Pre-Pilot Studies

Phil Croucher
“Never allow your ego, self-confidence, love of flying, pressure from a customer, boss or co-pilot, or economic need to interfere with your good judgement during any stage of a flight. There is no amount
of pride, no thrill, pleasure, schedule or job that is worth your licence or your life and the lives of your passengers. Complacency kills, and so does being a cowboy.” John Bulmer

L ega l B it
This book contains information gathered from many sources. It is published for general reference and not as a substitute for independent verification by users when
circumstances warrant. It is sold with the understanding that the author is not engaged in rendering any legal advice or explicit flight instruction. The publisher and
author disclaim any personal liability, either directly or indirectly for advice or information presented within. Every effort has been made to supply complete and
accurate information, the author and publisher assume no liability for its use, nor for any infringement of the intellectual property rights of third parties which would
result from such use. This book is sold as is without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Neither the Author, the Publisher nor their dealers or distributors assume liability for any alleged or actual
damages arising from its use. In other words: These notes are for private study, and contains interpretations of official documentation, which changes, so there could be technical inaccuracies
through no fault of the author or publisher. As a result, alterations will be made without reference to anyone, and they are not guaranteed to suit your purposes. The author, publisher, and their
distributors or dealers are not responsible for situations arising from their use.

Copy ri gh ts, e tc.

This book copyright © 2017 Phil Croucher

Notice is hereby given that the name PHILIP ANDREW CROUCHER, in capital letters, or any variation thereof, is claimed by Phil Croucher, which name may not
be used without permission.

Graphics copyright © Steve Sparrow, Phil Croucher (with help from Corel Corporation). Special thanks to David Webb and Rick Carlisle.

Some charts and extracts: reproduced with permission of Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc. NOT FOR NAVIGATIONAL USE © Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc. [2016].

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 INTRODUCTION
0

you finally go for a job. Our course go beyond the exams

I NTRODUCTION 0 to the technical interview

With regard to examinations, it may seem that you are
learning a lot of stuff that will not be useful to you. That's
certainly true to some extent, but the EASA system makes

T
his document is a sample of the notes published for you learn everything you might need for your career
the modular self-study programs for the EASA before you start, rather than as you go along - in North
pilot examinations provided by Caledonian America, you will likely be exposed to the same material
Advanced Pilot Training in the UK. It also provides the over the years, but from company ground school and
basic knowledge required before joining the classes. various other type rating courses. It’s just that the
The full notes can be obtained as a PDF for £49.95 from Europeans have no guarantee that this will happen and
[Link] expect you to be a seasoned professional from the start -
[Link]?idCat=20 for aeroplanes the original intention behind the EASA exams was to
and [Link] make them the equivalent of a BA degree, since people
[Link]?idCat=20 were regarded as joining a profession. As with many other
for helicopters. degrees, a lot of the subject matter was included as
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2019

Proper pilot performance is based on knowledge, padding for credibility purposes, and the main purpose
planning, and anticipation of what the aircraft will do - was forgotten. Currently, the EASA ATPL, according to
and you will not be able to achieve that without studying Bristol University, has the same standing as two years of a
properly. Your real training starts in your first job, and degree-level course, although the exam procedures are
what you learn before then can be very important. nowhere near as rigorous as that.
For example, most pilots gain licences from several However, some of the content is there for third party
countries over their careers - if you have a good core reasons - Human Factors training is an international
knowledge, you will be in and out of the exam rooms a lot requirement, and radio theory must be learnt because you
quicker. In addition, if you do the minimum work for your have a cut-down version of the amateur radio licence, and
exams, by learning the answers rather than the material , you need to know how not to screw up the airwaves.
it will be painfully obvious to the interview panel when
Caledonian Advanced Pilot Training Pre-Pilot Studies 0-1
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1
Often, if a remainder leaves you some way between two
numbers, you must round up or down to answer a
M ATHS question. If the number is less than halfway, it is the
custom to round down, or truncate. If it is halfway and
above, you round up.

A
viation, in common with many other disciplines,
uses a precise language so communication can T he D ec i m al Sys t em
take place with minimum effort. So do maths and The following numbers are used in the decimal system,
science, in the shape of graphs and algebraic symbols. which operates to a base of 10:
Mathematics is the language used by engineers, and
(Newtonian) physics provides the laws under which 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
aircraft operate. You may also come across circuit Their position determines value. For example, the number
diagrams with the electronics involved with radio 6 has a different meaning in each of the following:
navigation.
146
Fa c to rs & Ro u nd i ng 164
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

614
Underneath the heading of arithmetic, numbers can be
added, subtracted, multiplied or divided (it is assumed that In the above examples, it occupies the position of a unit, a
you know how to do them all). ten or a hundred, respectively (each number being ten
A prime number is a natural number (greater than 1) that times bigger than the one on its right). A fourth place
can only be divided by 1 and itself. A number greater than would be a thousand, so the smallest numbers (the units)
1 that is not a prime number is a composite number. are always on the right hand side. Zero (0) is used as a
placeholder when a unit is missing to make sure the
When you divide one number into another, it is a factor if numbers are kept in their right places:
the division takes place without leaving a remainder. For
example, 4 divides into 20 5 times exactly. If you tried to 620
divide 3 into 20, you would be left with a remainder of 2. 602

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Thus, the number of digits tells you something about the but if you start multiplying by thousands, you will soon
size of a number rather than what’s in it. have problems.
Using only 2 numbers is a lot better, hence the use of the
Th e S ex a ge s i m al Sys t em binary system, mentioned in Systems (there was an old
Time, angles and geographic co-ordinates use a base of English method of counting with firkins, also in units of
60, as originated by the Sumerians, and handed down to two, as in two firkin big, or two firkin heavy). Now, you
us through the Babylonians and other peoples. The only need to find out if a voltage exists or not, rather than
number 60 has twelve factors, namely 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, how large it is, and use more wires for bigger numbers.
12, 15, 20, 30, 60, of which 2, 3, and 5 are prime numbers.
With so many factors, many fractions involving A d di t i on & S ubt ra c ti o n
sexagesimal numbers are simplified. You can divide one It is often quicker to add then subtract - to add 9 to 13, you
hour evenly into sections of 30, 20, 15, 12, 10, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, could add 10 to 13 to get 23, then take one away.
and 1 minute(s). 60 is the smallest number that is divisible Subtraction can also be done in more ways than one -
by every number from 1 to 6, being the lowest common taking 8 away from 10 is the same as asking what the
multiple of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. difference between them is. You can, in fact, take a larger
number from a smaller one - all you need to do is use....
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

Th e B in a ry Sys t e m
The decimal system is useless for counting numbers when P os i t i ve & Ne ga t i ve Nu m be rs
you need to be able to discriminate between levels of A number is positive if it is greater than zero. There is
voltage, which requires analogue methods. For example, usually nothing in front of positive numbers, but if you
the answer to Life, The Universe and Everything1 is 42 mean to make a distinction, you can put a plus sign (+) in
(101010 in binary). To calculate it, you must multiply 6 by front, as with +20°C for temperature. Negative numbers
7, so you start with 7 volts. Now you have to feed it into use a minus sign (-). You might see this on thermometers
an amplifier with a gain of 6 to get 42 volts. Easy enough, when the temperature is colder than freezing (-20°C).
However, they are also used in algebra, discussed later. If
you take 12 away from 6, you would end up with -6.
1. From The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy.

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• + and + is + An improper fraction has a value of more than one, such

• - and - is + as 22/7, which will become significant as the value of π (pi)
which we will come across in Geometry, below.
• + and - is -
If you multiply or divide the numerator and denominator
• - and + is - by the same number, you get a fraction with the same
value as the original one. Reducing a fraction by division
M ul ti pl i ca t i on is called cancelling. When you can’t cancel any more, the
This is simply a shortcut for adding up, and it doesn’t fraction is said to be in its lowest terms.
matter which way round the numbers are: 4 x 2 is the
However, you can only add or subtract fractions that have
same as 2 x 4 (the commutative law). Again, you can use a
the same denominator. If you have two with different
higher number, and bounce off it - when multiplying by 9,
denominators, you have to find the lowest common
you will find it easier to multiply by 10 then take off the
denominator, or a number into which they both divide as
excess, which is a tenth. 9 x 56 = 560 - 56 = 504. To
whole numbers. The lowest common denominator for 3
multiply by 11, do so by 10 and add a tenth. 340 x 11 is
and 2, for example, is 6. For 4 and 8, it is 8.
simply 3400 + 340 = 3740.
To venture into electrics, with 4 resistances in parallel, of
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

Your life will be a lot easier if you simply remember the

1, 3, 8 and 15 ohms, to find the unknown total R:
multiplication tables, particularly 3 and 5 for aviation.
1 = 1 + 1 + 1 + 1
Fr ac t io n s R 1 3 8 15
A fraction is a number that is not a whole number, The least common denominator is 1201, so....
described as vulgar, simple or common. Decimal fractions
are discussed below. 1 = 120 + 40 + 15 + 8
R 120
Just to confuse matters, a fraction such as ½ is also called
a proper fraction, because the numerator (the small This becomes:
number) is above the larger one (denominator). In other
words, the fraction has a value of less than 1.
1. Increase the top numbers to match.

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1 = 183 Although π carries on forever, it is not a recurring decimal

R 120 but a transcendental number. It’s probably the only one.
The non-reciprocal of which is:
P erc e nt a ge s
R = 120 Whereas decimals deal with tens, percentages deal with
1 183 hundreds, so anything that is a percentage is a part of a
As the denominator is greater than the numerator, the hundred. 25% is a fourth part of a hundred, or a quarter.
answer will be less than 1.
A ve ra ge s
Tip: If the calculation is hard, convert them to......
The word Mean (as used in the term Local Mean Time)
DECIMAL FRACTIONS
more or less means average. Centre of Gravity
calculations are averages, where you take a series of
Decimal fractions work the same way as the numbers do
numbers, add them up, and divide them by the number of
in the decimal system (above), except that the values go
numbers involved. Technically, this gives you an
from right to left and they are separated from the main
arithmetic mean. The median of a set of values is the
number by dot called a decimal point (sometimes a
middle one. The mode is the most common value.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

comma in Europe).
½ is 0.5 because it has the same value as 50/100. M e nt a l M a t hs
You can divide numbers into pieces that are ten times This is needed for the KSA 100 exam. A common
smaller, so the figure to the right of the dot represents requirement is for descents and the time involved, or from
tenths, the second one hundredths, and so on. For how far away to start a descent into an airfield (various
example, 1.5 (one and five tenths) is the same as 1½. 0.01 rules of thumb can be used). The 3 and 5 times tables are
kilovolts is 10 volts (to multiply a decimal number, simply particularly relevant. One way of calculating the distance
move the decimal point to the right by the same number of for a descent is to take the height to lose in thousands of
zeros). A recurring decimal (with the same last number feet and multiply by 3 so, for 10,000 ft, start the descent
multiple times) sometimes has a dot above the last digit, 30 nm away, although it is probably more accurate (but
which tells you that it never really divides properly. more difficult) to use 2.5. This provides a slightly steeper

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descent than using another method that involves flight you the first number of the answer - 6. Then find the
levels and dividing by 3 - 10,000 feet is FL 100, so you remainder for the second (2) and multiply that by the other
get 33 nm. Add 1 nm for each 10 knots for deceleration. remainder (2 x 2) to get 4, which is the second number of
Using addition and subtraction rather than just addition, the answer.
we can simplify tasks that look dreadful. 2998 + 4026 can To find a percentage, multiply the first number of each
be done simply by realising that the first is nearly 3000 component:
and the second is just over 4000. You can therefore jump
40% of 60 = 24
straight to 7000 and add 24 (26 - 2) to get 7024.
Jumping is actually quite handy - when adding 7 and 5, A l ge bra
you can jump to ten (or bounce off it) and take the This uses letters instead of numbers when you are more
difference from the second number - that is, add 3 to the 7 concerned about the ratio or relationship between objects
to get 10, then subtract the 3 from 5 to get 2 and add that rather than their values, although it can be used to find an
to the 10. Compensating is adding or subtracting more or unknown value when you know several others. If you fly
less than you need to, then adjusting the answer. Although 90 (nautical) miles in 3 hours, your average speed would
it sounds like a lot of work, it is actually very quick. be 30 knots. This is the result of dividing 90 by 3:
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

45 + 27 is 50 + 30 - 8 = 72 90 ÷ 3 = 30
Splitting a number into parts is called partitioning. This The figures would be different for another journey so, to
can be handy with subtraction. Say you wanted to subtract save us writing down different numbers every time, we
42 from 90 - start with the 40 to get 50, then take away the need a procedure, such as “To find an average speed in
remaining 2 to get 48. knots, divide the number of miles travelled by the number
You can still get quick results with multiplication of you of hours in the air.”
don’t know the times tables. Take two numbers: Or, even shorter: “To get an average speed, divide the
8 x 8 distance by the time.”
Find out how much it takes to round the first number to As we are now using more general units, you can use
10, then take that figure away from the second. That gives minutes or seconds instead of just hours.

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Mathematically, the above could be made even shorter: Other letters can be used when you want to mix different
things. You can’t add 3 helicopters and two aeroplanes
Average speed = Distance ÷ Time
together, but you can express their relationship like this:
But even that can be tedious, so try:
2h + 3a
S = D ÷ T
Otherwise, some letters are already reserved, such as s for
or, using the ordinary rules of arithmetic: distance because when Galileo started all this off, he used
the word scale from his own language. Similarly, Ampere
S = D
was concerned with the intensity of electric current, so he
T
used I to represent it instead of A.
Obviously, you can’t divide letters - they are there to show
you what to do with the numbers when you get them. To SYMBOLS & SIGNS
use the formula, substitute the letters for the correct Because of the limited number of letters in the alphabet,
figures. Using x to represent almost anything unknown: there are also various ways of distinguishing them. If you
x + 6 = 8 were faced with several resistors in an electrical circuit,
you could label them R1, R2, R3, etc. However, you
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

You know that some number plus 6 equals 8. Of course, should not put the numbers above, like this: 52, 53....
this is 2. You found that out by subtracting 6 from 8, because a number in that position already has a special
which is the reverse of addition. meaning, such as squaring or cubing, respectively
S, D and T were chosen above because they suit the (squaring means multiplying a number by itself, and
problem, but you could have used A, B or C or X, Y and cubing means doing it three times, and so on).
Z, if you remembered their basic meaning1. The little number to the top right is called an exponent.
As an index, it has some curious properties. When you
apply an index to the number 10, it is called a power, such
as “10 to the power of 2” when you mean 102 (squared).
1. Constants tend to use letters from the beginning of the alphabet, Such powers indicate the number of places the decimal
and variables from the other end. point must be away from 1. It is a convenient way of

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expressing large (or small) numbers. 106 is also The outer, stationary, scale is called the miles scale, and
1,000,000, or 1 with 6 zeros after it. 10-6 means the inner one, which rotates, is the minute scale, so
0.0000001. 1028 expresses how many electrons there are distance and time are always opposite each other. They
in a coulomb, a unit which is used in electricity. correspond to the C and D scales of the traditional slide
Powers have another property that is made use of in the rule. As with any slide rule, you need to know the
slide rule part of the flight computer. You can add them approximate answer first1, as a gross error check, and to
together to get the same effect as multiplication - 103 x give you an idea of where to put the decimal point.
103 is the same as 106 (adding the powers), and you have To multiply any number, place the 10 of the inner scale
just multiplied 1000 by 1000 to get 1,000,000. When you against the number on the outer scale, and the answer will
operate the slide rule side of the flight computer, you are be found on the outer scale opposite the number you are
not adding numbers, but indices. multiplying by on the inner scale.
On the reverse side of all computers is a circular slide For division, set up the fraction as it looks on the page on
rule, with the space between the numbers (from 10 to 100) the outer and inner scales (that is, the number to be
decreasing as the numbers increase. divided should be on the outer scale, and the divisor on
the inner scale), and the answer will be on the miles scale,
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

opposite the 10 on the minute (inner) scale.

1. Tools such as slide rules are for those who already know what they
are doing, unlike calculators, which won’t show you the workings
when they produce an answer. Having an accounts program on your
computer doesn’t make you an accountant.

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Other useful symbols include: To use the Lift Formula as an example, when one of the
quantities on the right side is varied, Lift on the left side
Symbol Meaning will follow.
 Greater than or equal to
 Less than or equal to
 Approximately equal
 Square root
 Proportionality

Hooke’s Law can use the proportionality sign. The tension

in a spring is directly proportional to its extension:
Increasing the density on the right hand side will increase
T  extn the value of lift on the left hand side.
With any such relationship, if one variable is increased by Some letters, when used as symbols, have been allocated
a given factor, such as 2, the other is increased by the meanings by international agreement, or they may change
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

same, so if you double the tension, you also double the according to the context in which they are used. The
spring’s extension. Greek symbol  (rho) represents air density in
Meteorology and resistivity in electronics. Even within
EQUATIONS disciplines it can change -  (mu) can mean amplification
An equation is a statement that shows the relationship factor or permeability, depending on the (electronic)
between quantities, and how they change when one is context. When making your own formulae, its best to state
increased or decreased. You can recognise it by the equals the meaning you use to help the person who reads it later.
sign (=), and the expressions either side must balance. Say you now knew an average speed and a distance, but
needed to find the time. You can just move the figures
around in the formula. What we need to do is get T by
itself on one side of the equal sign. As the figures either

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side must balance each other, you can multiply both sides S IMULTANEOUS E QUATIONS
of the equation by the same figure, in this case T. These are used when you have two or more unknown
quantities, like when you know the wingspan of one
S = D aeroplane and you want to find the wingspan of another
T without going out in the rain and measuring it (if you had
The short cut is just to move T from one side of the a tape measure long enough).
equation to the other, and reverse its function: You need an equation for each one. For example:
ST = D a + b = 8
Notice that T is now a multiplier, where it was previously a - b = 4
a divisor. Note also that ST is a shorthand way of saying The simple way is to cancel the bs out. You end up with:
S x T (the period, or full stop, may be used in algebra
instead of the multiplication sign, as in S.T). If you 2a = 12
divided the equation by S you would now get: a = 6
D = T Q UADRATIC E QUATIONS
These involve a square value, of which a positive number
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

S
will have two - one with a minus value and one with a plus
Which now isolates the time on one side of the equation.
value. A negative number has no roots.
Again, the shortcut is to move S diagonally.
To solve a quadratic equation, turn both sides of it into a
square.
As simultaneous and quadratic equations are not often
used in aviation, we will proceed to ignore them.......

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1 Graphs

GR A PH S As the belt moves, marks can be made on the wall as the

level reduces and you have a graphical representation of
Pilots use graphs a lot, especially when calculating fuel use over time. Both sides of the graph need a scale to
performance. A graph is a visual representation of the keep them in proportion to each other.
relationship between several numbers, on the basis that it
Graphs use Cartesian1 coordinates, while polar
is easier to look at pictures.
coordinates like latitude & longitude would be used with
navigation. The map itself (or just a plain piece of paper)
is the Cartesian plane, and the coordinates are written as
two numbers represented by x, y.
x is the distance to the right of the origin2 (where both
axes meet) and y the distance above.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

Say you have a fuel tank that reduces its contents over
time, and as the level goes down, you make a mark on the
side of the tank. This doesn’t tell you very much, unless
you added the time taken. Now place the fuel tank on a
1. After Rene Descartes, who called himself Cartesius.
conveyor belt and stick a pencil to the level float inside
the tank (a bit of poetic licence needed here). 2. This comes in useful when drawing tangents from it to the curve
of the graph (as used in power graphs).

