Public Resource

Aviation Dictionary

Search plain-language aviation definitions by term, category, acronym, or keyword. This resource is public and available to all AviateSafely visitors.

Clear

Browse Terms

122 terms found

Term Category Definition
Abeam Navigation A position approximately 90 degrees to the left or right of the aircraft track or nose.
Above Ground Level Also known as: AGL Altitude Altitude measured above the terrain or surface directly beneath the aircraft.
Absolute Altitude Altitude The vertical distance of an aircraft above the terrain directly below it.
Accelerate-Go Distance Performance The runway distance required to accelerate to decision speed, lose an engine, continue the takeoff, and climb to a specified height.
Accelerate-Stop Distance Performance The runway distance required to accelerate to a specified speed and then stop after rejecting the takeoff.
Advection Fog Weather Fog formed when moist air moves over a colder surface and is cooled to its dew point.
Aeronautical Decision Making Also known as: ADM Safety A structured approach pilots use to identify risks, evaluate options, and make safe operational decisions.
Aileron Aircraft Control A hinged control surface on the wing used primarily to control roll.
Air Route Traffic Control Center Also known as: ARTCC, Center Air Traffic Control An FAA facility that provides air traffic control services to aircraft operating primarily during the en route phase of flight.
Air Traffic Control Also known as: ATC Air Traffic Control A service that promotes the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic.
Airfoil Aerodynamics A surface shape, such as a wing cross-section, designed to produce lift when air flows around it.
AIRMET Weather An advisory of weather that may affect aircraft safety, especially light aircraft, but is less severe than conditions covered by a SIGMET.
Airport Beacon Airport Operations A rotating light used to help pilots visually locate an airport, especially at night or in reduced visibility.
Airport Diagram Airport Operations A chart showing airport runways, taxiways, ramps, buildings, hot spots, and other movement areas.
Airport Reference Point Also known as: ARP Airport Operations The approximate geometric center of all usable runway surfaces at an airport.
Airspeed Indicator Also known as: ASI Instruments A flight instrument that displays aircraft speed through the air using pitot-static pressure.
Airworthiness Certificate Regulations An FAA certificate indicating that an aircraft conforms to its approved design and is in a condition for safe operation.
Alert Area Airspace Airspace that may contain a high volume of pilot training or unusual aerial activity.
Alternate Airport Flight Planning An airport listed in a flight plan where the aircraft may land if landing at the destination becomes inadvisable.
Altimeter Instruments A flight instrument that displays altitude by measuring atmospheric pressure.
Altimeter Setting Instruments The barometric pressure value entered into an altimeter so it indicates altitude relative to mean sea level.
Angle of Attack Also known as: AOA Aerodynamics The angle between the wing chord line and the relative wind.
Annual Inspection Maintenance A required inspection performed every 12 calendar months to determine whether an aircraft is airworthy.
Approach Control Also known as: TRACON Air Traffic Control An ATC facility that provides radar and non-radar services to arriving and departing aircraft near airports.
Approach Plate Also known as: Instrument approach chart Instrument Procedures A published chart containing the information needed to fly an instrument approach procedure.