Aviation English Vocabulary and Terminology
Expert-defined terms from the Specialist Certification in Teaching English for Aviation Purposes course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
AAL, above aerodrome level, refers to the height of an aircraft above the aerodr… #
Related terms include AGL, above ground level, and MSL, mean sea level. The concept of AAL is crucial in aviation as it helps pilots navigate and maintain safe distances from obstacles.
ACAS, airborne collision avoidance system, is a system that uses transpon… #
Related terms include TCAS, traffic collision avoidance system, and GPWS, ground proximity warning system. ACAS is an essential tool in preventing mid-air collisions and ensuring safe separation of aircraft.
Aerodrome refers to any area of land or water that is designated for the… #
Related terms include airport, airfield, and heliport. The aerodrome is a critical component of the aviation system, providing a safe and controlled environment for aircraft operations.
Aeronautical information publication, or AIP, is a publication that conta… #
Related terms include NOTAM, notice to airmen, and charts. The AIP is a vital resource for pilots, providing them with essential information for safe and efficient flight operations.
Aeroplane refers to any powered , fixed #
wing aircraft that is heavier than air. Related terms include airplane, aircraft, and helicopter. The aeroplane is a common type of aircraft, used for a variety of purposes, including transportation, recreation, and military operations.
AGL, above ground level, refers to the height of an aircraft above the ground, <… #
Related terms include AAL, above aerodrome level, and MSL, mean sea level. The concept of AGL is important in aviation, as it helps pilots navigate and maintain safe distances from obstacles.
AHRS, attitude and heading reference system, is a system that provides in… #
Related terms include GPS, global positioning system, and INS, inertial navigation system. AHRS is a crucial component of modern avionics systems, allowing pilots to accurately navigate and control their aircraft.
Airborne collision avoidance system, or ACAS, is a system that uses trans… #
Related terms include TCAS, traffic collision avoidance system, and GPWS, ground proximity warning system. ACAS is an essential tool in preventing mid-air collisions and ensuring safe separation of aircraft.
Aircraft refers to any vehicle that is designed to fly through the… #
Related terms include aeroplane, airplane, and helicopter. The aircraft is a complex machine, requiring careful maintenance and operation to ensure safe and efficient flight.
Airmanship refers to the skills and knowledge required to operate… #
Related terms include aviation, flying, and pilot. Airmanship is a critical component of aviation, as it helps pilots to make safe and informed decisions during flight.
Airport refers to any area of land or water that is designated for the la… #
Related terms include aerodrome, airfield, and heliport. The airport is a hub of aviation activity, providing a safe and controlled environment for aircraft operations.
Airspace refers to the area of air that is designated for aircraft… #
Related terms include ATC, air traffic control, and navigation. Airspace is a critical component of aviation, as it provides a safe and organized environment for aircraft to operate.
Airspeed refers to the speed of an aircraft through the air, usually</… #
Related terms include groundspeed, altitude, and heading. Airspeed is a critical component of flight, as it affects the performance and safety of the aircraft.
Altitude refers to the height of an aircraft above a reference poi… #
Related terms include AAL, above aerodrome level, and AGL, above ground level. Altitude is a critical component of flight, as it affects the performance and safety of the aircraft.
Altitude indicator is a instrument that displays the altitude of a… #
Related terms include altimeter, airspeed indicator, and heading indicator. The altitude indicator is a crucial component of the aircraft's instrumentation system.
AOA, angle of attack, refers to the angle between the oncoming airflow an… #
Related terms include stall, lift, and drag. The AOA is a critical component of flight, as it affects the performance and safety of the aircraft.
APU, auxiliary power unit, is a system that provides power to an a… #
Related terms include generator, battery, and electrical system. The APU is a vital component of the aircraft's systems, providing power for essential functions.
Approach refers to the phase of flight where an aircraft is descending… #
Related terms include descent, landing, and touchdown. The approach is a critical component of flight, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure a safe and controlled landing.
ASR, airport surveillance radar, is a system that uses radar to track<… #
ASR is a critical component of air traffic control, providing real-time information about aircraft positions and movements.
ATC, air traffic control, refers to the service provided by controller… #
Related terms include air traffic, navigation, and safety. ATC is a vital component of aviation, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft.
ATIS, automatic terminal information service, is a system that provides <… #
Related terms include NOTAM, notice to airmen, and charts. ATIS is a valuable resource for pilots, providing them with essential information for safe and efficient flight operations.
