Aviation Glossary & Dictionary

Hinged control surfaces located on the trailing edge of aircraft wings, used to control roll movement around the longitudinal axis.

A powered lighter-than-air aircraft that can be steered and controlled in flight. Distinguished from balloons by having propulsion and steering systems.

The angle between the chord line of an airfoil and the relative wind direction. Critical for controlling lift generation.

British aircraft manufacturer founded by Alliott Verdon Roe in 1910. Produced significant military and civilian aircraft.

Scottish industrial company that operated an aviation division from 1913-1930, contributing significantly to British airship and aeroplane development.

Aircraft configuration with two wings stacked vertically, typically connected by struts and wire bracing. Dominant design in early aviation.

British aircraft manufacturer established in 1910, known for both military aircraft and helicopter development including the Sycamore.

The straight-line distance from the leading edge to the trailing edge of an airfoil, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Term describing the concentration of aviation manufacturing along the River Clyde in Scotland, particularly during the early 20th century.

Movable surfaces on an aircraft used to control its attitude and direction in flight, including ailerons, elevators, and rudder.

Wind component blowing across the runway, affecting takeoff and landing control.

The upward angle of aircraft wings when viewed from the front, providing lateral stability in flight.

Alternative term for airship, emphasizing the steerable and controllable nature of these lighter-than-air aircraft.

Primary control surface that controls pitch (nose up/down movement) of an aircraft, typically located on the horizontal stabilizer.

Streamlined covering over aircraft engines, designed to reduce drag while providing protection and cooling airflow.

Traditional aircraft construction method using fabric stretched over a framework, commonly used in early aviation.

Extendable control surfaces on wing trailing edges that increase lift and drag for takeoff and landing operations.

The ratio of horizontal distance traveled to vertical distance lost in unpowered flight, indicating aircraft efficiency.

Rotorcraft that derives lift and propulsion from one or more horizontally rotating rotors, enabling vertical flight.

Method of controlling aircraft flight using only cockpit instruments, without visual reference to the ground.

High-velocity exhaust stream produced by a jet engine that can cause structural damage and hazards behind the aircraft.

Narrow bands of strong winds in the upper atmosphere that significantly affect flight times and fuel planning.

Internationally recognized boundary of space at 100 km (62 miles) above mean sea level.

Unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, used universally in aviation and maritime operations.

The foremost edge of an airfoil, designed to smoothly divide airflow over upper and lower wing surfaces.

Upward force generated by airflow over an airfoil, opposing weight and enabling sustained flight.

Ratio of an aircraft’s true airspeed to the local speed of sound.

The maximum allowable weight at the start of the takeoff roll as certified by the manufacturer.

Streamlined enclosure housing an engine or other equipment, typically attached to a wing or fuselage.

Notice to Air Missions: time-critical aeronautical information affecting flight operations.

Ambient air temperature measured outside the aircraft, used for performance calculations.

Paved or unpaved area beyond the runway end designed to reduce the risk of damage if an aircraft overruns.

Precision Approach Path Indicator: a visual aid providing glidepath guidance on final approach.

Instrument probe measuring dynamic pressure to determine airspeed.

Altimeter subscale setting to indicate altitude above mean sea level at an aerodrome.

Multi-rotor UAV with four rotors providing lift and control.

Performance-based navigation specification with on-board monitoring and alerting.

Vertical control surface that controls yaw about the vertical axis.

Wing device that disrupts airflow to reduce lift and increase drag for descent and landing.

Loss of lift when a wing exceeds its critical angle of attack.

Propulsive force generated by an engine to move the aircraft forward.

Onboard device responding to radar interrogation with identification and altitude; Mode S supports ADS-B.

Aircraft without an onboard pilot, remotely piloted or autonomous.

Airspace where ATC does not provide separation services; pilots remain responsible for see-and-avoid.

Standardized airspeeds defining critical phases of takeoff and landing performance.

VHF Omnidirectional Range: short-range radio navigation system providing bearing information.

Turbulence generated behind an aircraft, strongest from heavy, clean, slow configurations.

Upturned wingtip device reducing induced drag and improving fuel efficiency.

Radar operating in the 8–12 GHz band, used for weather and surveillance applications.

Rotation of an aircraft about its vertical axis.

Control column used in many aircraft to command pitch and roll.

Aircraft weight including all payload and crew but excluding usable fuel.

Coordinated Universal Time used as the standard time reference in aviation worldwide.