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1 Graphs

Ca lc ul us It’s easy to figure out a time of arrival knowing the

Trivia: Standing on the backs of people like Archimedes, distance to go and speed, but what if you had two aircraft
the credit for inventing calculus was given to two people, approaching the same destination and you wanted to know
the first being Isaac Newton, so he could better explain how fast the distance between them was changing?
the laws of physics, particularly with reference to: This is where calculus comes in because it concerns the
• Given a distance, find the speed of motion at any mathematics of change, as represented by functions (and
point (differential), or their limits), which are just ways of relating one set of
numbers to another. Thus, if you don’t have a graph, you
• Given a constant speed, find a length (integration).
can use calculus to get the results you need. For example,
However, both involve a zero time interval, which is when you take off, you will be covering some distance
nonsense, so any solution involves bad mathematics, as and gaining height as you do so, like this:
used when obtaining your position with GPS. The truth is
that nobody really understands why calculus works, even
now - it’s a bit like electricity, in that you know what it
does, but not how it does it, so you just memorise the
equations and move on (you really only learn a bunch of
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

shortcuts). That’s why people give up on it in school.

More useful ways of expressing the above could be:
• Given a variable distance over equal intervals, find The x in brackets is the quantity that varies, or a variable.
the velocity over one of them, or
Your position at any distance would be a function of the x
• Given a variable velocity over an interval, find the and y axes because it is dependent on them. In fact, y
distance over a subinterval (not an instant). would also be a function of x, or f(x).
Gottfried Liebnitz created calculus as an exercise while he Because you need a distance to measure velocity, velocity
was dealing with infinitely small triangles. is a function of distance, but you can measure a distance
Anyhow, calculus is behind Newton’s Laws, which are without worrying about velocity, so it doesn’t work the
used in Principles of Flight, and also Inertial Navigation. other way round.
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1 Graphs

A position on a graph like this The slope is a measurement of the tilt of a line, such as a
one is not a function because climb gradient.
there is more than one value of x
for every value of y. In a
function, an input has only one
output. In an equation such as
y = 2x + 4, every time x is
changed, y changes, too. When
you say f(x) = x + 3, it means you add 3 to the number
used for x.
The domain of a function is the portion of the x axis it
The horizontal distance is the run, and the change in
occupies. The range is the same for the y axis. Usually,
height as you go along it is the rise. The ratio of the two is
each member of a domain relates to one in a range, and
the degree of slope, expressed as a percentage when it
occasionally two, but not the other way round.
comes to the climb. It is usually denoted by the letter m.
SLOPES The value of a straight line graph can be easily calculated
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

You can get information from a with a formula, described below. However, when the
graph without looking at numbers. graph is curved, the change in y as compared to x varies,
If the slope is steep, for example, and you need to use an infinitesimally small change in
there is rapid movement. If it is order to find the slope of a tangent drawn to that point.1
shallow, movement is slow.
Thus, the significance of a graph or curve often lies in
how fast it is changing, rather than its absolute values.
Calculus uses the slope of a line (or curve) to measure
how fast what it represents is changing at an instant. 1. This is easier said than done, as the tangent line will only touch
the slope at one point. We need to find the slope of a similar line that
touches at two points. Read on...

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1 Graphs

If your speed is constant1, you can find the distance Positive slopes move up as you go to the right or down to
travelled with a simple calculation (speed x time) but, if the left:
your speed is varying, as it might when staggering up a
hill after a few drinks, you need to calculate the area
underneath a curve, or a rectangle with one side that is
curved, for which there won’t be a standard formula.
Meanwhile, the form of equation that is used to plot the
slope of straight line graphs takes the form:
y = mx + b
The slope for a function that is not a straight line is a
where m represents the slope and b where the y axis derivative2, related to which is a secant line, or a straight
crosses the x axis (the intercept). If an equation isn’t in line that touches a function through at least two points.
that form, you just solve for y, for example, starting with
2x - 3y = 12, subtract 2x from both sides to get -3y = -2x + Out of a series of secant lines,
12, then divide by -3 to get: one will be nearly touching the
function concerned, and similar
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

y = 2 - 4 to a tangent line at that point,

3 which will nearly have the
The graph starts at -4 on the y axis, you then move up 2 same value of slope:
and right 3.

2. A measurement of slope at an instant. If f(t) is your distance at a

particular time, its derivative, f'(t) is the rate of change, or the speed.
It is equal to a tangent line at that point.
1. It isn’t, in fact. 60 mph does not mean that you will actually cover Acceleration is a derivative of speed, or a measure of how fast a speed
60 miles in the next hour, it is just the rate of travel at that instant. is changing, so you can use speed to find acceleration, but only if you
Dealing with instantaneous situations is what calculus is all about. know the rate of acceleration can you integrate it to find speed.

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 M ATH S
1 Graphs

However, this cannot be done with absolute precision, as So, a differential is a number subtracted from another one
we will get to a point where you move at zero speed in which stands for one number. (8-3) is functionally
zero seconds, which is nonsense, but see below. identical to 5.
Why do things this way? The differential can be used to
DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS
represent a length, amongst other things. The Greeks
Differential calculus fills the gap by dividing a small assigned a a differential to the length of a segment of a
sample by something smaller, like a tiny distance divided curve and imagined it getting smaller, or approaching
by a tiny amount of time (a derivative), used to find zero, to use a more modern term. You keep going through
instantaneous change. The rate of change is the slope subchanges until you find a level of change that is
between two points. constant which will be the tangent to the curve, hopefully
The expression y = 3x means that for every new value of well away from zero.
x, y changes by 3, or that a slope will be changing by
3 counts of y for every change in x, so the slope of a line INTEGRATION
will be the change in y divided by the change in x. Integration (the mathematical opposite of differentiation)
An expression for a curve, such as y = x2 is a little harder. allows you to do the same with space, or areas, or
volumes, but this time you multiply something small by
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

Taking two points on a graph such as (1,1) and (2,4), the

slope (rate of change) between them would be: something big. Whereas differentiation makes small
things out of big ones, integration puts them back
4 - 1 = 3 = 3 together, such as when you are adding together lots of
2 - 1 1 very thin (i.e. virtually flat) rectangles to represent the
Obviously, the closer the points are together, the more area underneath a curve, many accelerations to find a
accurate your answer will be, but you will get to a point speed1. The area under a function is an integral.
where you need information for one point where a slope
needs two points. This is where limits come in, such as
“practically zero”.
1. If you use a concept called volume by rotation (think spinning
coin) you can do this with 3D figures too.

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 M ATH S
1 Graphs

Integration can be used, for example, to determine the Another symbol that causes confusion is this one, , which
total thrust produced by a helicopter rotor disc (or a just means “the sum of”. Again, to show off, you would
propeller) by summing the differential thrust force on say it was “the integral of”, or a collection of little bits
each annular element of a blade. elements that are to be added up.
You won’t be surprised to learn that there is a formula for So, we are dealing with small things, one minute being a
this as well, involving the symbol delta (), which minute fraction of an hour (which is where the name
represents a change, such that the change in y divided by comes from), which in turn can be subdivided into second
the change in x1: minutes (a second order of smallness2), or seconds for
short. We are also dealing with quantities that are
y
growing, and their rates of growth, and how the processes
x
interact with each other.
produces a real number equal to the slope at the point The height reached by an
concerned. Note that both are the equivalent of distances. aircraft depends on the time
An area such as (2,5) means all values of x between and taken to reach that height.
including 2 and 5.
If you had a quantity such as x
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

In the same way that velocity measures the rate of change that decides to grow by a small
of position (in a given direction), acceleration (see amount, we end up with x plus a
Newton’s second law) measures the rate of change of bit, or x + dx. Similarly for y, if
velocity. Since velocity is the change in distance over the your rate of climb is kept constant.
change in time, it could be represented by:
However, if the aircraft should slow down, the rate of
x climb would change, meaning that dy would get shorter, in
t which case we would have y - dy, or a negative increment
in y for a positive increment in x. This doesn’t mean that y
gets shorter, just that dy does.
1. This is not d multiplied by x or y, but shorthand representing “a
little bit” of x or y, or the derivative y with respect to x. To show off
you would call it an element. It is known as Liebniz’s notation. 2. Order of magnitude to a mathematician.

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 M ATH S
1 Geometry

GEO M ET R Y T RIG O NO M ETRY

Geometry concerns lines and angles. The relationship between
• The perimeter is the total length of all the sides of a angles and the sides of right-
two dimensional object. The perimeter of a circle is angled triangles is often used
its circumference. to find information, such as
angles of bank and g force in a
• The area is the space inside the perimeter, found by turn, or thrust and drag in a
multiplying the length by the breadth or, in the case climb or descent.
of a circle, the square of the radius (half the
diameter) multiplied by π1. A n g le s & A rc s
• Volume is found by multiplying area by height. Angles are measured in degrees
and radians. A radian is an angle
Ci rc le s of 57.29º which subtends an arc
The diameter of a circle is the length of a straight line of the same length as the radius
across it, through the middle. The radius goes from the of a circle (it is popular with
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

centre to the circumference, or half the diameter. scientists and is useful for
intercepting radio beams).
360° = 2π radians. As the radius
of a circle is equal to 2πr, its circumference can be written
as the angle in radians round the circle multiplied by the
radius (r).
Make sure you use the right mode with your
electronic calculator!
1. π represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its
diameter, being 22 divided by 7. It is commonly taken to have a
decimal value of 3.14159, but it actually goes on forever.

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 M ATH S
1 Trigonometry

Tri a ng l es The internal angles of a triangle should add up to 180°.

There are three types of triangle: One of 90° is called a right angle (after upright). One less
than that is an acute angle. Angles between 90-180° are
• An equilateral triangle, which has three sides of the
obtuse angles. Those greater than 180° are reflex angles.
same length.
A right angled triangle thus has two others that add up to
• An isosceles triangle, which has two sides of equal
90°. After Pythagoras1, the square2 of the hypotenuse (the
length, and two angles of equal value, and is
long side) is equal to the sum of the squares on the other
sometimes very useful for navigation.
two sides (although this refers to areas, Pythagoras is
usually used to find the length of a side).
The value of one of the other angles in a right angled
triangle depends on the relationship between two sides of
it. In the case of angle A in the picture below, if you divide
the height of the helicopter (opposite side) by the distance
it has travelled through the air (the hypoteneuse), you
have the sine of angle A.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

For example, it will take the same time to fly from

point B in the picture to the navigation beacon as it
does from A to B. It is a handy way of estimating
time without taking you too far out of your way.
1. Although the principles of Pythagoras are attributed to the ancient
The third side is 1.4 times the length of a short side, Greeks, they can be found in the Pyramids, Stonehenge and Avebury,
or the short sides are 70% the length of the long amongst other places.
side. Once you see a bearing change of 45º, you can
2. The square of a number is that number multiplied by itself. The
bet you are dealing with an isosceles triangle. square root of a number is one which, when multiplied by itself,
• A scalene triangle has three sides of different produces the original number. It is the same as raising the original
number by a half, such as 60.5.
lengths.
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 M ATH S
1 Trigonometry

Two angles that add up to 90° are called co-angles, so To find out which formula you need, take the above letters
angle B is called a cosine (C is already 90°). Its value and cross out the items you know, then use the one where
again depends on dividing the height of the helicopter by both are crossed out together:
distance it has travelled through the air, but the
SOH CAH TOA
helicopter’s height is now adjacent (i.e. next to) to B,
rather than being opposite A. Once you have done the division, use your calculator to
If you divide the helicopter’s height (opposite) by the find the angle corresponding to the result.
distance it has travelled over the ground (adjacent), you These relationships remain the same regardless of the size
have the tangent of angle A. of the triangles - they are simply ratios.
To find the length of any side, you need to remember these E XAMPLE
letters: Performance rules require you to clear a building by 35
feet as you get out of a landing site.
SOH CAH TOA
The initial letters of each group refer to Sine, Cosine and
Tangent, respectively, and the others refer to one side of
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

the triangle, namely Hypoteneuse, Adjacent and Opposite

(there is an easy way to remember them below).
Some Old Hens
Can Always Have You first need to find the angle between the surface and
the top of the obstacle. Angle A is 40°.
Turnips Or Apples
The tangent of angle A multiplied by the distance to the
To find Angle A in the previous example, you would base of the obstacle gives you the height required, 952 x
therefore use this formula: 0.84 = 800 feet. Then add the 35 feet clearance required
Sine = Opposite (you do it this way because it is easier to line up on the top
Hypoteneuse of the building than try to estimate a height above it).

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1 The 1 In 60 Rule

TH E 1 IN 60 RUL E For example, after flying for 180 miles, you are 9 miles
away from your planned track.
This is a rule of thumb that can solve many problems in
aviation without getting the calculator out. The sine or
tangent of a small angle is more or less the same as the
number of degrees in the angle divided by 60.
Although it is only accurate to within 5% up to about 40°
for sines and 10° for tangents, it is a very useful tool (used
in Navigation) for quickly working out by how much your
track is in error if you have been drifting off.
In other words, it is accurate enough to be a very good
rule of thumb, as the angles involved are very small.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

9 in 180 is the same as 3 in 60, so you are 3° off (it’s a

tangential relationship if you want to work it out
properly).

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1 The 1 In 60 Rule

The formula starts off like this: are approximate, because altering heading changes the
Error = Distance Off relationship of the wind to your machine. 1 in 60 is used
60Distance Gone for convenience - if the exact figures for π are used it
It ends up like this: should be 1 in 57. The Tan may be used up to 25°, and the
Sine is accurate up to 40° (within 10% up to 70°).
Error = Distance Off x 60
Distance Gone Tip: If you have travelled ¼ of the way along your track,
the heading alteration is 4 times the closing angle.
Of course, when you are off track, there is the potential for
getting lost, so the first thing to do is parallel the original You can use the 1 in 60 rule to see if you are still inside an
track. Now, at least, you shouldn’t get any further off track airway. If the centreline was 045°, and you were on the
while you work out how to get to the destination. 040° radial, you would be off track by 5°. If the DME says
you are 45 nm away, it's a simple calculation:
• To parallel your original track, alter course by the
track error in the appropriate direction Dist Off = TE x Dist Gone
60
• To get back on the original track (provided you
The answer is 3.75 nm, so you are OK.
haven’t gone more than halfway), alter course by
double the track error. Then apply the correction as
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

a single figure to keep you there

• To track directly to the original destination, you
would need an extra bit, called a closing angle,
which you can find by altering the formula above:
CA = Distance Off x 60
Distance To Go
Add the combination of closing angle and track
error to the heading the appropriate way.
Notes: The time to regain track may be more than that
used to create the error in the first place. Also, these rules

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 M ATH S
1 Physics

PHY SI CS you enlarged an apple until it became the size of the Earth,
for example, the atoms inside would be the size of
Pretty much the whole of aviation works on physics, cherries (and the atmosphere would have the thickness of
especially meteorology, so let’s start with the atmosphere. clingfilm). Gold leaf has the thickness of about 5 atoms -
if this book were printed on gold leaf, and you multiplied
it by four, the total thickness would be that of a single
A TO M IC THEO RY sheet of paper.
The diagram on the left is a loose
Matter is anything that has mass and volume. For our depiction of the inside of an atom (the
purposes, it exists as a solid, liquid or a gas, but it can be a Bohr model). The large ball in the middle
plasma as well. An element is a substance that cannot be is the nucleus and the smaller ones
reduced to a simpler form by chemical means because it spinning rapidly round it are a cloud of
contains only one type of atom - what distinguishes one electrons, which are negatively charged
element from another is the number of protons, neutrons particles and around 2,000 times smaller in size. The
and electrons in the atoms it contains. A compound nucleus contains positive- and neutrally charged particles,
contains 2 or more elements - one example is water, which called protons and neutrons (both contain quarks and
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

has 2 hydrogen atoms and one of oxygen. other strange things). The neutrons are there to bind the
However, for most purposes, the atom is the most basic protons together, as particles of a like charge are repelled.
building block of matter. The word derives from the As an example of how large atoms can be, if the nucleus
Greek a tomos which means “not cut”, or that you can’t were the size of the apple above, the first electron would
reduce (or cut) the atom into anything smaller, as you can be found anywhere between 1-10 miles away, and be
with a molecule, which is a collection of atoms in a hardly visible at that.
chemical compound, the smallest part of an object that In an atom, there are an equal number of electrons to
retains its identity (meaning that, if you split a molecule, protons, to make it electrically neutral, or uncharged. An
the substance changes its character). By the time Einstein atom with one extra electron is negatively charged, and an
came along, it had been discovered that atoms are both a atom with one missing is positively charged, or “carrying
lot smaller and a lot bigger than was originally thought. If a positive charge”, which is a bit strange, as all it has done

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 M ATH S
1 The Atmosphere

is lost an electron. This is called ionisation, because an In other words, energy is equal to the mass of a body
unbalanced (charged) atom is an ion, which we will come multiplied by the speed of light, squared. Matter converts
across in Radio Navigation when we discuss the into energy and back again depending on what you do
ionosphere that surrounds the Earth. Some components, with its velocity.
like transistors, depend on the movement of electrons or
holes (missing electrons) one way or the other.
None of the components of an atom are physical in nature T HE A TM O S PHERE
- they are actually electromagnetic charges, or tiny
whirlwinds of electromagnetic force. The negative The atmosphere is an ocean of gases around the Earth, and
electrons are held in place by the positive protons with which moves with it, although it is in continuous motion
electrostatic attraction, as particles with opposite charges due to uneven heating.
attract each other. Once an electron leaves an atom, lines Various concentric(ish) layers of the atmosphere have
of force exist between them, to create a kind of electrical been identified over the years. Starting from the bottom,
“tension” which is made use of in radio transmissions. they include the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere
Electrons spin round the nucleus at around 600 miles per and thermosphere, although the last two are not of much
second so, bearing in mind the relative distances above, concern to the average pilot. However, the first two layers
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

you can see that they work quite hard! In fact, they move do concern us, and we live at the bottom of the
so quickly round a nucleus that they give the illusion of a troposphere, which is at once the thinnest and most dense
more solid construction because our senses don’t work area because it is compressed by the weight of the air
fast enough to detect the difference. So, an atom: above it. In fact, it contains around 85% of the total mass
• is not solid of the atmosphere. The boundary (or transition zone)
between it and the stratosphere is the tropopause, where
• is mostly full of nothing
any clouds are made of ice crystals. It lies at an average
Of course, Einstein proved that energy is really matter in height of 36 090 feet, or 11 km.
another form with his formula:
e=mc2

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 M ATH S
1 The Atmosphere

21% of the troposphere, luckily for us, is oxygen, but 78%

is nitrogen (N2), with 1% of odds and ends, like argon
(0.9%) and CO2 (0.03%), and others, that need not
concern us here, plus bits of dust and the odd pollutant,
and water in various forms in suspension (the nitrogen, as
an inert gas, keeps the proportion of oxygen down, since it
is actually quite corrosive).
Normally, because of the constant mixing, these
proportions remain constant (in dry air*) up to about 80
km, but there are exceptions:
• Water. 2% of the Earth’s total water supply can be
found suspended in the atmosphere. It would add
about an inch of water to the Earth’s surface.
• Ozone. 0.001%. This is toxic, and the main gaseous
constituent of airborne pollution.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2). 0.05%. This absorbs

infrared radiation and allegedly contributes to the
greenhouse effect, described in Meteorology.
*Not saturated.
If the air wasn't continually being stirred up, the heavier
gases would simply sink to the lower levels.
Thus, the atmosphere provides oxygen for us to breathe,
and filters out harmful cosmic rays, aside from helping to
regulate the Earth’s temperature. The main characteristic
of the troposphere is that its temperature falls off with

