Questions tagged [terminology]

For questions about words, phrases, and definitions that are specific to aviation or used in a different way in aviation. (Questions about standard words, phrases, and abbreviations used by pilots and ATC specifically in radio transmissions should usually use the [phraseology] tag instead.)

Use this tag for any questions about words, phrases, and definitions that are specific to aviation or used in a different way in aviation. If possible, add other tags to indicate the general subject area.

(If you have a question about terminology used by pilots and ATC in radio transmissions, then you should usually use the or tags instead, but using is still fine if you aren't sure.)

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What is it called when an airplane has to circle because it can't land?

Sometimes, a plane is required to circle around an airport repeatedly because for whatever reason, it is not able or permitted to land just yet. This state in which a plane is stuck in the air in this way has a name, what is it?
TheEnvironmentalist
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What exactly is the meaning of "detent" in aviation?

I come across it in many different situations e.g. "settings changed to flight detent" or "landing altitude changes at first detent". There are other scenarios which I came across in the past, but I don't remember them. Could someone explain me all…
kg1913
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Why do we call it an apron?

Where did the term apron come from? Follow up question as suggested by @Pyritie.
TomMcW
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What is a "pickle switch" in civil aviation?

In an episode of "Air Crash Investigation" the term "pickle switch" was used. I tried to search this term in all the resources available to me and I didn't find any citation, except in some rare cases regarding military aviation. In any case, it…
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Why do we call it a ramp?

Airport ramps are close to level, not inclined. What is the history and etymology of this aviation term?
Greg Bacon
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What would be a technical or slang term for 'in the air'?

I'm writing a sci-fi story involving aircraft and space craft. I'm struggling to get the terminology right for referring to a pilot being 'in the air' either on a mission or a training exercise. I have a feeling there is a phrase for this but I'm…
tommypyatt
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What is the difference between slice, segment and leg?

I have heard of the terms slice, segment and leg. Since I am a newbie in travel industry, I would like to know and understand the basic differences between the three. Could someone please explain the three, using some kind of example?
djames
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What's an "altitude engine"?

FAR 91.205(b)(8) says that you need a manifold pressure gauge for each "altitude engine", whatever that means. What's an "altitude" engine?
Steve V.
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Is GOCE a satellite or aircraft?

This vessel (GOCE) is in orbit and maneuvers by using air similar to a plane to create lift and turn. The solar powered ion thrusters powers it continuously inside the atmosphere for years. Is this technically a plane, satellite, or a…
Muze
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What's the difference between racetrack and holding pattern?

Is there any difference between them or they are only synonymous?
wiaim
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How are the wings of a mono- bi- or triplane referred to with regard to position?

Apologies if this is an elementary question. If I look at a diagram for parts of a plane, they don't distinguish verbally between left/right. If I try Googling for, say, "right wing" or "left wing", well you can guess the result! Suppose I wish to…
chasly - supports Monica
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What does a "hard stand departure" mean?

I am reading a table explaining how to plan multiple diversion returns from an individual station: widebody gate departures - xx minutes narrow body gate departures - xx minutes all hard stand departures - xx minutes I am not a native English…
Virginia
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Where does the term “throttle quadrant” come from?

The area of many flight decks that contains throttles or thrust levers is often referred to as the “throttle quadrant” or “thrust lever quadrant” even if it’s not one of four parts of the panels. Where does the term come from?
ryan1618
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What are the components of a crew pairing?

I need to do some modeling for an FRMS (Fatigue Risk Management System). By crew pairing I mean a sequence of flights that starts and ends at crew base. From my understanding, crew pairings are made of: Duty periods, which include flight duty…
BigONotation
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What is weight-climb speed?

I have a question about a document published by the Association of European Airliners. The name of the document is “Long Range Aircraft - AEA Requirements.” In the Appendix titled "Definitions and Inputs for Range and DOC Calculation," paragraph 1.1…
d.pensopositivo
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