Vocabulary used in Aviation Industry

Here are some vocabulary words used in the Aviation Industry:

ABEAM:

An aircraft is “abeam” a fix, point, or object when that fix, point, or object is approximately 90 degrees to the right or left of the aircraft track. Abeam indicates a general position rather than a precise point

AERONAUTICAL CHART:

A map used in air navigation containing all or part of the following: topographic features, hazards and obstructions, navigation aids, navigation routes, designated airspace, and airports.

AIRCRAFT CLASSES:

For the purposes of Wake Turbulence Separation Minima, ATC

classifies aircraft as Heavy, Large, and Small as follows:

a. Heavy – Aircraft capable of takeoff weights of more than 255,000 pounds whether or not they are operation at this weight during a particular phase of flight.

b. Large – Aircraft of more than 41,000 pounds, maximum certificated takeoff weight, up to 255,000 pounds.

c. Small – Aircraft of 41,000 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight.

AIRSPEED:

The speed of an aircraft relative to its surrounding air mass. The unqualified term“airspeed” means one of the following:

a. Indicated Airspeed – The speed shown on the aircraft airspeed indicator. This is the speed used in pilot/controller communications under the general term “airspeed.”

b. True Airspeed – The airspeed of an aircraft relative to undisturbed air. Used primarily in flight planning and en route portion of flight. When used in pilot/controller communication, it is referred to as “true airspeed” and not shortened to “airspeed.”

ALTIMETER SETTING:

The barometric pressure reading used to adjust a pressure altimeter for

variations in existing atmospheric pressure or to the standard altimeter setting (29.92.)

ALTITUDE:

The height of a level, point, or object measured in feet Above Ground Level (AGL) or from Mean Sea Level (MSL.)

BACK-TAXI:

A term used by air traffic controllers to taxi an aircraft on the runway opposite to the traffic flow. The aircraft may be instructed to back-taxi to the beginning of the runway or at some point before reaching the runway end for the purpose of departure or to exit the runway.

CIRCLE-TO-LAND MANEUVER:

A maneuver initiated by the pilot to align the aircraft with a

runway for landing when a straight-in landing from an instrument approach is not possible or is not desirable. At tower controlled airports, this maneuver is made only after ATC authorization has been obtained and the pilot has established required visual reference to the airport.

CLIMB OUT:

That portion of flight operation between takeoff and the initial cruising altitude.

CROSSWIND:

a. When used concerning the traffic pattern, the work means “crosswind leg.”

b. When used concerning wind conditions, the word means a wind not

parallel to the runway or the path of an aircraft.

GLIDESLOPE:

Provides vertical guidance for aircraft during approach and landing. The

glideslope/ glidepath is based on the following:

a. Electronic components emitting signals which provide vertical guidance by reference to airborne instruments during instrument approaches such as ILS/MLS, or

b. Visual ground aids, such as VASI, which provide vertical guidance for a VFR approach or for the visual portion of an instrument approach and landing.

c. PAR. Used by ATC to inform an aircraft making a PAR approach of its vertical position

(elevation) relative to the descent profile.

GO AROUND:

Instructions for a pilot to abandon his approach to landing. Additional instructions may follow. Unless otherwise advised by ATC, a VFR aircraft or an aircraft conducting visual approach should overfly the runway while climbing to traffic pattern altitude and enter the traffic pattern via the crosswing leg. A pilot on an IFR flight plan making an instrument approach should execute the published missed approach procedure or proceed as instructed by ATC.

HOVER TAXI:

Used to describe a helicopter/VTOL aircraft movement conducted above the

surface and in ground effect at air speeds less than approximately 20 knots. The actual height may vary, and some helicopters may require hover taxi above 25 feet AGL to reduce ground effect turbulence or provide clearance for cargo sling loads

INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURE:

A series of predetermined maneuvers for the orderly transfer of an aircraft under instrument flight conditions from the beginning of the initial approach to a landing or to a point from which a landing may be made visually. It is prescribed and approved for a specific airport by competent authority.

JET ROUTE:

A route designed to serve aircraft operations from 18,000 feet MSL up to and including flight level 450. The routes are referred to as “J” routes with numbering to identify the designated route; e.g., J105.