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 M ATH S
1 The Atmosphere

altitude (because gases cool as they expand), whilst that of To make sure that everyone works on the same page, a
the stratosphere is assumed to remain constant until it couple of typical scientists went to a typical place (at 40°
increases slightly in the latter stages as the Sun’s energy N latitude) and took the average year round conditions,
has enough power to heat its molecules directly*. See part of which turned out to be 1013.25 millibars (29.92"
International Standard Atmosphere, below. of mercury) and 15° Centigrade, which is 288K. This was
*The ozone layer lies in the middle part of the adopted as the International Standard Atmosphere, and
Stratosphere, about 30 kilometres up (between 11-50 km), now everyone who makes altimeters, or whatever,
where the air absorbs ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, calibrates them with it so that everything is standard. In
to break the bonds of the two atoms that make up oxygen short, ISA is a standard that provides universal values of
molecules and allow the creation of molecules with three. temperature, pressure, density and lapse rate, by which
others can be compared. It not only covers conditions at
Because the lapse rate stops at the Tropopause, and the sea level, but also variations with altitude, although
temperature begins to increase with altitude, the upward viscosity has not been standardised. The chief difference
movement of air is damped and all the weather is locked between actual and standard air is the presence of water
into the Troposphere. The Stratosphere is around 30 km vapour, which is more to do with Meteorology. In the
thick on average, with its highest and warmest layer at standard atmosphere, ½ sea level pressure is obtained at
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

around 50 km above the Earth’s surface. Almost all the 18 000', one third at 27 500' and ¼ at 33 700'. Thus,
remaining 15% of the atmosphere lies within the pressure decreases with height, but not linearly, because
Stratosphere as, above about 25 km, less than 1% remains. air is compressible and therefore more dense in the lower
layers - a layer 1 hectopascal deep is about equal to 27 feet
Th e I nt e rna t i on a l St a nd ar d A t m os ph er e at sea level - at 3 000 feet, it's 30 feet, or around 90 feet at
Because the atmosphere (in terms of temperature, the heights jets fly at, i.e. 35 000 feet. The greatest rate of
pressure and density) changes almost from minute to change is in the lowest 5000 feet. The sea level pressure
minute, we need some sort of model to work with, on which the standard atmosphere is based relates 1" of
particularly when the volume of a gas changes so much mercury to 1,000 feet of altitude, so you would expect to
with pressure. You can only get a true idea of the actual see an altimeter read 1 000 feet less if you set it to 28.92
quantity of a gas if the volume it would have under some instead of 29.92 inches.
sort of standard is used.

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 M ATH S
1 The General Gas Laws

TH E G ENER A L G A S LA WS Two common ways of measuring temperature are

Fahrenheit or Celsius, and it's a real pain to convert
A gas has three variables - pressure (altitude), density and between the two. The quick and easy way is to use a flight
temperature, which are all intimately related. For computer:
example, if a gas were restrained in a rigid container (so
the volume doesn’t change), increasing the temperature
makes the gas expand and increase the pressure inside,
and vice versa. If the container were not rigid, the volume
could change, and affect the gas’s density. Air density
affects aircraft performance. Put another way, you can
alter the volume of a gas by changing its pressure or
temperature, or both.
But here are the calculations if you want to show off:
Te m per at u re F - CTc = Tf-32 x 5/
9
The quantity of heat contained in a substance is a measure C - FTf = Tc x 9
/5 + 32
of the kinetic energy of the molecules it contains, They work for any temperatures above freezing. The
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

depending on the temperature, mass and nature of the freezing level (in flight) is where the temperature is 0°C.
material concerned. A bucketful of warm water will melt
more ice than a cupful of boiling water because it contains 16°C is equal to 61°F, 20°C is 68°F and 30°C is 86°F, for
more heat, so two bodies containing the same amounts of gross error checks and quick conversions - however, given
thermal energy may not have the same temperature, the standard of performance charts in the average flight
because temperature is a measure of the quality of heat (or manual, doubling the Celsius figures and adding 30 to get
the rate at which molecules are moving), which means it Fahrenheit, or subtracting 30 from Fahrenheit and
cannot strictly be measured, but only compared against dividing the remainder in half for Celsius is good enough!
some form of scale. The Fahrenheit scale assumes that water freezes at 32°,
Officially, temperature is a measure of the average kinetic and boils at 212° (32° was the coldest possible
energy of air molecules measured in Kelvins (K), or temperature of an ice-salt mixture. 100° would be the
absolute temperature (see overleaf). temperature of the human body). Centigrade (which is a
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 M ATH S
1 The General Gas Laws

modified version of the standard introduced by Anders molecules aren’t moving, which is why the absolute
Celsius in the 1700s), starts at 0° and finishes at 100°, temperature is used in the gas equation.
which is more logical, but the scale is coarser (the original You could also say that 0°C is equal to 273K, from which
started at 100°). As the full range of each is 180 and 100 you can infer that the 1° steps in both scales are the same.
respectively, we get the 9/5 fraction.
D en s i t y
Air density is the mass of air occupying a given volume. It
depends on pressure (below), temperature and humidity
(water has less mass than air). It is measured in slugs per
cubic foot, which are units of mass that accelerate at 1
foot per second when acted on by a force of 1 pound.

P res s u re
Pressure is the ratio between an applied force that
is perpendicular to a surface and the area of the
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

surface concerned. As it is measured in terms of

the force it will produce on an area, it should really be
expressed in Newtons (sea level pressure is around 101
kN/m2), but, for convenience, we use the (incorrect)
For each °C of cooling, a gas will reduce volume by 1/273, values for weight, such as kilograms or pounds.
which brings us into scientific methods of temperature Static pressure (which plays a
measurement, in the shape of Kelvins, which don’t use a major part in breathing, lift, drag,
degree sign. -273.15°C is equal to 0 K, or Absolute, which and the operation of carburettors,
is when all molecular motion is supposed to have stopped, amongst other things) is
and therefore has the least kinetic energy, although this is proportional to air temperature
scientifically impossible and just used for reeference. At and density. It arises from the average continuous random
this point, there should be zero pressure because the air motion of air molecules. As the random motion involves
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 M ATH S
1 The General Gas Laws

collisions between them, and they tend to repel each other, The weight of a column of air is commonly expressed in
the end result is the formation of pressure in all directions. one of three ways:
The motions average out at the speed of sound. • Pounds per square inch. The force that air exerts
Standard atmospheric pressure, or barometric pressure, is in pounds over a square inch of a surface - about
the weight of the atmosphere at any given point, at sea 14.7 lbs in the standard atmosphere (2116 lbs per
level. It depends on the number and mass of air molecules square foot).
(density), and how fast they are moving (temperature). • Inches of mercury. If you fill a
At a given height, the only thing that stops the air above tube with mercury (because it is
you falling to the ground is the pressure of the air below more dense than water and takes
you acting upwards, so the total pressure acting on your up less space), and tip it upside
aircraft is equal to the weight of the air above it. down into a bowl that is also full of
mercury, the level in the tube will
drop until the force exerted by
atmospheric pressure on the
mercury in the bowl equals the
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

weight of the mercury in the tube. Atmospheric

pressure under standard conditions will hold up a
column of mercury that is 29.92 inches long.
• Hectopascal. The Hectopascal (hPa), which is
replacing the millbar, consists of 100 Pascals. 1
millibar is equal to 1 Hectopascal.

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 M ATH S
1 The General Gas Laws

The weight of the air in a column that is 1 foot square at H um i d it y

sea level is 2116.16 lbs (on a standard day). This pressure To function properly, the human body requires a certain
surrounds an aircraft from above, below and all around. amount of humidity, which concerns the amount of
invisible water (vapour) contained in a parcel of air. The
absolute humidity is the actual mass, expressed in grams
per cubic metre (i.e. as a volume). For a particular
temperature, the relative humidity is a measure of how
much moisture an air parcel is holding against the
maximum it could hold at that temperature (and pressure)
or, in other words, the percentage saturation, which will
decrease if the air gets warmer. Thus, the amount of water
vapour that air can hold is determined by the temperature.

T he Id ea l G as
That is, the aircraft is being squeezed from all directions
An ideal (perfect) gas obeys the gas laws. As it happpens,
at a static pressure of around 2000 lbs per square foot. If
no gas is really ideal, but they are considered to be so in
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

you can reduce the pressure above its aerofoils by more

low subsonic flow, at about 30% of the speed of sound.
than the weight of the aircraft, it will fly, which is what we
do mechanically, by moving forward to concentrate the The kinetic theory of gases (from Maxwell, after
airflow over the top of the wing and bring its streamlines Bernoulli) states that gases consist of molecules that are in
closer together. constant motion, on which their properties depend. The
volume of a gas is the space through which its molecules
are free to move. From Avogadro’s Law, which states that
equal volumes of all gases at the same temperature and
pressure contain the same number of molecules (assuming
you could count them), you can deduce that the same
number of molecules should have the same volume.

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1 The General Gas Laws

Contributions to the kinetic theory of gases include: sinuses, the gut, lungs and teeth, increases and may
• Charles' Law, from a Frenchman, Jacques Charles, cause pain and/or discomfort.
which states that, if the pressure remains constant, *Only approximately with high pressures. Boyle’s
volume (and density) is very nearly proportional to and Charles’ laws are only accurate in small ranges.
the absolute temperature so, the hotter a gas gets, If it’s 25°C all over Spain, the air density will be
the more space it takes up, or the more you lower in the mountains than it is on the beach.
compress it into a smaller space, the hotter it gets,
and vice versa. If you double the temperature of a • Dalton says that the total pressure of a mixture of
gas, you double its volume. Put another way, equal gases is the same as the sum of the partial pressures
volumes of different gases expand equally for the exerted by each of the gases in the mixture,
same temperature if the pressure is kept constant, assuming they don’t react chemically with each
with the change in volume being 1/273 of its initial other, which is relevant for oxygen. In other words,
volume at 0°C, for each degree change in each gas's pressure contributes a part of the total
temperature, up or down, so at -273°C the volume according to its constituent proportion, or exerts the
would be zero. This law (which is only same pressure that it would do on its own, and the
approximately true anyway) helped Charles make total pressure of the mixture is equal to their sum.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

the first meteorological flight in a balloon, taking a This allows meteorologists to figure out how much
barometer with which to work out his height. water vapour there is in a given parcel of air - if they
know the makeup of a gas on the ground, they can
Thus, if Spain and Iceland have the same pressure, calculate the amounts for any altitude.
the air in Iceland will be denser.
So, after Dalton, if the pressure at a certain altitude
• Boyle, an Irish physicist, discovered that, for a were 986 hectopascals, the pressure from oxygen
perfect gas*, if temperature remains constant (i.e. it would be 21% of 986, or 207 hPa. An average set of
is isothermal), its volume (and density) varies lungs absorbs oxygen at a partial pressure of 3 psi,
inversely with its pressure, so if you double the which is well enough to saturate the blood. The
pressure of a gas, you halve its volume. As you overall and partial pressures of the gases in the
climb, and pressure reduces, the volume of the gases atmosphere decrease with increasing altitude.
within various body cavities, such as the middle ear,
Caledonian Advanced Pilot Training Pre-Pilot Studies 1-29
 M ATH S
1 Newton’s Laws

• Gay-Lussac’s Law states that equal increases in N EWTO N’ S L AW S

temperature result in equal increases in pressure if
the volume is kept constant. Aside from inventing the catflap (true!), Sir Isaac Newton
(influenced by Kepler and Galileo, amongst others),
When everything changes at once, you must use Boyle’s
formulated three laws of motion that govern material
and Charles’ laws, in that order. By adding Gay-Lussac
bodies, which are also relevant to flight:
and Avogadro to the mix, you can get a single expression
called the General Gas Law (also known as the Equation
of State), which connects temperature, pressure and
T he F ir st L a w
density like this: In the absence of an unbalanced force, an object at rest (or
in motion) will remain at rest (or in motion at that
p = RT?
velocity) until acted upon by an external force, otherwise
ρ is the density, T the absolute temperature and p the known as Inertia. Or, if you want the original version:
pressure. R is a constant that depends on the gas (2.87 for
"Every body perseveres in its state of rest, or of
dry air). The constant doesn’t change, of course (unless
uniform motion in a right line, unless it is compelled to
you change the gas), and if temperature stays the same,
change that state by forces impressed thereon"
pressure is proportional to density* - because you are
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

increasing pressure by cramming more molecules into a As first presented by Galileo, a body will continue to
smaller space, density automatically increases. If pressure move with a constant velocity unless a force is applied to
stays the same, an increase in temperature reduces the it, as bodies have a natural tendency to maintain their
density. So you can calculate density if you know the current state of motion. However, Newton defined it as the
pressure and temperature. natural tendency of bodies to move in a straight line at a
constant speed. This is often called inertial motion. It is a
*If density remains constant, pressure and temperature are
force resisting change that gives a body the tendency to
directly proportional.
remain at rest, or carry on with what it's doing - in other
The formula could also arise this way: words, not to change its present state, or to maintain a
PV = RT constant velocity, and be hard to get moving (but see
Momentum, below, about stopping). To do its work, air
must possess the property of inertia.

Caledonian Advanced Pilot Training Pre-Pilot Studies 1-30

 M ATH S
1 Newton’s Laws

Inertia should not be confused with Momentum, as even rate of knots requires more power to stop than if it were
bodies at rest have inertia. Both can add stress to the going at walking pace. You could also use a relatively
materials used in aircraft, as found with wings that flex on small force for a longer time. This is particularly
takeoff or landing. important when handling large aircraft, in that you cannot
When mass changes, inertia changes, too, as it is change the flight path so easily, and cannot afford to wait
proportional to mass. until a situation has developed before you do something
about it. In fact, you almost have to correct things before
Put more simply, an object in a steady state is neither they happen, for which you need anticipation otherwise
accelerating nor decelerating (although it might be the machine will run away from you.
moving) and you must apply a force to make it move or
change direction (or if you observe an acceleration, there T he Se co n d L a w
must be a force behind it). As air has mass, it is capable of
The rate of change of motion (of a body) [acceleration] is
applying force, which becomes a problem at the speed of
directly proportional to the force acting on it, along its
sound because the air compresses so much that it behaves
line of action, inversely proportional to the body’s mass.
like a brick wall, which is a force in anyone’s language.
Put more precisely, when a body is made to change its
Momentum is the quantity of motion in a body, or its state, its acceleration is proportional to, and in the
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

resistance to being brought to rest. Also called impetus, it direction of, the applied force. This is the basis for the
is complementary to inertia, signified by the letter p. discussion of load factors, later.
As it is a vector quantity, momentum concerns the velocity Acceleration is the rate of change of motion in speed and/
of a body as well as its mass, so the formula mass x or direction (velocity), divided by time. If you change one
velocity denotes how much is moving and how fast (only or the other, or both, an object is accelerating, as with a
bodies with velocity can have momentum). If either mass turning aircraft affected by centripetal force.
or velocity increase, the momentum increases and you
need a bigger force to change the body’s state of motion.
Any change in momentum is proportional to the size of Although the word acceleration refers to any change in
the forces involved - a bullet and a steamroller may have velocity, deceleration also indicates a decrease. As
similar momenta, but they have different masses and velocity is involved, both can be represented as a vector.
speeds. For example, a heavy aircraft taxying at a high
Caledonian Advanced Pilot Training Pre-Pilot Studies 1-31
 M ATH S
1 Newton’s Laws

Force and mass are related, in that doubling both produces and opposite reaction. This law is made use of by
the same value of acceleration. Doubling force doubles propellers and jet engines to drive aeroplanes (and
acceleration if mass stays the same, and doubling mass for autogyros) forward.
the same force halves acceleration, which therefore Force is a dynamic influence that changes a body’s state
depends on force divided by mass (force is proportional to of rest to one of motion, or changes its rate of motion. In
mass multiplied by acceleration). As force is measured in simple terms, a push (the only forces that truly pull are
newtons (kgm/s2), represented by the letter F, if 30 gravity, magnetism and electrical attraction, and even
newtons is applied to a mass of 10 kg, the acceleration is gravity is suspect these days). It is equal to mass x
30 divided by 10*, or 3 m/s2. acceleration (f=m.a). In studying the principles of flight,
*On the surface of the Earth, a mass of 1 kg experiences a we are looking at how accelerating a mass (of air)
gravitational attraction of about 9.81 newtons, usually produces a reaction force called Lift that overcomes
rounded to 10. 1 newton is the force that makes a mass of gravity, or Weight. In this respect, we are interested in its
1 kg accelerate at 1 m per second per second. speed and density. The speed concerns kinetic energy, or
A slug is a unit of mass that accelerates at 1 ft/sec the additional (dynamic) pressure that is there because the
when acted on by a force of 1 pound. It is found by air is moving. However, it is the differences in static
pressure that give us lift (and drag), as we shall see later.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

dividing the weight of an object by the acceleration

from gravity (32 ft/sec2) so, if you weighed 128.8 lbs, you In fact, four forces act on an aircraft in flight, called Lift,
would have a mass of 4 slugs. Weight, Thrust and Drag.
The density of the air at sea level is 0.002378 slugs per
cubic foot. At 10,000 feet, it is 0.001756, as the air density
has only ¾ of the sea level value, so a correction must be
made to find the True Airspeed at that level.

Th e T hi rd L aw
If one body exerts a force on another body, the second
body will exert an equal and opposite force on the first
body, popularised as: For every action, there is an equal
Caledonian Advanced Pilot Training Pre-Pilot Studies 1-32
 M ATH S
1 Newton’s Laws

For now, lift makes a flying machine go up, weight makes

it go down, thrust makes it go forward, and drag tries to Being fictitious, centrifugal force does not act on the
stop it. Creating an imbalance between them is what body in motion - the only one actually involved is
centripetal force. It is the removal of centripetal force that
makes an aircraft go in one direction or another. allows a blade to fly from a propeller hub when it is
released, not the application of centrifugal force.
• Centrifugal Force. Under
Newton’s first law, a moving
body will travel along a • A couple is a combination of two equal, parallel and
straight path (with constant opposite forces that produces a rotation. In the
velocity) unless a force acts picture above, the combination of Lift and Weight
on it from the outside. With produces a couple that creates a nose down attitude.
circular motion, the constant The moment of a couple is one of its forces
force pushing a body to the centre is centripetal multiplied by the distance between them both.
force, inwards along the radius of a curve. It is an • A moment is the turning effect of a force about a
accelerating force, as it affects velocity in terms of point, in foot-pounds or newton-metres. Torque is
its line of direction, and is proportional to the body’s similar, but is a continuous force in one direction,
mass. applied at a distance from a centre of rotation.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

However, under Newton’s third law the opposite

reaction is centrifugal force, which is a fictitious
one acting outwards (it is called a reaction force as
it is only there as a reaction to centripetal force). It
increases with mass, the square of rotational speed,
and the distance from the axis, as shown here.
m x V2
r
The size of a moment arises from the force involved
Centrifugal force is inversely proportional to the multiplied by the distance from the point concerned
radius of the curve, so the smaller a curve is, the to the line of action of the force. In the picture
more influence centrifugal force has. above, the two lift values are different, yet they
Caledonian Advanced Pilot Training Pre-Pilot Studies 1-33
 M ATH S
1 Newton’s Laws

balance because of their relative distances from the

Centre of Gravity. Clockwise movement is positive,
because it involves a nose-up pitching moment, and
anticlockwise is negative.
• Equilibrium is state of balance between forces,
where the sum of the clockwise moments is equal to
that of anticlockwise moments (zero acceleration),
as with straight and level flight.