Attitude refers to the orientation of an aircraft in space , includ… #
Related terms include heading, altitude, and airspeed. Attitude is a critical component of flight, affecting the performance and safety of the aircraft.
AWOS, automated weather observing system, is a system that provides we… #
Related terms include ASOS, automated surface observing system, and weather forecast. AWOS is a vital component of aviation, providing pilots with essential information about weather conditions.
Barometer refers to an instrument that measures atmospheric pressu… #
The barometer is a valuable tool for pilots, providing them with information about weather conditions.
Battery refers to a component that stores electrical energy, us… #
Related terms include generator, APU, and electrical system. The battery is a critical component of the aircraft's systems, providing power for essential functions.
Cabin refers to the compartment of an aircraft where passengers an… #
Related terms include cockpit, galley, and lavatory. The cabin is a critical component of an aircraft, providing a safe and comfortable environment for passengers and crew.
CAN, controller #
pilot data link communications, is a system that allows controllers to communicate with pilots using digital data links. Related terms include CPDLC, controller-pilot data link communications, and voice communication. CAN is a vital component of air traffic control, providing real-time information and instructions to pilots.
Captain refers to the pilot in command of an aircraft, usually the… #
Related terms include first officer, co-pilot, and crew member. The captain is a critical component of the flight crew, responsible for making decisions and commands during flight.
CAS, calibrated airspeed, refers to the speed of an aircraft through the… #
Related terms include TAS, true airspeed, and IAS, indicated airspeed. CAS is a critical component of flight, affecting the performance and safety of the aircraft.
CATA, commercial aviation training association, is an organization that p… #
Related terms include FAA, Federal Aviation Administration, and ICAO, International Civil Aviation Organization. CATA is a vital component of the aviation industry, providing training and resources for commercial aviation professionals.
CDI, course deviation indicator, is an instrument that displays the de… #
Related terms include GPS, global positioning system, and navigation. The CDI is a valuable tool for pilots, providing them with information about their position and course.
CDO, controlled descent operation, is a procedure that allows aircraft to… #
Related terms include approach, landing, and touchdown. The CDO is a critical component of flight, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure a safe and controlled landing.
CEO, chief executive officer, refers to the person in charge of an org… #
Related terms include CFO, chief financial officer, and COO, chief operating officer. The CEO is a critical component of an organization, responsible for making decisions and guiding the organization towards its goals.
CFC, carburetor ice, refers to the formation of ice in the carb… #
Related terms include carburetor, engine, and ice. The CFC is a critical component of aircraft performance, affecting the power and efficiency of the engine.
CFIT, controlled flight into terrain, refers to the accident where an air… #
Related terms include accident, incident, and safety. The CFIT is a critical component of aviation safety, requiring careful planning and execution to prevent accidents.
CG, center of gravity, refers to the point where the weight of an… #
Related terms include weight, balance, and stability. The CG is a critical component of aircraft performance, affecting the stability and control of the aircraft.
Checklist refers to a list of procedures or tasks that must… #
Related terms include procedure, task, and safety. The checklist is a valuable tool for pilots, providing them with a step-by-step guide to completing tasks and procedures.
CIS, common information services, refers to the services provided by a… #
The CIS is a vital component of air traffic control, providing pilots with essential information for safe and efficient flight operations.
Crew refers to the personnel on board an aircraft, usually includi… #
Related terms include pilot, co-pilot, and flight attendant. The crew is a critical component of flight, responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers and crew.
CRM, crew resource management, refers to the techniques and strategies… #
Related terms include communication, teamwork, and safety. The CRM is a vital component of aviation, providing training and resources for crew members to manage resources and communicate effectively.
CTA, control area, refers to the area of airspace where air traffi… #
The CTA is a critical component of air traffic control, providing a safe and organized environment for aircraft to operate.
DAP, data acquisition panel, is an instrument that displays and <i… #
Related terms include instrument, display, and data. The DAP is a valuable tool for pilots and maintainers, providing them with essential information about the aircraft's performance and systems.
DCS, digital control system, is a system that uses digital signals… #
Related terms include computer, software, and hardware. The DCS is a critical component of modern aircraft, providing real-time information and control of the aircraft's systems and performance.
