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 speed beyond which take-off should no longer be aborted. In other words, if V1 is reached, then you as the pilot are committed to the take-off. An aborted take-off after V1 will mean that there is not enough runway available to safely bring the aircraft to a stop
Design manoeuvring speed. Below this speed, the aircraft will stall before experiencing any structural failure if full application of any flight controls is experienced. Above Va and the aircraft may experience significant structural damage before stalling.
A propeller which has the ability to change its pitch in flight, either automatically or manually by the pilot, which reduces drag and increases performance
The ability to clearly see an object at a certain distance. The minimum visibility required for VFR flight is 5km and when obtaining weather reports, either before your flight or via an ATIS, the visibility for a specific period of time will be displayed or given in the weather report.
A departure by an IFR flight when either part or all of an instrument procedure is not completed and the departure is executed based on visual reference to terrain.
Areas of airspace designated around a volcano. These have special conditions and the size of the area can change based on the volcanic alert level. Entering a VHZ has specific requirements.
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