Forces may be in balance, but not in equilibrium, as in a turn

with a constant bank angle (where you are accelerating).
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2022

Caledonian Advanced Pilot Training Pre-Pilot Studies 1-34

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

G
Absol ute Ceiling
Where ROC is theoretically zero.
G LOSSARY Absol ute Minima
A theoretical value, calculated according to the approach

T
his bit contains the definitions, abbreviations and and facilities available at the aerodrome, which will be
acronyms required by the EASA learning equal to or less than the specified operating RVR for a
objectives (particularly for the Air Law syllabus) category A aircraft carrying out that instrument approach.
for ICAO Documents 8168 & 4444, Annex 11, Annex 13,
Part FCL and EASA Regulation (EU) No 965/2012, plus ACAS
others required for other subjects and around the world. See Airborne Collision Avoidance System.
Most of them are explained in the study notes as the text ACARS
progresses anyway. Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting
System. An onboard, computerised communications
system that provides a digital, voiceless datalink between
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

DEFINITIONS aircraft and their operating companies using VHF radios.

It is typically linked to the FMC, so flight plans can be
uploaded easily (takeoff parameters are typically
Aborti ve Star t transmitted en route to the runway, and clearances can
An attempt to start, where the (turbine) engine lights up, also be transmitted).
but fails to accelerate, assuming its handling is under
manufacturer's instructions! ACC
Area Control Centre or Area Control.
Absorbent material
Material that absorbs liquid from dangerous goods should
it leak from inner packaging, and will not react.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-1

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Accelerat e-Stop Distance Available ( ASDA) the purpose of flight until such time it comes to rest at the
The length of the takeoff run available plus the length of end of the flight and the primary propulsion system is shut
stopway, if declared available and capable of bearing the down, in which:
mass of an aeroplane under the prevailing conditions.
• a person is fatally or seriously injured as a result of:
Acceptabl e Means of Compliance (AMC) • being in the aircraft, or
Non-binding standards adopted by the Agency to illustrate • direct contact with any part of the aircraft,
means to establish compliance with Regulation (EC) No including parts which have become detached
216/2008 and its Implementing Rules. from the aircraft, or
Acceptance Check Lis t • direct exposure to jet blast
A document used to help with checking the external except when the injuries are from natural causes,
appearance of dangerous goods packages and associated self-inflicted or by other persons, or when the
documents to determine that requirements have been met. injuries are to stowaways hiding outside the areas
normally available to the passengers and crew, or
Accepted/A ccept able
• the aircraft sustains damage or structural failure
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Not objected to for the purpose intended.

which:
Accepting Unit • adversely affects the structural strength,
The ATC unit next to take control of an aircraft. performance or flight characteristics of the
aircraft, and
Acci dent
An occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft • would normally require major repair or
which, in the case of a manned aircraft, takes place replacement of the affected component,
between the time any person boards the aircraft with the except for engine failure or damage, when the
intention of flight until such time as all such persons have damage is limited to a single engine, (including its
disembarked, or in the case of an unmanned aircraft, takes cowlings or accessories), to propellers, wing tips,
place between the time the aircraft is ready to move with antennas, probes, vanes, tires, brakes, wheels,

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-2

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

fairings, panels, landing gear, doors, windscreens, Acc uracy

the aircraft skin (such as small dents or puncture A degree of conformance between the estimated or
holes), or for minor damages to main rotor blades, measured value and the true value. For measured
tail rotor blades, landing gear, and those resulting positional data the accuracy is normally expressed in
from hail or bird strike (including holes in the terms of a distance from a stated position within which
radome); or there is a defined confidence of the true position falling.
• the aircraft is missing or is completely inaccessible.
AD
For statistical uniformity only, an injury resulting in death Aeronautical Directive. A notice that requires a
within thirty days of the date of the accident is classified, mandatory maintenance action to be carried out before the
by ICAO, as a fatal injury. An aircraft is considered to be aircraft flies again (also Airworthiness Directive).
missing when the official search has been terminated and
the wreckage has not been located. The type of unmanned Adequate Aer odr ome
aircraft system to be investigated is addressed in Annex One on which an aircraft can be operated, taking account
13, 5.1. Guidance for the determination of aircraft damage of performance requirements and runway characteristics.
can be found in Annex 13, Attachment G.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

ADF
Accountable Manager Automatic Direction Finding Equipment.
The person acceptable to the Authority with corporate
authority for ensuring that operations and maintenance ADR
can be financed and carried out to standards required. Advisory Route.

Accredited Representative
Persons designated by a State, on the basis of their
qualifications, for the purpose of participating in a safety
investigation conducted by another State. An accredited
representative designated by a Member State shall be
from a safety investigation authority.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-3

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

ADS-B Advi sory Ai rspace

Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast is a An airspace of defined dimensions, or designated route,
transponder based system that generates radar-like within which air traffic advisory service is available.
displays for pilots and controllers that show traffic,
weather and terrain in real time. It is an advisory system Advi sory Ar ea
that does not replace TCAS, but is useful for situations A designated area where air traffic advisory service is
where nothing else would even be available. available.

ADS-C Agr eement Advi sory Rou te

A reporting plan which establishes the conditions of ADS- A designated route along which ATC advisory service is
C data reporting (i.e. data required by the ATS unit and available.
frequency of ADS-C reports which have to be agreed to
prior to using ADS-C in the provision of ATC services). Aerial Applicati on
The terms of the agreement will be exchanged between The seeding, or the spraying or dusting of chemicals from
the ground system and the aircraft by means of a contract, an aircraft, or any other operation of a similar nature.
or a series of contracts.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Aerial in spec tion

Adult Inspection from an aircraft of crops, forests, livestock or
A person aged 12 years and above. wildlife, patrolling of pipelines or power lines, etc.

Advance Ratio Aerial wor k

The forward speed of the helicopter as a fraction of the tip A commercial air service, not for air transport or flight
speed of the blades, typically ranging from 0 to about 0.5. training. Where an aircraft is used for specialised services
such as agriculture, construction, photography, surveying,
Advis er observation and patrol, search and rescue, aerial
Persons appointed by a State, on the basis of their advertising, etc. In other words, not carrying passengers in
qualifications, for the purpose of assisting its accredited the normal fare-paying sense, although up to 6 "essential
representative in a safety investigation. persons" may be carried to, during and from a job.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-4

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Aerial Work Ai rcraft Aerodrome

An aircraft (not public transport) flying for aerial work. A defined area of land or water designed, equipped, set
apart or commonly used for the landing and departure of
Aerial Work Undertak ing aircraft (including vertically), assuming it has not been
An undertaking whose business includes aerial work. abandoned. Alternatively, a defined area on land or water
(including any buildings, installations and equipment)
Aerial Sightseeing Flight intended to be used either wholly or in part for the arrival,
One that is part of a sightseeing operation or any other departure and surface movement of aircraft. This also
commercial flight conducted for sightseeing from the air. includes sites other than aerodromes which may be used
by certain types of aircraft, e.g. helicopters or balloons.
Aerobati c Flight
Intentional manoeuvres involving abrupt changes in Aerodrome Con trol Service
aircraft attitude, an abnormal attitude, or abnormal An air traffic control service for aircraft on the
acceleration, not necessary for normal flight or instruction manoeuvring area or apron of an aerodrome where the
for licences or ratings other than the aerobatic rating. service is being provided, or which is flying in, or near,
the aerodrome traffic zone by visual reference to the
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Aer obati c Manoeu vr es surface (TC). More simply, from ICAO, an air traffic
Include loops, spins, rolls, bunts, stall turns, inverted control service for aerodrome traffic.
flying, etc., usually with a change of bank greater than
60°, an abnormal attitude or acceleration not incidental to Aerodrome Con trol Tower
normal flying. A unit that provides ATC service to aerodrome traffic.

Aerodrome Fl ight Information Service (AFIS)

A flight information service for aerodrome traffic.

Aerodrome Elevation
The elevation of the highest point of the landing area.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-5

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Aer odr ome O peratin g Min ima Aerodrome Traffic Zone

The limits of usability of an aerodrome for: A 2 nm circular airspace round an aerodrome notified for
rule 39, unless within that of a controlling aerodrome,
• takeoff, expressed in terms of runway visual range
with the longest runway less than 1850 metres, from the
(RVR) and/or visibility and, if necessary, ceiling.
surface to 2000 ft agl or msl when offshore. If the longest
• landing in 2D instrument approach operations, runway is greater than 1850 metres, the radius of the
expressed in terms of visibility and/or RVR, circle becomes 2.5 nm. Offshore, it is 1.5 nm.
minimum descent altitude/height (MDA/H) and, if
necessary, ceiling. Aeronauti cal Beacon
• landing in 3D instrument approach operations, An aeronautical ground light that designates a point on the
expressed in terms of visibility and/or RVR and surface of the Earth.
decision altitude/height (DA/H) as appropriate to
the type and/or category of the operation. Aeronauti cal Fi xed Service (AFS)
A telecommunication service between fixed points
Aer odr ome Tr aff ic provided primarily for the safety of air navigation and the
That on the movement area of an aerodrome and aircraft regular, efficient and economical operation of air services.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

flying in its vicinity (when in, entering or leaving an

aerodrome traffic circuit). Aeronauti cal Fi xed Stati on
A station in the aeronautical fixed service.
Aer odr ome Tr aff ic Circ uit
The specified path to be flown by aircraft operating in the Aeronauti cal Gr ound Li ght
vicinity of an aerodrome. A light provided as an aid to air navigation, other than one
on an aircraft.

Aeronauti cal Information Publication (AIP)

A publication issued by or with the authority of a State
and containing aeronautical information of a lasting
character essential to air navigation.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-6

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Aeronautical Mobi le Service reactions on surfaces which remain fixed under given
A mobile service between aeronautical stations and conditions of flight". EASA says: “A heavier-than-air
aircraft stations, or between aircraft stations, in which engine-driven fixed-wing aircraft supported in flight by
survival craft stations may participate; emergency the dynamic reaction of air against its wings.”
position-indicating radio beacon stations may also
participate in this service on designated distress and Aeroplane Requir ed To Be Oper at ed Wi th A Co-pilot
emergency frequencies. A type of aeroplane which is required to be operated with
a co-pilot as specified in the flight manual or by the air
Aeronautical Radio Station operator certificate.
A radio station on the surface, transmitting or receiving
signals to assist aircraft. Aided Night Vi sion Imaging System (NVIS) Flight
In the case of NVIS operations, that portion of a visual
Aeronautical St ation flight rules (VFR) flight performed at night when a crew
A land station in the aeronautical mobile service, that is, a member is using night vision goggles (NVG).
transmitting or receiving node, on land, a ship or a
platform at sea, or a satellite (one would logically include AFI S
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

in the air, but it would appear not). Normally, control is Aerodrome Flight Information Service.
exercised by the ground station (meaning that you must do
what they tell you), except for distress calls, which are AGL
controlled by the station initiating the call. Between Above Ground Level.
aircraft, the one called has control.
AI P
Aer onautic al Telecommuni cat ion Station Aeronautical Information Publication.
A station in the aeronautical telecommunication service.
AI RAC
Aer oplan e Aeronautical Information Regulation And Control.
According to ICAO, "a power driven heavier-than-air
aircraft, deriving its lift in flight chiefly from aerodynamic

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-7

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Air bor ne Aircraft Ident ification Plat e

Entirely supported by aerodynamic forces. A fireproof plate that identifies an aircraft as a whole.

Airborne Col lision Avoidance System (ACAS) Aircraft Observation

An aircraft system based on (SSR) transponder signals The evaluation of one or more meteorological elements
which operates independently of ground-based equipment made from an aircraft in flight.
to provide advice to the pilot on potential conflicting
aircraft that are equipped with SSR transponders. Air craft Pr oxi mity
A situation in which, in the opinion of a pilot or air traffic
Air Carr ier services personnel, the distance between aircraft as well
Any person operating a commercial air service. as their relative positions and speed have been such that
the safety of the aircraft involved may have been
Air craft compromised. Proximities are classified as:
A machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from
• Risk of collision. The risk classification in which
the reactions of the air other than the reactions of the air
serious risk of collision has existed.
against the earth’s surface.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

• Safety not assured. The risk classification of an

Air craft Addres s aircraft proximity in which the safety of the aircraft
A unique combination of 24 bits available for assignment may have been compromised.
to an aircraft for the purpose of air-ground • No risk of collision. The classification of an aircraft
communications, navigation and surveillance. proximity in which no risk of collision has existed.
Aircraft Identi fication Aircraft Security Chec k
A group of letters, figures or a combination thereof which An inspection of the interior of an aircraft to which
is either identical to, or the coded equivalent of, the passengers may have had access and an inspection of the
aircraft call sign to be used in air-ground communications, hold for the purposes of discovering suspicious objects,
and which is used to identify the aircraft in ground-ground weapons, explosives or other dangerous devices, articles
air traffic services communications. and substances.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-8

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Air craft Stand Air-Ground Communication

Part of an apron for parking aircraft. 2-way simplex communications between aircraft and
stations or locations on the surface of the Earth.
Aircraft Station
A mobile station in the aeronautical mobile service on Air/Ground Communication Service
board an aircraft. One provided from an aerodrome to give information to
pilots of aircraft flying near it by means of radio signals.
Air craft Tr ack ing The term air/ground communications service unit shall be
A ground based process that maintains and updates, at construed accordingly (ANO).
standardised intervals, a record of the four dimensional
position of individual aircraft in flight. Air man shi p
The consistent use of good judgment and well-developed
Air craft Tr ack ing Sys tem knowledge, skills and attitudes to accomplish flight
One that relies on aircraft tracking in order to identify objectives.
abnormal flight behaviour and provide alerts.
AI RMET In for mation
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Air craft Vari an t Information issued by a meteorological watch office

The same basic type, with modifications not causing concerning the occurrence or expected occurrence of
significant changes in handling or flight characteristics, or specified en-route weather phenomena which may affect
crew complement, but still causing significant changes to the safety of low-level aircraft operations and which was
equipment and/or procedures. not already included in the forecast issued for low-level
flights in the flight information region concerned or sub-
Air frame area thereof.
The fuselage, booms, nacelles, cowlings, fairings, aerofoil
surfaces (including rotors but not propellers and rotating Air Oper at or
engine aerofoils), and landing gear, and their accessories The holder of an Air Operator Certificate.
and controls.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-9

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Air Operator Cert ificate Air -Taxii ng

A certificate issued by the Authorities that authorizes its Movement of a helicopter/VTOL above the surface of an
holder to operate a commercial air service. aerodrome, normally in ground effect and at a ground
speed normally less than 37 km/h (20 kt). The actual
AIRPROX height may vary, and some helicopters may require air-
A situation in which, in the opinion of a pilot or controller, taxiing above 8 m (25 ft) AGL to reduce ground effect
the distance between aircraft as well as their relative turbulence or provide clearance for cargo sling loads.
positions and speed have been such that the safety of the
aircraft involved was or may have been compromised. Air Time
For technical records, the time from when an aircraft
Air Report leaves the surface until it comes into contact with it again
A report from an aircraft in flight prepared in conformity at the next point of landing.
with requirements for position, and operational and/or
meteorological reporting. Air Traffic
All aircraft in flight or operating on the manoeuvring area
Air ship of an aerodrome.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

A power-driven, lighter-than-air aircraft, not including

hot-air airships which, for the purposes of this (EASA) Air Traffic Advisory Service
Part, are included in the definition of balloon. A service provided within advisory airspace to ensure
separation, in so far as practical, between aircraft which
Air Show are operating on IFR flight plans.
An aerial display or demonstration before an invited
assembly of people by one or more aircraft. Air Traffic Control Clearance
Authorisation for an aircraft to proceed under conditions
Airspace Reservation specified by an air traffic control unit. For convenience,
A defined volume of airspace that, by agreement between the term air traffic control clearance is frequently
appropriate ATS authorities and requesting agencies, is abbreviated to clearance when used in appropriate
temporarily reserved for exclusive use by an agency. contexts. It may be prefixed by words such as taxi,

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-10

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

takeoff, departure, en route, approach or landing to Air Traffic Flow Manag ement (A TFM)
indicate the particular portion of flight to which the air A service established to contribute to a safe, orderly and
traffic control clearance relates. expeditious flow of air traffic by ensuring that ATC
capacity is utilized to the maximum extent possible and
Air Traffic Control Instruction that the traffic volume is compatible with the capacities
Directives issued by air traffic control for the purpose of declared by the appropriate ATS authority.
requiring a pilot to take a specific action.
Air Traffic Management (ATM)
Air Traffic Control Service The dynamic, integrated management of air traffic and
A service provided for the purpose of: airspace including air traffic services, airspace
• preventing collisions: management and air traffic flow management, safely,
economically and efficiently, through the provision of
• between aircraft, and facilities and seamless services in collaboration with all
• on the manoeuvring area between aircraft and parties involving airborne and ground-based functions.
obstructions
Air Traffic Management System
• expediting and maintaining orderly flows of traffic
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

A system that provides ATM through the collaborative

integration of humans, information, technology, facilities
Air Traffic Control Unit and services, supported by air and ground- and/or space-
A generic term meaning variously, area control centre, based communications, navigation and surveillance.
approach control unit or aerodrome control tower.
Alternatively, a person appointed by the authorities or Air Traffic Service
anyone else maintaining an aerodrome or place, to give A generic term meaning variously, flight information
instructions, advice or information by radio to aircraft in service, alerting service, air traffic advisory service, air
the interests of safety, but not including flight information traffic control service (area control service, approach
service officers. control service or aerodrome control service).

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-11

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Air Traffic Services Airspaces AL ERFA

Airspaces of defined dimensions, alphabetically The code word used to designate an alert phase.
designated, within which specific types of flights may
operate and for which air traffic services and rules of Alerting Service
operation are specified. ATS airspaces are classified as One provided to notify appropriate organizations
Class A to G as described in 2.6. regarding aircraft in need of search and rescue aid, and
assist such organizations as required.
Air Traffic Services Reporting Office.
A unit established for the purpose of receiving reports Alert Ph as e
concerning air traffic services and flight plans submitted A situation wherein apprehension exists as to the safety of
before departure. An ATS reporting office may be a an aircraft and its occupants.
separate unit or combined with an existing unit, such as
another air traffic services unit, or a unit of the Allocati on, Allocate
aeronautical information service. Distribution of frequencies, SSR codes, etc. to a State,
unit or service. Distribution of 24-bit aircraft addresses to
Air Traffic Services Unit a State or common mark registering authority.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

A generic term meaning variously, air traffic control unit,

flight information centre or ATS reporting office. Alphanumer ic Characters (Alphanu meri cs)
A collective term for letters and figures (digits).
Air way
A control area or portion thereof established in the form of
a corridor.