DF, direction finder, is a system that uses radio signals to de… #
Related terms include navigation, radio, and direction. The DF is a valuable tool for pilots, providing them with essential information about their position and course.
DG, direction indicator, is an instrument that displays the dir… #
Related terms include compass, heading, and navigation. The DG is a critical component of the aircraft's instrumentation system, providing pilots with essential information about their direction and course.
DLR, data link recorder, is an instrument that records and disp… #
The DLR is a valuable tool for pilots and maintainers, providing them with essential information about the aircraft's performance and systems.
DME, distance measuring equipment, is a system that uses radio sig… #
Related terms include navigation, radio, and distance. The DME is a critical component of the aircraft's navigation system, providing pilots with essential information about their position and course.
EAS, equivalent airspeed, refers to the speed of an aircraft through the… #
The EAS is a critical component of flight, affecting the performance and safety of the aircraft.
ECAM, electronic centralized aircraft monitor, is a system that displa… #
The ECAM is a valuable tool for pilots, providing them with essential information about the aircraft's systems and performance.
EGT, exhaust gas temperature, refers to the temperature of an aircraft en… #
Related terms include engine, temperature, and performance. The EGT is a critical component of engine performance, affecting the power and efficiency of the engine.
ELT, emergency locator transmitter, is a device that transmits a <… #
Related terms include emergency, locator, and transmitter. The ELT is a vital component of aviation safety, providing a means of locating and rescuing aircraft in distress.
EMA, engine monitoring system, is a system that monitors and di… #
Related terms include engine, monitoring, and performance. The EMA is a valuable tool for pilots and maintainers, providing them with essential information about the engine's performance and condition.
EOBT, estimated off #
block time, refers to the estimated time an aircraft will depart from the gate or stand, usually provided by air traffic control. Related terms include departure, gate, and stand. The EOBT is a critical component of flight planning, affecting the scheduling and coordination of flight operations.
EODB, estimated off #
block delay, refers to the estimated delay an aircraft will experience before departing from the gate or stand, usually provided by air traffic control. The EODB is a critical component of flight planning, affecting the scheduling and coordination of flight operations.
ETOPS, extended #
range twin-engine operational performance standards, refers to the standards and guidelines for operating twin-engine aircraft on long-range flights, usually involving extended periods of single-engine operation. Related terms include twin-engine, long-range, and safety. The ETOPS is a critical component of aviation safety, providing a framework for safe and efficient operation of twin-engine aircraft on long-range flights.
FDR, flight data recorder, is an instrument that records and st… #
Related terms include instrument, data, and recorder. The FDR is a critical component of aviation safety, providing a means of recording and analyzing flight data.
FDU, flight data unit, is an instrument that displays and store… #
Related terms include instrument, data, and display. The FDU is a valuable tool for pilots, providing them with essential information about the aircraft's flight and performance.
FF, fuel flow, refers to the rate at which fuel is consumed … #
Related terms include fuel, consumption, and performance. The FF is a critical component of flight planning, affecting the range and endurance of the aircraft.
FIR, flight information region, refers to the area of airspace where f… #
The FIR is a critical component of air traffic control, providing a safe and organized environment for aircraft to operate.
FL, flight level, refers to the altitude of an aircraft, usually m… #
Related terms include altitude, level, and flight. The FL is a critical component of flight, affecting the performance and safety of the aircraft.
FMS, flight management system, is a system that integrates and … #
Related terms include navigation, communication, and performance. The FMS is a vital component of modern aviation, providing real-time information and control of the aircraft's systems and performance.
FOD, foreign object debris, refers to any object or material that… #
Related terms include damage, hazard, and safety. The FOD is a critical component of aviation safety, requiring careful attention and precautions to prevent accidents and injuries.
FPL, flight plan, refers to the document or plan that outlines the… #
Related terms include flight, plan, and route. The FPL is a critical component of flight planning, affecting the safety and efficiency of the flight.
FSS, flight service station, refers to the facility or station tha… #
The FSS is a vital component of air traffic control, providing a safe and organized environment for aircraft to operate.
FTD, flight training device, refers to the simulator or device use… #
Related terms include training, simulator, and device. The FTD is a valuable tool for pilots, providing them with essential training and practice in a safe and controlled environment.
GCA, ground controlled approach, refers to the procedure where air traffi… #
Related terms include approach, landing, and radar. The GCA is a critical component of air traffic control, providing a safe and controlled environment for aircraft to land.