervaningWeathervaning is the tendency of an aircraft to yaw its nose into the wind during ground operations, caused by crosswind pressure on the vertical tail rotating the aircraft about its main landing gear as a pivot point. WeightWeight is the downward force that gravity exerts on an aircraft and everything inside it, acting through the center of gravity and directly opposing lift. Wet LeaseA wet lease is an aircraft leasing agreement where the lessor provides the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance as a complete package, with the lessor retaining operational control. Widebody aircraftA widebody aircraft is a large commercial airliner with a fuselage wide enough to accommodate two passenger aisles side by side, typically carrying 250 or more passengers on long-haul or high-capacity routes. Wind ComponentWind component is the portion of wind acting along a specific direction relative to an aircraft or runway, resolved into headwind, crosswind, or tailwind using trigonometry. Wind ShearWind shear is a sudden change in wind speed, direction, or both over a short distance. It occurs vertically or horizontally and is especially dangerous at low altitudes during takeoff and landing. Wind VectorA wind vector is a mathematical representation combining wind speed and direction into a single value. Pilots use wind vectors to calculate headwind and crosswind components for accurate navigation, fuel planning, and flight control. Window Stress DistributionWindow stress distribution describes how mechanical forces from pressurized cabin air spread across an aircraft window, frame, and surrounding fuselage structure. Shape and corner radius determine stress flow and fatigue risk. Wingtip VortexA spinning tube of air that trails behind an aircraft's wingtip during flight, formed when high-pressure air beneath the wing curls around the tip into the low-pressure region above. Wingtip VorticesSpinning columns of air that trail behind an aircraft's wingtips during flight, formed when high-pressure air beneath the wing curls around the tip to meet lower-pressure air above. They create induced drag and pose a wake turbulence hazard to...
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