Air Transport Un dertaking

One whose business includes flights for public transport
of passengers or cargo.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Alternate Aer odr ome Altern ate Air port

An adequate aerodrome to which an aircraft may proceed Where an aircraft may land if a landing at the intended
when it becomes either impossible or inadvisable to airport becomes inadvisable.
proceed to or land at the aerodrome of intended landing,
where the necessary services and facilities are available, Altern ati ve Means of Compli an ce
where aircraft performance requirements can be met, and Those means that propose an alternative to an existing
which is operational at the expected time of use: acceptable means of compliance or those that propose
new means to establish compliance with Regulation (EC)
• Takeoff alternate. An alternate aerodrome at which
No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules for which no
an aircraft would be able to land if it becomes
associated AMC have been adopted by the Agency.
necessary shortly after takeoff and it is not possible
to use the aerodrome of departure. Alti tude
• En route alternate (ERA). An alternate aerodrome The vertical distance of a level, point or object considered
at which an aircraft would be able to land if a as a point, measured from mean sea level (MSL).
diversion becomes necessary while en route. A fuel/
energy en route alternate is an ERA aerodrome that Air Traffic Control Clearance
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

is required at the planning stage for use in the Authorization for an aircraft to proceed under conditions
calculation of fuel/energy. specified by an air traffic control unit. For convenience,
• Destination alternate. One at which an aircraft the term air traffic control clearance may be abbreviated
would be able to land if it becomes either to clearance when used in appropriate contexts.
impossible or inadvisable to land at the aerodrome
Air wort hy
of intended landing.
With regard to an aeronautical product, in a fit and safe
Along-Track Tol eranc e (ATT) state for flight, as per its type design.
A fix tolerance along the nominal track resulting from the
AI S
airborne and ground equipment tolerances.
Aeronautical Information Service.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

All-Engi nes -Oper at ing Takeoff Dis tan ce Ant i-I cing
That from the start of the takeoff roll to when an aeroplane In the case of ground procedures, a procedure that
reaches the height above the runway elevation in the basis provides protection against the formation of frost or ice
of its certification. and accumulation of snow on treated surfaces of the
aircraft for a limited period of time (hold-over time).
All-Engi nes -Oper at ing Takeoff Run
Also the process of protecting an aircraft to prevent
That from the start of the take-off roll to midway between
contamination due to existing or expected weather,
the lift-off point and the end of the all-engines-operating
typically by applying anti-icing fluids on uncontaminated
take-off distance (see above).
aircraft surfaces.
Alternate Aer odr ome
Ant i-I cing Fluid
One to which a flight may proceed when landing at the
Includes, but is not limited to typically, Type II, III or IV
destination is inadvisable or impossible. This could be a
fluid (neat or diluted), normally unheated (when de-icing
takeoff, enroute or destination alternate.
and anti-icing in a one-step process, Type II and Type IV
fluids are typically applied diluted and heated) or Type I
Altit ude
fluid/water mixture heated to at least 60°C at the nozzle.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

The vertical distance of a level or a point, measured from

mean sea level. It is represented by the QNH.
Ann ual cos ts
An estimate for the year beginning the previous 1st of
AMSL
January, of the costs of keeping, maintaining and
Above Mean Sea Level.
operating the aircraft, excluding direct costs and those
Ang ular Operation incurred without a view to profit.
An instrument approach operation in which the maximum
Ann ual Flying Hour s
tolerable error/deviation from the planned track is
expressed in terms of deflection of the needles on the An estimate of the hours flown, or to be flown, by an
Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) or equivalent display in aircraft from the previous 1st of January.
the cockpit.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-14

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Appliance Appropriat e Aeronaut ical Radio Station

Any instrument, mechanism, equipment, part, apparatus, One serving an area in which an aircraft is for now.
appurtenance, accessory, including communications
equipment, used or intended for operating or controlling Appropriat e Air Traffic Control Unit
an aircraft in flight, installed in or attached to it, and not Either that serving the area where an aircraft is, or the area
part of an airframe, engine, or propeller. it intends to enter and with which it must communicate
before entering.
Applicant
Someone after the approval of aircraft, parts, licence, etc. Appropriat e Authori ty
With regard to flight over the high seas, the relevant
Approach Cont rol Servi ce authority of the State of Registry. Otherwise, the relevant
An ATC service for aircraft not receiving an aerodrome authority of the State having sovereignty over the territory
control service, that is nevertheless flying in, or near an being overflown.
aerodrome traffic zone, whether or not with visual
reference. Alternatively, air traffic control service for Appropriat e ATS Authority
arriving or departing controlled flights. The relevant authority designated by the State responsible
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

for providing air traffic services in the airspace concerned.

Approach Cont rol Unit
A unit established to provide ATC services to controlled Approved
flights arriving at, or departing from, aerodromes. Compliance with the applicable JTSO has been
demonstrated, or relevant airworthiness standards where
Approach Sequ ence one does not exist. Accepted by a Contracting State as
The order in which two or more aircraft are cleared to being suitable for a particular purpose.
approach to land at the aerodrome.
Approved By The Authority
Approach To Landing Documented as suitable for the purpose intended.
That portion of a flight below 1000 ft above the relevant
DH or MDH.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Apron Ar ea Con trol Service

Part of a land aerodrome for accommodating aircraft for An air traffic control service for aircraft not flying in or
loading and unloading passengers, cargo, fuelling, parking near an aerodrome traffic zone except for one notified as
or maintenance. Also a defined area, on a land aerodrome, being subject to an area control service. Also, an air traffic
intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes of loading control service for controlled flights in control areas.
or unloading passengers, mail or cargo, fuelling, parking
or maintenance. Ar ea Mini mum Alti tude ( AMA)
The lowest altitude to he used under instrument
Apron Management Service meteorological conditions (IMC) that will provide a
One provided to regulate the activities and the movement minimum vertical clearance of 300 m (1 000 ft) or in
of aircraft and vehicles on an apron. designated mountainous terrain 600 m (2 000 ft) above all
obstacles in the area specified, rounded up to the nearest
APU (next higher) 30 m (100 ft). In the exact calculation 984
Auxiliary power unit. Any power unit delivering rotating feet can be used as an equivalent to 300 metres.
shaft power or compressed air, or both, not intended for
direct propulsion of an aircraft. Ar ea Navigation ( RNA V)
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

A method of navigation which permits aircraft operation

Area Control Centre (ACC) on any desired flight path within the coverage of station-
An air traffic control unit providing an area control referenced navigation aids or within the limits of the
service to aircraft within a notified flight information capability of self-contained aids, or a combination.
region, not receiving an aerodrome control or approach
Area navigation includes performance-based navigation
control service. Also a unit established to provide air
as well as other operations that do not meet the definition.
traffic control service to controlled flights in control areas
under its jurisdiction. Area Navigation Equipment
Equipment on an aircraft enabling it to navigate on any
desired flight path in the coverage of appropriate ground-
based navigation aids, or within the limits of that
equipment, or a combination of the two.
EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-16
 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Area Navi gation Rou te ATI S

One established for the use of aircraft capable of See Aeronautical Terminal Information Service.
employing area navigation.
Atmos pher e, I ntern ati onal Stan dard
ASHTAM As defined in ICAO Document 7488/2, but for JAR
A NOTAM referring to Volcanic Ash. purposes, the following is acceptable:
• The air is a perfect dry gas.
ASL
Above Sea Level. • The temperature at sea-level is 15°C.
• The pressure at sea-level is 1.013250 x l05 Pa
Ass ign ment, Assi gn (29.92 in Hg) (1013.25 hPa).
Distribution of frequencies to stations. Distribution of
SSR codes or 24-bit aircraft addresses to aircraft. • The temperature gradient from sea level to where it
becomes -565°C is 3.25°C/500 m (1.98°C/l000 ft).
ATC • The density at sea level, under the above conditions
Air Traffic Control (in general). is 1.2250 kg/m3 (0.002378 slugs/ft3).
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

ATC clear an ce ATS

An authorization from ATC authorizing an aircraft to Air Traffic Services.
proceed within controlled airspace under conditions
specified. If it is not suitable, you may request and, if ATS Rout e
practicable, obtain an amended one. A specified route designed for channelling the flow of
traffic as necessary for the provision of air traffic services.
ATC instruction
The term is used to mean variously, airway, advisory
A directive from an ATC unit for ATC purposes.
route, controlled or uncontrolled route, arrival or
departure route, etc. An ATS route is defined by route
ATD
specifications which include an ATS route designator, the
Actual Time of Departure.
track to or from significant points (waypoints), distance
EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-17
 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

between significant points, reporting requirements and, as Aut o-Flight Sys tem (AFS)
determined by the appropriate ATS authority, the lowest The combination of autopilot, autothrottle/autothrust,
safe altitude. flight director, autoland systems etc. used to control the
flight through the Flight Management System (FMS).
ATS Surveillance Service
A term used to indicate a service provided directly by Aut olan d
means of an ATS surveillance system. An autopilot function that enables the aircraft to be landed
automatically.
ATS Surveillance System
A generic term meaning variously, ADS-B, PSR, SSR or Aut omati c Dependent Surveil lan ce — Broadc as t
any comparable ground-based system that enables the ADS-B is a means by which aircraft, aerodrome vehicles
identification of aircraft. A comparable ground-based and other objects can automatically transmit and/or
system is one that has been demonstrated, by comparative receive data such as identification, position and additional
assessment or other methodology, to have a level of safety data, as appropriate, in a broadcast mode via a data link.
and performance equal to or better than monopulse SSR.
Aut omati c Dependent Surveil lan ce — Con tract
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Auth ority ADS-C is a means by which the terms of an ADS-C

The competent body responsible for the safety regulation agreement will be exchanged between the ground system
of Civil Aviation. and the aircraft, via a data link, specifying under what
conditions ADS-C reports would be initiated, and what
ATZ data would be contained in the reports. The abbreviated
Aerodrome Traffic Zone. term ADS Contract is commonly used to refer to ADS
event contract, ADS demand contract, ADS periodic
Authorised Person contract or an emergency mode.
Any constable, or person authorised by the Secretary of
State (article 118), or the CAA.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-18

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) Aut opi lot (AP)

The automatic provision of current, routine information to A computerised system that commands the flight controls.
arriving and departing aircraft throughout 24 hours or a
specified portion thereof: Aut orotation
Flight with the lifting rotor driven entirely by action of the
• Datalink-Automatic Terminal Information Service
air when a rotorcraft is in motion.
(D-ATIS). The provision of ATIS via data link.
• Voice-Automatic Terminal Information Service Aut othrot tle
(Voice-ATIS). The provision of ATIS by continuous An automatic engine power control system.
and repetitive voice broadcasts, mostly broadcast on
VHF, sometimes on VOR and even on NDB. This is Aut othru st
done over a discrete frequency (e.g. the VOR), and A computerised system that commands the engines.
the contents include:
Auxil iar y Power Unit
• Wind direction and speed, variations thereof
The APU is a turbine engine that delivers power or
• Visibility compressed air, and is not intended for direct propulsion.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

• Present weather In other words, it's a spare engine that runs the air and
electrical systems when the aircraft is on the ground, or in
• Cloud amount and type emergency when in flight, through a gearbox or
• Temperature and dew point something. It saves you relying on ground power units.
Sometimes, you can use the APU to power air
• Pressure values (QNH/QFE) conditioning, etc., so the main engines can give a little
• Other information (warnings, etc.) extra if you are heavy.

Automatic Direction Fi nder (ADF) Auxil iar y Rotor

A flight instrument that indicates the direction from which A rotor that principally serves to counteract the effect of
a signal from a non-directional beacon is coming, i.e. a main rotor torque on a rotorcraft and/or to manoeuvre it
relative bearing. about one or more of its three principal axes.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-19

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Avi ati on Englis h Back Cou rse

Although broader than ICAO standard phraseology, this is A procedure for when a reverse ILS localizer signal can
the language used by pilots and controllers in an be used for an approach.
operational context.
Backtr ack
Avi onics Bay Having landed on the runway in use, to turn 180° and
The under-floor avionics compartment where computers proceed along the runway in the opposite direction or,
and other electronic equipment are located (Airbus). having entered the runway lower down, to taxi to the end
Boeing call it the main equipment centre. of the runway and turn 180° for a longer takeoff run.

Avoi danc e Balloon

Distancing oneself from an obstacle, danger etc. A non-power-driven lighter-than-air aircraft that sustains
flight through the use of either gas or an airborne heater.
Avoi di ng Ac tion For EASA purposes, a hot-air airship, although engine-
Announcements by controllers to alert crews that they driven, is also considered to be a balloon.
must modify their flight paths to avoid conflict with other
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

traffic. Base Tur n

A turn executed by an aircraft during the initial approach
Axle between the end of the outbound track and the beginning
A shaft on which one or more landing gear wheels are of the intermediate or final approach track, which are not
mounted. reciprocal. Base turns may be made in level flight or while
descending, according to circumstances.
Azi muth Angle
The rotational position of a helicopter rotor blade. The
zero position is when the blade points down stream (i.e.
directly above the tailboom). The advancing side is from 0
to 180 degrees and the retreating side from 180 to 360
degrees.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-20

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Basic In str umen t Traini ng Devi ce ( BIT D) Bloc k Fuel

A ground-based training device that represents the student That required for a route or route segment.
pilot’s station of a class of aeroplanes. It may use screen-
based instrument panels and spring-loaded flight controls, Boost Pressure
providing a training platform for at least the procedural On piston engines, the manifold pressure measured
aspects of instrument flight. relative to standard sea-level atmospheric pressure.

Basic Service Br oadcast

An ATS provided for the purpose of giving advice and A transmission of information relating to air navigation
information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of that is not addressed to a specific station or stations.
flights. This may include weather information, changes of
serviceability of facilities, conditions at aerodromes, Br ak e Hor sepower
general airspace activity information, and any other Power delivered at the propeller shaft (main drive or main
information likely to affect safety. The avoidance of other output) of an aircraft engine.
traffic is solely the pilot’s responsibility.
Cabin Attendant
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Benefi cial interest See Cabin Crew.

Those arising under contract and other equitable interests.
Cabin Crew
Blind Transmission People on public transport flights performing safety
A transmission from one station where 2-way functions for passengers, but who are not members of the
communications cannot be established, but it is believed flight crew.
that the called station can receive it. The transmission Cabin Crew Member
should be preceded with the words “Blind Transmission”
or “Transmitting Blind” and an indication of the time of An appropriately qualified crew member, other than a
the next transmission. flight crew or technical crew member, who is assigned by
an operator to perform duties related to the safety of
passengers and flight during operations.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-21

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Calendar Category
Discrete temporal reference system that provides the basis The classification of aircraft according to specified basic
for defining temporal position to a resolution of one day characteristics, such as aeroplane, powered-lift, airship,
(ISO 19108). (free) balloon, glider, gyroplane, helicopter or ultra-light.
Otherwise, a grouping of aircraft based on use or
Calibrat ed Airspeed limitations, such as normal, utility, aerobatic, commuter.
Indicated airspeed, corrected for position and instrument
error. CAS is equal to TAS in the standard atmosphere at Category A
sea level. A multi-engined rotorcraft with engine and system
isolation features as per JAR 27 or 29, capable of using
Captive balloon takeoff and landing data under a critical engine failure
One which, when in flight, is attached by a restraining concept which assures adequate designated surface area
device to the surface. and performance capability for continued safe flight or
safe rejected takeoff if an engine fails.
Captive f light
Flight by an uncontrollable balloon which is attached to Category B
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

the surface by a restraining device. A single- or multi-engined rotorcraft that does not meet
Category A standards, and which has no guaranteed
Cargo capability for safe flight if an engine fails - an
Includes mail and animals. unscheduled landing is assumed.

Cargo aircraft Causes

An aircraft that is not a passenger aircraft, carrying goods Actions, omissions, events, conditions, or a combination,
or property. Crew members, employees, authorised people that led to an accident or incident. The identification of
or people with duties concerning particular shipments on causes does not imply the assignment of fault or the
board are not passengers. determination of administrative, civil or criminal liability;

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-22

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

CAVOK Changeover points provide the optimum balance in

Cloud and Visibility OK. respect of signal strength and quality between facilities at
all levels to be used and to ensure a common source of
Ceili ng azimuth guidance for all aircraft operating along the same
The height above the ground or water of the base of the portion of a route segment.
lowest layer of cloud below 6000 m (20,000 ft) covering
more than half the sky. Child/Children
Persons of an age of two years and above but less than 12
Cert ificate of Airworthiness years of age.
Includes any validation and flight manual, performance
schedule or other document, incorporated by reference Child Restraint System
A device, not a safety belt, designed to restrain, seat or
Cert ificated for single pilot operat ion position a person defined as a child.
Refers to an aircraft not required to carry more than one
pilot because of its current C of A, that last in force, that Circling
of an identical aircraft, or a permit to fly. The visual phase of a circling approach operation.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Cert ification Specificati ons ( CS) Circling Approach Operation

Technical standards adopted by the Agency indicating A Type A instrument approach operation designed to
means to show compliance with Regulation (EC) No 216/ bring an aircraft into position for landing on a runway/
2008 and its Implementing Rules and which can be used final approach and takeoff area (FATO) that is not suitably
by an organisation for the purpose of certification. located for a straight-in approach.

Chan geover Point Civi l Aircraft

The point at which an aircraft navigating on an ATS route An aircraft on the civil register of a State, other than in its
segment defined by reference to VOR ranges is expected service, permanently or temporarily.
to transfer its primary navigational reference from the
facility behind the aircraft to the next one ahead of it.

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G Definitions

Clas s Clearway
Machines with similar operating characteristics, that is, A defined rectangular area on the ground or water under
single-engined, multi-engined, etc. the control of the appropriate authority, selected or
prepared as a suitable area over which an aeroplane may
Clas s Of Aeroplane make a portion of its initial climb to a specified height.
A categorisation of single-pilot aeroplanes not requiring a
type rating. Climates, Standard
There are three, Temperate, Tropical and Arctic, whose
Class Of Ball oon conditions are unlikely to be exceeded more than one day
A categorisation of balloons taking into account the lifting per year, except that they do not cover the extremes of
means used to sustain flight. temperature occasionally reached in tropical deserts or
Siberia in winter.
Clas s X airspace
Airspace respectively notified as such, where X refers to Cloud Base
the classification. The height of the base of the lowest observed, or forecast,
cloud near an aerodrome or heliport, or within a specified
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Clearance Limi t area of operations. It is normally measured above

The point to which aircraft are granted an ATC clearance. aerodrome elevation but, offshore, above mean sea level.

