On this page you will find a searchable and comprehensive alphabetical list of aviation terms. You can help us make it the most comprehensive list in the world. If we have missed anything, click on the ‘send us your word’ button to send us your word, acronym or definition and we will consider adding it to our dictionary.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) defines fatigue as "A physiological state of reduced mental or physical performance capability resulting from sleep loss or extended wakefulness, circadian phase, or workload." In other words, being fatigued can have a serious effect on the outcome of a flight.
The process of changing the pitch of a propeller so that the chord line of the propeller blade is parallel to airflow. This can only be done on an aircraft with a variable pitch propeller.
The position in the aerodrome circuit just prior to landing. This is where the aircraft is in line with the direction of the runway and pointing towards the runway, normally with the intention of landing.
This is a landing conducted without the use of flaps. A procedure conducted during training to simulate how the aircraft would respond in performance during the landing sequence
Are located on the inner portion of the wing by the trailing edge and come in many different forms, but essentially serve two main purposes; create more lift which also creates more drag but reduces the stalling speed which enables the aircraft to fly at slower airspeeds.
A manoeuvre or process where the nose of the aircraft is raised slightly just before touching the runway, which prevents the nose wheel from touching the runway first as well as slowing the rate of descent which helps have a smoother landing if done correctly.
The world’s largest flight tracking data company and provides over 10,000 aircraft operators and service companies as well as over 12,000,000 passengers with global flight tracking solutions. FlightAware leverages data from air traffic control systems in over 55 countries.
A global flight tracking service that provides you with real-time information about thousands of aircraft around the world. Our service is currently available online and for your iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) or Android device.
A device with a circular slide rule used to solve aviation related calculations: fuel, wind, distance, speed, conversions and time plus a number of other problem solving features.
An altitude that uses a specific pressure datum of 1013.2 hPa. When descending, the altimeter is set from 1013.2 to local area QNH. When ascending through the transition level, the altimeter is set to 1013.2 hPa.
A test done in order to gain a pilot licence. This will be done by a certified flight examiner and will usually involve a written test as well as a practical flying test.
Shortened for Aircraft Flight Manual. This is the document which contains all the information regarding the aircraft you are flying and should be familiarised as much as possible and must be carried on every flight.
A landing that has to be made due to an engine failure. If you are not near an airfield, then a suitable landing area needs to be found to enable a safe outcome for the aircraft and people on board.
This is a pre-organized part of flight when two or more aircraft fly in close proximity to each other (within 100 ft) and will have a lead aircraft. This is most commonly seen during displays or in military flying.
Weight, Lift , Thrust and Drag all act on the aircraft in flight. By adjusting any of these forces, we experience an effect and a change in the aircrafts equilibrium occurs
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