Clear Ice Cloud Ceili ng

A coating of ice, generally clear and smooth, but with The vertical distance from the elevation of an aerodrome
some air pockets. It forms on exposed objects, the to the lowest part of any cloud visible from it sufficient to
temperatures of which are at, below or slightly above the obscure more than one-half of the sky.
freezing temperature, by the freezing of super-cooled
drizzle, droplets or raindrops. Clear ice is very difficult to
be detected visually.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Cockpit Voice Recorder ( CVR) Cole’s Law

A crash-protected flight recorder that uses a combination This can have a significant primary effect on a pilot, and a
of microphones and other audio and digital inputs to secondary effect on the velocity of the machine if the
collect and record the aural environment of the flight crew cockpit is open. In closed cockpits (without oxygen masks
compartment and communications to, from and between in use) the effect is on the aircrew only but can be intense
the flight crew members. depending on time since consumption and the state of the
cabbage used in the dish.
Code (SSR)
The number assigned to a particular multiple pulse reply Comman der
signal transmitted by a transponder in Mode A or C. The member of the flight crew so designated by the
operator, or whoever is for the time being the pilot in
Code Share command. In other words, the person who gets it in the
An arrangement under which an operator places its neck at the subsequent Board of Inquiry.
designator code on a flight operated by another, and sells
and issues tickets for that flight. Commercial Air Service
Any use of an aircraft for hire or reward.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Col d Soaked Surface f rost (CSSF)

Frost developed on cold soaked aircraft surfaces by Commercial Air Transportation
sublimation of air humidity. This effect can take place at Transportation by air of passengers, cargo or mail for
ambient temperatures above 0° C. Cold soaked aircraft remuneration or hire (ICAO). The transport of passengers,
surfaces are more common on aircraft that have recently cargo or mail for remuneration or hire (EASA).
landed. External surfaces of fuel tanks (e.g. wing skins)
are typical areas of CSSF formation (known in this case as Commercial Air Transport (CAT) Operation
cold soaked fuel frost (CSFF)), due to the thermal inertia An aircraft operation to transport passengers, cargo or
of very cold fuel that remains on the tanks after landing. mail for remuneration or other valuable consideration
(EASA).

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Commi ttal Point (CP) Competency-based Trai ning

The point in the approach where the PF decides that, if a Assessment and training programs that are characterised
power unit failure is recognised, the safest option is to by a performance orientation, emphasis on standards of
continue to the deck. performance and their measurement and the development
of training to the specified performance standards.
Common Point
A single fix over which two or more aircraft will pass or Competency Element
have passed before proceeding on the same, reciprocal or An action that constitutes a task that has a triggering event
diverging tracks. Also a point on the surface of the Earth and a terminating event that clearly defines its limits, and
common to the tracks of two aircraft, used as a basis for an observable outcome.
the application of separation (e.g. significant point,
waypoint, navigation aid, fix). Competency Framework
A complete set of identified competencies developed,
Competency trained and assessed in an operator’s evidence-based
• Common sense: A combination of skills, training program utilising scenarios that are relevant to
knowledge and attitude required to perform a task to operations and which is wide enough to prepare the pilot
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

the prescribed standard. for both foreseen and unforeseen threats and errors.
• EASA: A dimension of human performance that is
used to reliably predict successful performance on a Competency Unit
A discrete function consisting of competency elements.
job and which is manifested and observed through
behaviours that mobilise the relevant knowledge,
Competent Authority
skills and attitudes to carry out activities or tasks
Any country authority responsible under its law for
under specified conditions.
promoting the safety of civil aviation.

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G Definitions

Computer Contamination
A device that performs sequences of arithmetical and All forms of frozen or semi-frozen deposits on an aircraft,
logical steps upon data without human intervention. A such as frost, snow, slush or ice.
computer complex includes one or more computers and
peripheral equipment. Contamination Ch eck
A check of an aircraft for contamination to establish the
Con di tions Conducive To Gr ound I cing need for de-icing.
Freezing fog, freezing precipitation, frost, rain or high
humidity (on cold soaked wings), hail, ice pellets, snow or Contaminated Runway
mixed rain and snow, etc. A runway is contaminated when more than 25% of its
surface (in isolated areas or not) is covered by surface
Con fer enc e Commun ications water more than 3 mm (0.125 inches) deep, or the
Communication facilities whereby direct speech equivalent in slush, or loose snow, or snow which has
conversation may be conducted between three or more been compressed into a solid mass which resists further
locations simultaneously. compression and will hold together or break into lumps if
picked up (compacted snow), or ice, including wet ice.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Congested area
For a city, town or settlement, any area substantially used Contin gen cy Fuel/Ener gy
for residential, industrial, commercial or recreational Extra for degraded performance, route or level deviations
purposes (including golf courses). and weather that could have an influence on the fuel/
energy consumption to a destination.
Consignee
The person or organisation to whom a consignment is Contin uous Des cen t Final Approach (CDFA)
being delivered. A technique, consistent with stabilised approach
procedures, for flying the final approach segment (FAS)
of an instrument non-precision approach (NPA) as a
continuous descent, without level-off, from an altitude/
height at or above the final approach fix altitude/height:

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

• for straight-in approaches, to a point approximately Controlled Aerodrome

15 m (50 ft) above the landing runway threshold or An aerodrome at which air traffic control service is
the point where the flare manoeuvre begins; or provided to aerodrome traffic. The term indicates that air
• for circling approach operations, until MDA/H or traffic control service is provided to aerodrome traffic
visual flight manoeuvre altitude/height is reached. butdoes not necessarily imply that a control zone exists.

Continuous Maximum Ic ing Controlled Airspace

See Icing, Atmospheric Conditions. An airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic
control service is provided in accordance with the airspace
Contour Line classification. It is a generic term which covers ATS
A line on a map or chart connecting points of equal airspace Classes A, B, C, D and E as described in 2.6.
elevation.
Controlled Flight
Contracti ng State A flight that is subject to an air traffic control clearance.
Any State that is a party to the Chicago Convention.
Controller-Pilot Data Link Communi cations (CPDLC)
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Controll able ball oon Originally developed for use over the Atlantic and Pacific
A balloon, not small, capable of free controlled flight. Oceans, Controller-Pilot DataLink Communications
effectively allows pilots and controllers to text each other,
Control Area as an addition to the more traditional VHF and HF
Controlled airspace extending upwards from a specified methods, which reduces congestion and blocked
limit above the Earth or further notified as a control area frequencies, assuming they are available in the first place.
extending upwards from a notified altitude or flight level. Messages are received in the same way as ACARS -
crews send a logon message to start things off.
Control Zone
Controlled airspace extending upwards from the surface Conventi on
of the Earth to a specified upper limit. The Convention on International Civil Aviation signed at
Chicago in 1944, as amended.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Converted Meteorologi cal Visibility ( CMV) Countr y

A value, equivalent to RVR, derived from the reported Includes a territory.
meteorological visibility.
CPDLC
Co- pilot See Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications.
A pilot serving as other than PIC or commander, on an
aircraft for which more than one pilot is required (EASA) CPDLC Message
but not for the sole purpose of receiving flight instruction Information exchanged between an airborne system and
for a licence or rating. A pilot subject to the direction of its ground counterpart, consisting of a single message
another one in the aircraft. element or a combination of message elements conveyed
in a single transmission by the initiator.
Crew Member
A person assigned by an operator to perform duties on CPDLC Message Set
board an aircraft. A list of standard message elements and free text message
elements.
Critical Phases Of Flight
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

• For aeroplanes - the takeoff run, the takeoff flight CRC

path, final approach, missed approach, landing, See Cyclic Redundancy Check.
including the landing roll, and any other phases of
flight as determined by the PIC or commander. Crew
A member of the flight crew, or someone on the flight
• For helicopters - taxying, hovering, takeoff, final
deck, appointed to give or to supervise the training,
approach, missed approach, landing and any other
experience, practice and tests required under article 34(3),
phases as determined by the PIC or commander.
or a cabin crew member.
Cross-Track T ol eranc e (XTT)
Crew Member
A fix tolerance measured perpendicularly to the nominal
A person assigned to duty in an aircraft during flight time.
track resulting from airborne and ground equipment
tolerances and Flight Technical Tolerance (FTT).
EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-29
 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Critical Altitude Crui se Cli mb

The maximum altitude you can maintain, without ram, at An aeroplane cruising technique resulting in a net increase
max continuous rotational speed, the max continuous in altitude as the aeroplane mass decreases.
power (for engines where this power rating is the same at
sea level and rated altitude), or the max continuous rated Crui se Relief Co-pilot
manifold pressure (for engines with the max continuous One who relieves co-pilots of their duties at the controls
power governed by a constant manifold pressure). during the cruise phase of a flight in multi-pilot operations
above FL 200.
Critical Engine
One whose failure most adversely affects performance or Crui sin g Level
handling of an aircraft. A level maintained during a significant portion of a flight.

Critical Part CTR

When a part must achieve and maintain a particularly high Control Zone.
level of integrity if hazardous effects are not to occur on
more than extremely remote occasions, it is a Critical Part. Current Dat a Authority
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

The designated ground system through which a CPDLC

Critical Su rfaces dialogue between a pilot and a controller currently
The wings, control surfaces, rotors, propellers, horizontal responsible for the flight is permitted to take place.
stabilizers, vertical stabilizers or other stabilizing surface
of an aircraft and, for one with rear-mounted engines, Current Flight Plan (CPL)
includes the upper surface of its fuselage. The flight plan, including changes, if any, brought about
by subsequent clearances.
Cross Countr y Fl ight
One between a point of departure and arrival following a Curr en t Fuel/Ener gy Scheme
pre-planned route using standard navigation procedures. The approved fuel/energy scheme used by an operator.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Cushioning Material Dangerous Goods Accident

For dangerous goods, material used to safeguard inner An occurrence associated with and related to the transport
packaging from breakage and movement within outer of dangerous goods by air which results in fatal or serious
packaging, not reacting dangerously with the contents. injury or major property damage.

Cyclic Redu ndan cy Check (CRC) Dangerous Goods Incident

A mathematical algorithm applied to the digital An occurrence other than a dangerous goods accident
expression of data that provides a level of assurance associated with and related to the transport of dangerous
against loss or alteration of data. goods by air, not necessarily on board an aircraft, which
results in injury to a person, property damage, fire,
D breakage, spillage, leakage of fluid or radiation or other
The largest dimension of a helicopter with rotors turning. evidence that the integrity of the packaging has not been
maintained, and any occurrence relating to the transport of
Damp Runway dangerous goods which seriously jeopardises an aircraft
A runway is damp when the surface is not dry, but or its occupants.
moisture on it does not give it a shiny appearance.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Dangerous Goods Transport Document

Danger Area A document specified by the Technical Instructions,
Airspace of defined dimensions, notified, within which completed by the person who offers dangerous goods for
activities dangerous to flight may exist at specified times. air transport, with information about them. The document
bears a signed declaration indicating that the dangerous
Dangerous Goods goods are fully and accurately described by their proper
Anything that poses a risk to life, property or the shipping names and UN/ID numbers and that they are
environment, such as aerosols, solvents, paints, correctly classified, packed, marked, labelled and in a
chainsaws, matches, stoves, car batteries, gas tanks and proper condition for transport.
even perfume under the right circumstances, as shown in
the list of dangerous goods in the technical instructions or
which are classified according to those instructions.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Data Convention Day

An agreed set of rules governing the manner or sequence The time from half an hour before sunrise until half an
in which a set of data may be combined into a meaningful hour after sunset (both times exclusive), sunset and
communication. sunrise being determined at surface level. In some
countries, the definition also means where the centre of
Datalin k Communi cat ions the sun's disc is less than 6° below the horizon (if you're in
A form of communication intended for the exchange of the Frozen North, where the Sun doesn't really set).
messages over a data link.
Dead Reck oning (DR) Navig ati on
Data li nk Init iat ion Capabilit y (DLIC) The estimating or determining of position by advancing
A data link application that provides the ability to an earlier known position by the application of direction,
exchange addresses, names and version numbers time and speed data.
necessary to initiate data link applications.
Dec ision Hei ght/ Altit ude (DH/ DA)
Data Processing Aa specified altitude or height in a 3D instrument
A systematic sequence of operations performed on data. approach at which a missed approach procedure must be
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

initiated if the required visual reference to continue the

Data Quali ty approach has not been established.
A degree or level of confidence that the data provided
meets the requirements of the data user in terms of Dec lared Capacity
accuracy, resolution and integrity. A measure of the ability of the ATC system or any of its
subsystems or operating positions to provide service to
Datum Crossing Point (DCP) aircraft during normal activities. It is expressed as the
A point on a glide path directly above the LTP or FTP at a number of aircraft entering a specified portion of airspace
height specified by the RDH. in a given period of time, taking due account of weather,
ATC unit configuration, staff and equipment available,
and any other factors that may affect the workload of the
controller responsible for the airspace.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-32

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Deconflicti on Ser vi ce De- Ici ng/ Anti- Ic ing

A surveillance based ATS where, as well as the provisions The combination of de-icing and anti-icing performed in
of a Basic Service, the controller provides specific either one or two steps.
surveillance derived traffic information and issues
headings and/or levels aimed at achieving planned De- Ici ng Fluid
deconfliction minima against all observed aircraft in Class Including, but not limited to heated water, preferably,
F/G airspace, or for positioning and/or sequencing. Type I fluid (neat or diluted (typically), Type II, III or IV
Avoiding other traffic is the pilot’s responsibility. fluid (neat or diluted). The-icing fluid is normally applied
heated to ensure maximum efficiency and its freezing
Defined Point After Takeoff (DPATO) point should be at the outside air temperature (OAT) or
In Performance Class 2 helicopter operations, the point below. Not used on helicopters.
during takeoff and initial climb, before which the
helicopter's ability to continue the flight safely, with the Dependent Par al lel A ppr oac hes
critical power unit inoperative, is not assured and a forced Simultaneous approaches to parallel or near-parallel
landing may be required. instrument runways where radar separation minima
between aircraft on adjacent extended runway centre-lines
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Defined Point Before Landing ( DPBL) are prescribed.

In Class 2 helicopter operations, the point in the approach
and landing phase, after which a helicopter's ability to Descent Fix
continue safely, with the critical power unit inoperative, is A fix established in a precision approach at the FAP to
not assured and a forced landing may be required. eliminate certain obstacles before the FAP, which would
otherwise have to he considered for obstacle clearance.
De-i cing
In the case of ground procedures, a procedure by which Detent
frost, ice, snow or slush is removed from an aircraft in A mechanical arrangement which indicates, by feel, a
order to provide uncontaminated surfaces. Also, the position of an operating control. The detent holds the
process of eliminating frozen contamination from aircraft lever there and an additional-to-normal force is required
surfaces, typically by applying de-icing fluids. to move it away (CS 25 only).

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-33

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

DETRESFA DME Di stance

The code word used to designate a distress phase. The line of sight distance (as slant range) from the source
of a DME signal to a receiving antenna.
Direct c osts
For a flight, the costs actually and necessarily incurred in Dry Lease
connection with it without a view to profit but excluding The term used to mean that you didn't get fuel with an
anything paid to the pilot. aircraft when you leased it, but now it seems to mean that
an aircraft is operated under a lessee's AOC or
Distanc e DR responsibility (that is, without flight crew). The end result
The horizontal distance a helicopter has travelled from the is probably the same.
end of the TODA.
Dry Operating Mass
Distress Phase The total mass of an aircraft ready for a specific type of
A situation wherein there is reasonable certainty that an operation, excluding usable fuel and traffic load. This
aircraft and its occupants are threatened by grave and includes crew and baggage, catering and removable
imminent danger or require immediate assistance. passenger service equipment, and potable water and
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

lavatory chemicals.
Ditching
The forced landing of an aircraft in water. Lifejackets Dry Runway
should be inflated when leaving the aeroplane. One whose surface is free of visible moisture and not
contaminated within the area intended to be used.
Diverg ing Tracks
Tracks downstream of the common point whose angular Downs tream Clearance
divergence is equal to or less than 90 degrees. One issued to an aircraft by an air traffic control unit that
is not the current controlling authority of that aircraft.
DME
Distance Measuring Equipment.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Dual Instruct ion Time EFB

Flight time or instrument ground time during which a Electronic Flight Bag.
person is receiving flight instruction from a properly
authorised instructor. EFB Application
A software application on a host platform that provides
Duplex Commun ication operational functions that support flight operations.
Communication between two stations that can take place
in both directions at the same time. EFB Host P latfor m
Hardware equipment in which computing capabilities and
EB T basic software reside, including the operating system and
Evidence Based Training. input/output software.

EB T Modu le EFB Sys tem

A combination of sessions in a qualified flight simulation The hardware equipment (including any battery,
training device as part of the 3-year period of recurrent connectivity provisions, input/output components) and
assessment and training. software (including databases and the operating system)
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

needed to support the intended EFB application(s).

EEA Agr eemen t
The Agreement on the European Economic Area signed at
Oporto on 2nd May 1992 as adjusted by the Protocol
signed at Brussels on 17th March 1993.

EEA State
A State which is a contracting party to the EEA
Agreement.

EET
Estimated Elapsed Time.

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G Definitions

EL A1 A ircr aft EL A2 Airc raft

The following manned European Light Aircraft: The following manned European Light Aircraft:
• an aeroplane with an MTOM of 1200 kg or less that • an aeroplane with a Maximum Takeoff Mass
is not classified as complex motor-powered aircraft. (MTOM) of 2000 kg or less that is not classified as
• A sailplane sailplane of 1200 kg MTOM or less. complex motor-powered

• A balloon with a maximum design lifting gas or hot • a sailplane or powered sailplane of 2000 kg MTOM
air volume of not more than 3400 m3 for hot air or less
balloons, 1050 m3 for gas balloons, 300 m3 for • a balloon
tethered gas balloons. • a hot air ship
• a gas airship meeting all of the following elements:
• 3% maximum static heaviness
• Non-vectored thrust (except reverse thrust)
• Conventional and simple design of: structure,
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

control system and ballonet system

• Non-power assisted controls;
• a Very Light Rotorcraft

El ectronic Flight Bag (EFB )

An electronic information system, with equipment and
applications for flight crew, which allows for the storing,
updating, displaying and processing of EFB functions to
support flight operations or duties.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-36

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Elemen tary Work Empt y Wei ght

Maintenance tasks that may be completed by an The total weight of the airframe, engines, fixed ballast,
unqualified person. unusable fuel, the maximum amount of normal operating
fluids, such as oil, power plant coolant, hydraulic fluid,
Elevation de-icing and anti-icing fluid, not including potable water,
The vertical distance of a point or a level, on or affixed to lavatory pre-charge fluid or that for injection into the
the surface of the Earth, measured from mean sea level. engines, and all installed equipment.

Elevated Final Approach and Takeoff Area (FATO) En hanced Fli ght Visi on System (EFV S)
A FATO that is at least 3 m above the surrounding surface. An electronic means of providing a flight crew with a
real-time sensor-derived or enhanced display of the
Elevated Heliport external scene topography (the natural or man-made
One at least 3 m above the surrounding surface (ICAO features of a place or region especially in a way to show
does not specify a height). their relative positions and elevation) through the use of
imaging sensors; an EFVS is integrated with a flight
Emergency Exit guidance system and is implemented on a head-up display
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

An installed exit-type egress point from the aircraft that or an equivalent display system; if an EFVS is certified
allows maximum opportunity for cabin and flight crew according to the applicable airworthiness requirements
compartment evacuation within an appropriate time and an operator holds the necessary specific approval
period and includes floor level door, window exit or any (when required), then it may be used for EFVS operations
other type of exit, for instance hatch in the flight crew and may allow operations with operational credits.
compartment and tail cone exit.
EFV S Oper ation
Emergency P has e An operation in which visibility conditions require an
A generic term meaning, as the case may be, uncertainty EFVS to be used instead of natural vision in order to
phase, alert phase or distress phase. perform an approach or landing, identify the required
visual references or conduct a roll-out.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-37

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

EFVS 200 Oper at ion Equivalency Of Approaches

An operation with an operational credit in which visibility All approaches that place an additional demand on a
conditions require an EFVS to be used down to 200 ft proficient crew regardless of whether they are used or not
above the FATO or runway threshold. From that point to in the EBT modules.
land, natural vision is used. The RVR shall not be less
than 550 m; Equivalency Of Malfun ctions
All the malfunctions that put a significant demand on a
En hanced V ision System (EV S) proficient crew regardless of whether they are used or not
An electronic means of providing a flight crew with a in the EBT modules.
real-time image of the actual external scene topography
(the natural or man-made features of a place or region Equivalent Airspeed
especially in a way to show their relative positions and Calibrated airspeed corrected for adiabatic compressible
elevation) through the use of imaging sensors. flow at particular altitudes, equal to CAS in standard
atmosphere at sea level.
En rolment
The administrative action carried out by an operator when Er ror
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

a pilot participates in the operator’s EBT program. An action or inaction that leads to deviations from
organisational or flight intentions or expectations.
Enrolled Pilot
A pilot that participates in an EBT recurrent training Er ror Man ag ement
program. The process of detecting and responding to errors with
countermeasures that reduce or eliminate the
En route Phase consequences of errors, and mitigate the probability of
From the end of the takeoff and initial climb phase to the errors or undesired aircraft states.
start of the approach and landing phase.
Estimated Elapsed Time
The estimated time required to proceed from one
significant point to another.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Estimated Off-Block Ti me Evapor ation

The estimated time at which the aircraft will commence The conversion of liquid to vapour at temperatures below
movement associated with departure. boiling point (vaporisation occurs at the boiling point).

Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) Eviden ce-based Training (EBT)

For IFR flights, the time at which it is estimated that the Assessment and training based on operational data that is
aircraft will arrive over that designated point, defined by characterised by developing and assessing the overall
reference to navigation aids, from which it is intended that capability of a pilot across a range of competencies
an instrument approach procedure will be commenced, or, (competency framework) rather than by measuring the
if no navigation aid is associated with the aerodrome, the performance in individual events or manoeuvres.
time at which the aircraft will arrive over the aerodrome.
For VFR flights, the time at which it is estimated that the Exemption
aircraft will arrive over the aerodrome. For dangerous goods, an authorisation issued by an
appropriate national authority providing relief from the
ETA provisions of Annex 18.
See Estimated Time of Arrival.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Exh aus t Gas Temperatur e

ETD Average temperature of exhaust gas streams (turbines).
Estimated Time of Departure.
Expected Approach Time
Eval uat ion Ph as e The time at which ATC expects that an arriving aircraft,
One of the phases of an EBT module which is a line- following a delay, will leave the holding fix to complete
orientated flight scenario, representative of the operator’s its approach for a landing. The actual time of leaving the
environment during which there are one or more holding fix will depend upon the approach clearance.
occurrences to evaluate key elements of the defined
competency framework.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Exposu re Time Fal se St art

Time during which the performance of a helicopter with An attempt to start in which a turbine engine fails to light
the critical power unit inoperative in still air does not up, assuming handling is as per manufacturer's
guarantee a safe forced landing or safe continuation. instructions.

External L oad Farmer

One that is carried, towed or extends outside the aircraft A person whose primary source of income is derived from
fuselage. tilling the soil, raising livestock or poultry, dairy farming,
the growing of grain, fruit, vegetables or tobacco, or any
External Load Attaching Means other operation of a similar nature.
Structural components that attach an external load to an
aircraft, including containers, the backup structure at the Fat al Injury
attachment points, and quick-release devices to jettison One that is sustained by a person in an accident which
the load. results in death within 30 days of the date of the accident.

Extr emel y Remote FATO

© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Unlikely to occur when considering the total operational Final Approach and Takeoff Area. A defined area over
life of a number of aircraft of the type in which an engine which the final phase of a helicopter approach manoeuvre
is installed, but has to be regarded as being possible. to hover or landing is completed and from which the
takeoff manoeuvre is started and, where the FATO is to be
Fail -Operati onal Flight Control System used by Performance Class 1 helicopters, includes the
In a failure below alert height, the approach, flare and rejected takeoff area available.
landing, can be completed automatically, and the
automatic landing system reverts to fail-passive. Federal Avi ati on Regulations
As published by the FAA in the USA.

FIC
Flight Information Centre.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Fictit ious Threshol d Poi nt (FTP) Final Appr oach an d Takeoff Ar ea (FATO)
A point over which the final approach segment path A defined area over which the final phase of an approach
passes at a relative height specified by the reference to hover or landing is completed and from which the
datum height. It is defined by the WGS-84 latitude, takeoff manoeuvre is commenced. Where the FATO is to
longitude and ellipsoid height. The FTP replaces the LTP be used by Performance Class 1 helicopters, the defined
when the final approach course is not aligned with the area includes the rejected takeoff area available.
runway extended centreline or when the threshold is
displaced from the actual runway threshold. For non- Final Approach Segment
aligned approaches the FTP lies on the intersection of the That segment of an instrument approach procedure in
perpendicular from the FAS to the threshold. The FTP which alignment and descent for landing are
elevation is the same as the actual threshold elevation. accomplished.

Filed Flight Plan ( FPL) Final Approach Track

The flight plan as filed with an ATS unit by the pilot or a The flight track in the final approach segment that is
designated representative, with no subsequent changes. normally aligned with the runway centreline. For offset
final approach segments, the final approach track is
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Final Approach aligned with the orientation of the FTP and the FPAP.
That part of an instrument approach procedure which
commences at the specified final approach fix or point, or FIR
where such a fix or point is not specified: Flight Information Region.
• at the end of the last procedure turn, base or inbound Fireproof
turn of a racetrack procedure, if specified; or The ability of materials, components and equipment to
• at the point of interception of the last track specified withstand heat from a flame, for 15 minutes without any
in the approach procedure; and failure that creates a hazard to the aircraft. For materials,
• ends at a point near an aerodrome from which a this is equivalent to withstanding a fire at least as well as
landing can be made, or a missed approach steel or titanium in appropriate dimensions.
procedure is initiated.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Fire Resistant Flash Poi nt

As for Fireproof, but for 5 minutes, and equivalent to The lowest temperature of a liquid when flammable
aluminium alloy. vapour is given off.

First Aid Oxygen Flash Resistant

Additional oxygen for passengers who do not Not susceptible to violent burning if ignited.
satisfactorily recover after subjection to excessive cabin
altitudes, when they had been provided with supplemental Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainer (FNPT)
oxygen. A training device that represents the flight deck or cockpit
environment, including the assemblage of equipment and
FIS computer programs necessary to represent an aircraft type
Flight Information Service. or class in flight operations to the extent that the systems
appear to function as in an aircraft.
Fixed
About a light, means having a constant luminous intensity Flight Attendant
when observed from a fixed point. A crew member assigned duties in the interest of
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

passengers.
FL
See Flight Level. Flight Aut hori ty
A C of A or permit to fly showing an aircraft's fitness for
Flame Res ist ant flight under Article 31 of the Convention.
Not likely to combust if flame is propagated, beyond safe
limits, after ignition is removed. Flight Control System
A system which includes an automatic landing system
Flammable and/or a hybrid landing system.
A quality of a substance that means it will burn, or is
susceptible to igniting readily or exploding. This word
replaced inflammable in the 60s.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Flight Crew Flight Duty Ti me

Members of the crew of an aircraft who undertake to act The period starting when a crew member reports for a
as pilot, flight navigator, flight engineer and flight flight, or standby, and finishes at engines off or rotors
radiotelephony operator, which means that when you're in stopped at an appropriate period after the final flight.
the pub, you are not flight crew, as you are not
undertaking to act as such. Flight Followi ng
The recording in real time of departure and arrival
Flight Crew Member messages by operational personnel to ensure that a flight
A licensed crew member charged with duties essential to is operating and has arrived at the destination aerodrome
the operation of an aircraft during a flight duty period. or an alternate aerodrome.

Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) Flight Information Centre

The proactive and non-punitive use of digital flight data A unit established to provide flight information service
from routine operations to improve aviation safety. and alerting service.

Flight Data Recorder (FDR) Flight Information Region

© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

A crash-protected flight recorder that uses a combination An airspace of defined dimensions within which flight
of data sources to collect and record parameters that information service and alerting service are provided.
reflect the state and performance of the aircraft.
Flight Information Service
Flight Deck Duty Time A service for giving advice and information useful for the
The period spent by a crew member at a relevant position safe and efficient conduct of flights.
during flight time.
Flight Information Service Officer (FISO)
Flight Dispatcher One at any aerodrome or area control centre.
See Flight Operations Officer.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Flight Information Service Unit Flight Moni toring

A person appointed by the CAA or any other person In addition to the requirements for flight following:
maintaining an aerodrome to give information by radio to • Operational monitoring of flights by suitably
aircraft flying or intending to fly within the aerodrome qualified operational-control personnel from
traffic zone, and grant or refuse permission, under Rule 35 departure throughout all phases of the flight.
or 36(2). For an area control centre, the former applies.
• Communication of all available and relevant safety
Flight Level information between the operational-control
One of a series of levels of equal atmospheric pressure, personnel on the ground and the flight crew.
separated by notified intervals and expressed as hundreds • Critical assistance to the flight crew in the event of
of feet indicated at that level on an ISA pressure altimeter. an in-flight emergency or security issue, or at the
In normal usage, altitude in hundreds of feet, on an request of the flight crew.
altimeter set to 29.92 inches of mercury or 1013.25 hPa.
Flight Operations Officer
Flight Line Also a flight dispatcher, a suitably qualified person
A predetermined directional line of flight within a flying designated by an operator to engage in the control and
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

display area, marked and clearly visible from the air. supervision of flight operations, who supports, briefs or
assists, or both, the PIC in the safe conduct of the flight;
Flight Manual
A manual, associated with the C of A, containing Flight Path Al ignment Poi nt (FPAP )
limitations within which the aircraft is considered to be A point in the same lateral plane as the LTP or FTP that is
airworthy, and instructions and information necessary to used to define the alignment of the final approach
the flight crew for the safe operation of the aircraft. segment. For approaches aligned with the runway
centreline, the FPAP is at or beyond the opposite threshold
of the runway. The delta length offset from the opposite
threshold of the runway defines its location.

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G Definitions

Flight Pat h Angle Flight Recorder

This is defined in two ways. To the aerodynamicist, it is Any type of recorder installed in an aircraft for the
the angle between the flight path vector (where the purpose of facilitating accident/incident safety
airplane is going) and the local atmosphere. To the flight investigations.
crew, it is normally known as the angle between the flight
path vector and the horizon, also known as the climb (or Flight Recording System
descent) angle. It can also be defined as that between the A system with a flight data recorder, cockpit voice
horizontal (or some other reference angle) and a tangent to recorder, or both.
the flight path at a point.
Flight Simul ator
Flight Path Moni toring Apparatus that simulates flight conditions on the ground.
The use of ATS surveillance systems for the purpose of
providing aircraft with information and advice relative to Flight Simul ati on Traini ng Devi ce ( FSTD)
significant deviations from nominal flight path, including A training device which is:
deviations from the terms of their air traffic control • for aeroplanes, a full flight simulator (FFS), a flight
clearances. Some applications may require a specific training device (FTD), a flight and navigation
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

technology, e.g. radar, to support the function of flight procedures trainer (FNPT), or a basic instrument
path monitoring. training device (BITD).
Flight Plan • for helicopters, a full flight simulator (FFS), a flight
Such information as may be notified for an air traffic training device (FTD) or a flight and navigation
control service unit being information provided or to be procedures trainer (FNPT).
provided to that unit, relative to an intended flight or
portion of a flight of an aircraft.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Flight Time Fligh t Time Un der I ns tru ment Fl ight Rules (I FR)
Generally, the time from when an aircraft first moves All flight time during which an aircraft is being operated
under its own power to take off until it comes to rest at the under the Instrument Flight Rules.
end of the flight. For EASA:
Flight Training
• for aeroplanes, the total time from the moment an
A program of ground instruction and airborne training
aeroplane first moves for the purpose of taking off
under the flight instructor guide and flight training manual
until the moment the aeroplane finally comes to rest
for the aircraft used.
at the end of the flight.
• for helicopters, the total time between the moment Flight Training Devi ce (FTD)
a helicopter’s rotor blades start turning for the A full sized replica of a specific aircraft type’s
purpose of taking off until the moment the instruments, equipment, panels and controls in an open
helicopter finally comes to rest at the end of the flight deck area or an enclosed aircraft flight deck,
flight, and the rotor blades are stopped. including the assemblage of equipment and computer
• For airships, the total time from being released software programs necessary to represent the aircraft in
from the mast for the purpose of taking off until ground and flight conditions to the extent of the systems
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

coming to rest at the end of the flight, and being installed in the device. It does not require a force cueing
secured on the mast. motion or visual system, except in the case of helicopter
FTD levels 2 and 3, where visual systems are required.
• For sailplanes, the total time from commencing the
ground run in the process of taking off until coming Flight Vi sibili ty
to a rest at the end of flight. The visibility forward from the flight deck when in flight.
• For balloons, the total time from the moment the
basket leaves the ground for the purpose of taking
off until coming to a rest at the end of a flight.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-46

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Flight Watch Formation Fli ght

In addition to all elements defined for ‘flight monitoring’, When an aircraft is flown solely with reference to another
the active tracking of a flight by suitably qualified aircraft. Also, more than one aircraft which, by prior
operational-control personnel throughout all phases of the arrangement between the pilots, operate as a single
flight to ensure that the flight is following its prescribed aircraft with regard to navigation and position reporting.
route without unplanned deviations, diversions or delays. Separation between the aircraft within the formation
remains the responsibility of the flight leader and the
Flow Control pilots of the other aircraft in the flight, including periods
Measures designed to adjust the flow of traffic into a when aircraft within the formation are maneuvering to
given airspace, along a given route, or bound for a given attain separation from each other to effect individual
aerodrome, so as to ensure the most effective utilization of control and during join-up and break-away.
the airspace.
Free Balloon
Flying Di splay One which, which, when in flight, is not attached by a
Flying activity deliberately performed for an exhibition or restraining device to the surface.
entertainment at an advertised event open to the public.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Free Controlled Flight

Flying Machine Where a balloon is not attached to the surface by a
For the exams, "a heavier than air power driven aircraft", restraining device (other than a tether less than 5 metres
as ICAO only define an aeroplane. It may be a glider, long used during takeoff), and during which height is
aeroplane or rotorcraft. controllable by a device attached to the balloon operated
by the commander or by remote control.
Forecast
A statement of expected meteorological conditions for a Free Text Message Element
specified time or period, and for a specified area or Part of a message that does not conform to standard
portion of airspace. message elements in PANS-ATM (Doc 4444).

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Frei ght Contai ner General Aviation Operation

An article of transport equipment for radioactive An aircraft operation other than a commercial air transport
materials, designed to facilitate their transport, either or aerial work operation.
packaged or unpackaged, by one or more modes of
transport. See Unit Load Device for where the dangerous General Li ghth ouse Aut hori ty
goods are not radioactive. See section 193 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1995.

Full Flight Simulat or (FFS) Geodetic Datum

A full size replica of a specific type or make, model and A minimum set of parameters required to define location
series aircraft flight deck, including the assemblage of all and orientation of the local reference system with respect
equipment and computer programs needed to represent to the global reference system/frame.
the aircraft in ground and flight operations, a visual
system providing an out-of-the flight deck view, and a Glider
force cueing motion system. A non-power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft deriving lift
from aerodynamic reactions on fixed surfaces.
GBAS Landing System (GLS)
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

An approach landing system using ground based Glide Path

augmented global navigation satellite system (GNSS/ A descent profile determined for vertical guidance during
GBAS) information to provide guidance to the aircraft a final approach.
based on its lateral and vertical GNSS position. It uses
geometric altitude reference for its final approach slope. Go-ar ound
A transition from an approach to a stabilised climb. This
GCA includes manoeuvres conducted at or above the MDA/H
Ground Controlled Approach. or DA/H, or below the DA/H (balked landings).

General Air Traffic Goods

Flights operating under civil air traffic procedures. Anything that may be taken or placed on an aircraft as
personal belongings, baggage or cargo.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Gover nment Aerodrome Ground Ice Detection System (GIDS)

An aerodrome in UK occupied by a Govt Department or A system used during aircraft ground operations to inform
visiting force. the personnel involved in the operation and/or the flight
crew about the presence of frost, ice, snow or slush on the
Gr an ted aircraft surfaces.
Granted by an authority under a procedure assessed as
satisfactory after an inspection by standardisation teams. Groun d I dling Conditions
For turbines, conditions of minimum rotational speed
Gr eg orian Calendar associated with zero forward speed and maximum EGT.
One in general use, first introduced in 1582 to define a
year that more closely approximates the tropical year than Grounding
the Julian calendar (ISO 19108*). In the Gregorian The formal prohibition of an aircraft from taking off and
calendar, common years have 365 days and leap years 366 the taking of such steps as are necessary to detain it.
days divided into twelve sequential months.
Ground Station
Gr ound Effect A location with radio transmitting and receiving
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

A condition of improved performance (lift) due to the equipment capable of two-way voice communications
interference of the surface with the airflow pattern of the with aircraft.
rotor system when a helicopter or other VTOL aircraft is
operating near the ground. Rotor efficiency is increased Ground Visibi lity
by ground effect to a height of about one rotor diameter That at an aerodrome as reported by an accredited
for most helicopters. observer or by automatic systems.

Gr ound Emer gen cy Ser vic e Person nel Group Of Bal loons
Any (policemen, firemen, etc.) involved with HEMS and A categorisation of balloons, according to the size or
whose tasks are pertinent to helicopter operations. capacity of the envelope.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Gyr oplan e Heading

A heavier-than-air aircraft deriving lift from aerodynamic The direction in which the longitudinal axis of an aircraft
reactions on one or more non-power-driven rotors on is pointed, in True, Magnetic or Grid degrees from North.
substantially vertical axes. A rotorcraft with rotors not
engine-driven (except for initial starting), but which rotate Head-Up Di splay Land ing System ( HUDLS)
from action of the air when moving, and an independent An airborne system which provides head-up guidance to
means of propulsion, usually propellers. enable pilots to control an aircraft or monitor the autopilot
during takeoff (if applicable), approach and landing (and
H24 roll-out if applicable), or go-around. It includes sensors,
24 hour operation. computers, power supplies, indications and controls.

Handling Agent Heavier-than- air aircraft

An agency which performs on behalf of an operator some One supported in the atmosphere by lift derived from
or all of the latter's functions including receiving, loading, aerodynamic forces.
unloading, transferring or other processing of passengers
or cargo. Height
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

The vertical distance of a level or a point measured from a

Hang g lider specific datum, such as airfield datum. It is referenced by
One designed to carry less than two people with a typical the QFE.
launch weight of 45 kg (99.2 pounds) or less.
Helicopter
Harness A power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft deriving lift from
Equipment, consisting of two shoulder straps and a lap aerodynamic reactions on one or more power-driven
belt, that restrains a member of the flight crew against rotors on substantially vertical axes. A rotorcraft that
inertia loads in emergency conditions. depends principally on its engine-driven rotors for
horizontal motion.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Hel icopter Hoist Operat ion (HHO) Crew Member HEMS Fl ight
A technical crew member who performs assigned duties Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Flight. A flight by
relating to the operation of a hoist. a helicopter under a HEMS approval, for emergency
assistance, where immediate and rapid transportation is
Hel icopter Hoist Operat ions Fli ght essential, by carrying medical personnel, supplies, or ill or
A flight by a helicopter under an HHO approval, to injured people and others directly involved.
transfer people and/or cargo by hoist.
HEMS Oper ati ng B as e
Hel ideck A heliport where HEMS crews and helicopters may be on
A FATO on a floating or fixed offshore structure. standby for HEMS operations.

Hel i-logg ing HEMS Oper ati ng Site

The removal and carriage of logs and shake blocks by A site selected by a commander during a HEMS flight for
helicopter external load means. helicopter hoist operations, landing and takeoff.

Hel iport HF
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

An aerodrome used for the arrival, landing, take-off or High Frequency.

departure of aircraft capable of vertical take-off and
landing. An area of land or water, or structure used or HHO Fli ght
intended for the landing and takeoff of helicopters. A flight by a helicopter operating under an HHO
approval, to facilitate the transfer of persons and/or cargo
HEMS Cr ewmember by means of a helicopter hoist.
A technical crew member assigned to a HEMS flight to
attend to people in need of medical assistance carried in HHO Offshor e
the helicopter and assisting the pilot during the mission. A flight by a helicopter under an HHO approval, to
facilitate the transfer of persons and/or cargo by means of
a helicopter hoist from or to a vessel or structure in a sea
area or to the sea itself.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

HHO Pass en ger Holding Proc edure

A person to be transferred by means of a helicopter hoist. A predetermined manoeuvre that is intended to keep an
aircraft within a specified airspace while awaiting further
HHO Sit e clearance.
A specified area at which a helicopter performs a hoist
transfer. Hold-over Time ( HoT)
The estimated time that anti-icing fluid will prevent the
High seas formation of ice and frost and the accumulation of snow
Any body of water, or frozen surface, not within territorial on the protected (treated) surfaces of an aeroplane
waters of any state. (helicopters do not use deicing fluid). Also, the period of
time during which an anti-icing fluid provides protection
Hire or reward against frozen contamination to the treated aircraft
Any payment, consideration, gratuity or benefit, directly surfaces. It depends among other variables, on the type
or indirectly charged, demanded, received or collected by and intensity of the precipitation, OAT, wind, the
any person for the use of an aircraft. particular fluid (or fluid Type) and aircraft design and
aircraft configuration during the treatment.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Hir e-Pu rch as e Ag reemen t

See section 189 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

Hoist Cyc le
One down-and-up cycle of a hoist hook.

Holding Fi x
A geographical location that serves as a reference for a
holding procedure.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-52

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Hostile Environment Human Factor s Pr inci ples

Where: Principles that apply to aeronautical design, certification,
training, operations and maintenance and which seek a
• A safe forced landing cannot be made because the
safe interface between human and other components by
surface is inadequate.
proper consideration to human performance.
• The occupants cannot be adequately protected from
the elements. Human–Mach ine In ter fac e (H MI)
• SAR response/capability is not consistent with A component of certain devices that is capable of
anticipated exposure. handling human–machine interactions. The interface
consists of hardware and software that allow user inputs to
• Unacceptable risk of endangering people or be interpreted and processed by machines or systems that,
property on the ground.
in turn, provide the required results to the user.
These areas are always hostile:
• For overwater operations, the open sea North of Human Perfor man ce
Human capabilities and limitations which have an impact
45N and South of 45S, as designated
on the safety and efficiency of aeronautical operations.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

• Congested areas without adequate safe forced

landing areas Icing Atmospheric Conditions
• Continuous Maximum Icing - defined by cloud
Hot Spot liquid water content, mean effective diameter of
A location on an aerodrome movement area with a history cloud droplets, ambient air temperature, and their
or potential risk of collision or runway incursion, and relationship.
where heightened attention by pilots/drivers is necessary.
• Intermittent Maximum Icing - defined by the cloud
liquid water content, mean effective diameter of
cloud droplets, ambient air temperature, and their
inter-relationship.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Identific ati on I MC
The situation which exists when the position indication of Instrument Meteorological Conditions. Those less than
a particular aircraft is seen on a situation display and VMC, in terms of visibility and distance from cloud. Also
positively identified. a symbol that designates IMC.

Identific ati on Plate INCERFA

A fireproof plate (preferably metal) containing The code word used to designate an uncertainty phase.
identification information.
Incident
ID Nu mber An occurrence, not an accident, associated with operation
A temporary identification number for an item of of an aircraft which may affect safety.
dangerous goods without a UN number.
Incompatible
IFR Dangerous goods which, if mixed, would be liable to
Instrument Flight Rules. To be observed when flying in cause a dangerous evolution of heat or gas or produce a
IMC. corrosive substance.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

IFR air craft Independent Parallel Approaches

One operating in IFR flight. Simultaneous approaches to parallel or near-parallel
instrument runways where radar separation minima
IFR Conditi ons between aircraft on adjacent extended runway centre-lines
Weather below the minimum for VFR flight. are not prescribed.

IFR fl ight Independent Parallel Depart ures

One conducted under IFR. Simultaneous departures from parallel or near-parallel
instrument runways.
IL S
Instrument Landing System.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-54

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

In di cated Air speed In-seat Instruction

The speed of an aircraft as shown on its ASI, calibrated to A technique used in the manoeuvres training phase or the
reflect standard atmosphere adiabatic compressible flow scenario-based training phase, where the instructors can:
at sea level, uncorrected for airspeed system errors. • provide simple instructions to one pilot or
INFO • perform predetermined exercises acting, in a pilot
Information. seat, as pilot flying (PF) or monitoring (PM) for:
• the demonstration of techniques and/or
In fan t
A person under two years of age (this may vary). A person • triggering the other pilot to intervene or interact.
2 years old or above is not an infant.
Inst alled
Initial Approach Fix (IAF) Complies with applicable airworthiness requirements or
A fix that marks the beginning of the initial segment and the relevant code for Type Certification, and any
the end of the arrival segment of an instrument approach. requirement in JAR OPS.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Initial Approach Segment Inst ruct or Concordanc e

That segment of an instrument approach procedure The consistency or stability of scores between different
between the initial approach fix and the intermediate EBT instructors which gives a score (or scores) of how
approach fix or, where applicable, the final approach fix much homogeneity, or consensus, there is in the ratings
or point. given by instructors (raters).

INS Inst ructor Rating

Inertial Navigation System. A flying instructor's rating, assistant flying instructor's
rating, flight instructor rating (aeroplane) or (helicopter),
type rating instructor rating (multi-pilot aeroplane) or
(helicopter), a class rating instructor rating (single pilot
aeroplane), an instrument rating instructor rating
(aeroplane) or (helicopter).
EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-55
 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

In str ument Inst rument Approach Proc edure (IAP)

A device with an internal mechanism to show visually or A series of predetermined manoeuvres by reference to
aurally the attitude, altitude or operation of an aircraft or flight instruments with specified protection from obstacles
part, including electronic ones for automatically from the initial approach fix or, where applicable, from
controlling aircraft in flight. the beginning of a defined arrival route to a point from
which a landing can be completed and thereafter, if a
Instrument Approach landing is not completed, to a position at which holding or
The orderly positioning of an IFR aircraft from the en-route obstacle clearance criteria apply. IAPs are
enroute phase to a position and altitude for a landing or a classified as follows:
missed approach.
• non-precision approach (NPA) procedure, which
means an IAP designed for 2D instrument approach
In str ument Approach Oper ati ons
operations Type A.
An approach and landing using instruments for navigation
guidance based on an instrument approach procedure. • approach procedure with vertical guidance (APV)
There are 2 methods for instrument approach operations: means a performance-based navigation (PBN) IAP
designed for 3D instrument approach operations
• a 2-dimensional (2D) operation, using lateral
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Type A.
navigation guidance only and
• precision approach (PA) procedure means an IAP
• a 3-dimensional (3D) operation, using both lateral
based on navigation systems designed for 3D
and vertical navigation guidance.
instrument approach operations Type A or B.

I nst rument Flig ht Ru les

Those for flight solely with reference to instruments, as
per the Rules of the Air.

I nst rument Flig ht Ti me

Time during which a pilot is controlling an aircraft in
flight solely by reference to instruments.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

In str ument Groun d Time International Headquarters

Time during which a pilot is receiving instruction in As designated by Order in Council under section 1 of the
simulated instrument flight, in flight simulation training International Headquarters and Defence Organisations
devices (FSTD). Act 1964.

In str ument Time International NOTAM Office

Instrument flight time or instrument ground time. An office designated by a State for the international
exchange of NOTAMs.
Intermediate Fix ( IF)
A fix that marks the end of an initial segment and the International Standards & Recommended Practices
beginning of the intermediate segment of an instrument Those for aircraft accident and incident investigation
approach procedure. adopted under Article 37 of the Chicago Convention.

Intermittent Maximum Icing Invest igator In Charge

See Icing Atmospheric Conditions. A person charged, on the basis of qualifications, with
responsibility for the organisation, conduct and control of
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Instrument Meteorological Conditions a safety investigation.

Weather precluding flight under Visual Flight Rules in
terms of visibility, distance from cloud, and ceiling (see ITP Aircraft
Annex 2). One approved by the State of the Operator to conduct in-
trail procedures (ITP).
Integrity ( Aeronautical Data)
A degree of assurance that data and its value has not been
lost nor altered since its origination or amendment.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-57

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

ITP Distance JAR

The distance between an ITP aircraft and a reference A Joint Aviation Requirement of the JAA with a number
aircraft as defined by: or letters. Reference to a numbered or lettered JAR is one
to such a requirement as adopted by JAA or, where a JAR
• aircraft on the same track, the difference in distance
has been annexed to the Technical Harmonisation
to an aircraft calculated common point along a
Regulation, in the form it has been thus annexed and has
projection of each other’s track, or
effect under that Regulation.
• aircraft on parallel tracks, the distance measured
along the track of one of the aircraft using its JAR- FCL licence
calculated position and the point abeam the A licence included in Section 2 of Part A of Schedule 8.
calculated position of the other aircraft.
The term reference aircraft refers to one or two aircraft Known Traffic
with ADS-B data that meet the ITP criteria in [Link] and That which the current flight details and intentions of
are indicated to ATC by the ITP aircraft as part of the ITP which are known to the controller concerned through
clearance request. direct communication or co-ordination.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

JAA Land
Joint Aviation Authorities, an associated body of the As a verb, includes alighting on water.
European Civil Aviation Conference.
Land Aircraft
JAA Fu ll Member State One not capable of normal operations on water.
A full member of the JAA.
Landin g
JAA l icen ce For other than airships, coming into contact with a
A licence granted under JAR-FCL. supporting surface, including actions immediately before
and after. Also, the act of bringing an airship under
restraint, plus any acts immediately before and after.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Landing Area Landplane

That part of a movement area intended for the landing or A fixed wing aircraft designed for taking off and landing
taking off of aircraft. on land and includes amphibians operated as landplanes.

Landing Deci sion Point ( LDP) Larg e Aeroplane

The fixed point used in determining landing performance One with a max certificated takeoff mass over 5700 kg.
in Performance Class 1 helicopter operations from which,
an engine failure having been recognised, the landing may Larg e Roc ket
be safely continued or a balked landing initiated. One with a total impulse from the engines over 10,240
Newton-seconds.
Landing Distanc e at Time of Ar rival (LDTA)
A landing distance that is achievable in normal operations Latent Heat
based on landing performance data and associated Converting water (for example) from one state to the other
procedures determined for the prevailing conditions at the requires energy, which originally comes from the Sun's
time of landing. rays as it is evaporated in the first place, and is stored with
the vapour. While there, it is known as latent, and released
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Landing Distanc e Avai lable (L DA ) when the water condenses. Latent heat becomes involved
The length of a runway which is declared available by the when you change the form of a substance without
State of the aerodrome and suitable for the ground run of changing its temperature.
an aeroplane landing.
Lateral Separation
Landing Thresh old Point ( LTP) The specified spacing between aircraft expressed in terms
A point over which the glide path passes at a relative of distance or angular displacement between tracks.
height specified by the reference datum height. It is
defined by the WGS-84 latitude, longitude and ellipsoid Laun ch Wei ght
height. The LTP is normally located at the intersection of The total weight of a hang glider or an ultra-light when
the runway centreline and threshold. ready for flight, including equipment, instruments, fuel or
oil, but not occupants, float equipment, etc.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Landing Distanc e Avai lable (L DA ) Li cen sed Aerodrome

The length of a runway declared available and suitable for As licensed under the UK Air Navigation Order.
the ground run of landing aeroplanes.
Li fejack et
LDP Includes any device designed to support a person
Landing Decision Point. individually in or on the water.

Legal Per sonal Representat ive Li fe-Limited

The executor, administrator, or other representative, of a A part or parts that, as part of a type certificate, may not
deceased person. exceed a specified time or number of cycles, in service.

Level Li ghter-Th an -Air Airc raft

A generic term relating to the vertical position of an One supported in the atmosphere by its own buoyancy.
aircraft in flight and meaning variously, height, altitude or
flight level. Li ght Tu rbul enc e
That which momentarily causes slight, erratic changes in
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Level Bus t altitude or attitude, or which causes slight, rapid and

Any deviation from assigned altitude, height or flight somewhat rhythmic bumpiness without appreciable
level in excess of 300 feet. changes in altitude or attitude.

Lic enc e Linear Operation

Includes certificates of competency or validity issued with An instrument approach operation in which the maximum
it, or required to be held in connection with it (e.g. a tolerable error/deviation from the planned track is
medical) by the law of the country it is granted. expressed in units of length, for instance nautical miles,
for cross-track lateral deviation.
Licence For Public Use
See article 103(3) of the UK Air Navigation Order.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Line-Orientated Flight Scenario Local Helicopt er Operation (LHO)

The assessment and training involving a realistic, ‘real- A commercial air transport operation of helicopters with a
time’, full mission simulation of scenarios that are maximum certified take-off mass (MCTOM) over 3175
representative of line operations. kg and a maximum operational passenger seating
configuration (MOPSC) of nine or less, by day, over
Lin e Check routes navigated by reference to visual landmarks,
A check conducted by an operator and completed by a conducted within a local and defined geographical area
pilot or technical crew member to demonstrate specified in the operations manual.
competence in carrying out normal line operations
described in the operations manual. Loc ati on Indicator
A four-letter code group formulated in accordance with
Liqui d Water Equivalent (LWE) System rules prescribed by ICAO and assigned to the location of
An automated weather measurement system that an aeronautical fixed station.
determines the LWE precipitation rate in conditions of
frozen or freezing precipitation. It provides flight crews Logon Address
with continuously updated information on the fluid A specified code used for a datalink logon to an ATS unit.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

protection capability under varying weather conditions.

Longitudi nal Separation
LNAV The specified interval between aircraft expressed in units
Lateral Navigation. of time or distance along track.

Load Factor Log Book

The ratio of a specified load to total weight of an aircraft, Includes records kept in a book, or other approved means.
in terms of any of: aerodynamic forces, inertia forces, or
ground or water reactions. LO RAN
Long Range Air Navigation System.

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G Definitions

Low Visi bility Operations (LVOs) Mach Number Technique

Approach or takeoff operations on a runway with a The technique of clearing turbojet aircraft operating along
runway visual range less than 550 m or with a decision the same track or continuously diverging tracks to
height less than 200 ft. maintain specified Mach numbers in order to maintain
adequate longitudinal separation between successive
Low Visi bility Take Off (LVTO) aircraft at, or climbing or descending to, the same level.
A takeoff with an RVR less than 550 m.
Main Rotor
Lowest Operation al Use Temperatur e (L OUT) Rotor or rotors supplying the principal lift of a rotorcraft.
The lowest temperature at which a fluid has been tested
and certified as acceptable in accordance with the Maintenance
appropriate aerodynamic acceptance test whilst still The overhaul, repair, required inspection or modification,
maintaining a freezing point buffer of not less than: or removal and installation of components of, an
aeronautical product, not including elementary work or
• 10°C for a Type I fluid, or
servicing. One or a combination of overhaul, air,
• 7°C for Type II, III or IV fluids. inspection, replacement, modification or defect
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

rectification of aircraft or components.

LPV
Localiser Performance with Vertical Guidance.

Mac h Number
The ratio of TAS to the speed of sound.

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G Definitions

Maintenance Ch eck Flight (MCF) Major Modifi cat ion

A flight of an aircraft with an airworthiness certificate or a An alteration to the type design of an aeronautical product
permit to fly which is carried out for troubleshooting with more than a negligible effect on weight and centre-
purposes or to check the functioning of one or more of-gravity limits, structural strength, performance, power
systems, parts or appliances after maintenance, if the plant operation, flight characteristics or other qualities
functioning of the systems, parts or appliances cannot be affecting airworthiness or environmental characteristics.
established during ground checks and which is carried out
in any of the following situations: Major Repair
A repair to an aeronautical product with a type certificate
• as required by the aircraft maintenance manual
that causes it to deviate from the design defined by the
(AMM) or any other maintenance data issued by a
type certificate, with more than a negligible effect on the
design approval holder being responsible for the
weight and centre-of-gravity limits, structural strength,
continuing airworthiness of the aircraft.
performance, power plant operation, flight characteristics
• after maintenance, as required by the operator or or other qualities affecting airworthiness or environmental
proposed by the organisation responsible for the characteristics.
continuing airworthiness of the aircraft.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

• as requested by the maintenance organisation for Manifold Pr ess ur e

verification of a successful defect rectification. Absolute static pressure measured at the appropriate point
in an induction system, usually in inches or millimetres of
• to assist with fault isolation or troubleshooting. mercury.
Mai ntenan ce Schedu le Manoeu vr es Trainin g Ph as e
One required for inspections and other maintenance of A phase of an EBT module during which, according to
aircraft. aircraft generation, crews have time to practice and
improve performance in largely psychomotor skill-based
exercises by achieving a prescribed flight path or
performing a prescribed event to a prescribed outcome.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-63

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Man oeu vri ng A rea Maxi mum En gin e Over speed

That part of an aerodrome used takeoff and landing of Piston - maximum rotational speed, inadvertent
aircraft and movement on the surface, excluding the apron occurrence of which for up to 20 seconds does not require
and any part used for maintenance. rejection or maintenance (other than for correction).
Turbine - maximum rotational speed of each independent
Mar ker
main rotating system, inadvertent occurrence of which,
An object displayed agl for indicating an obstacle or
for up to 20 seconds, does not require rejection or
obstruction, or delineating a boundary.
maintenance (other than to correct the cause). For each
main rotating system, this is normally at least the
Mar kin g
maximum transient RPM in non-fault conditions.
A symbol or group of symbols displayed on the surface of
a movement area for conveying aeronautical information.
Maxi mum En gin e Over torque
Maximum torque of a free power-turbine, inadvertent
Max Conti nuou s Power and/or Thr ust
occurrence of which for up to 20 seconds does not require
The power and/or thrust in the performance data for
rejection or maintenance (other than to correct the cause).
unrestricted duration.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Maxi mum Exh aus t Gas Overt emper atu re

Max Conti nuou s Power and/or Thr ust Rati ng
The maximum engine EGT of a turbine, inadvertent use
The minimum test bed acceptance power and/or thrust, as
of which for up to 20 seconds does not require rejection or
in the engine type certificate data sheet, of series and
maintenance (other than to correct the cause). Do not
newly overhauled engines running at the specified
confuse with maximum temperatures for starting.
conditions within appropriate acceptance limitations.
Maxi mum Mass
Maximu m Conting en cy Power and/or Thru st
Maximum certificated takeoff mass.
The power and/or thrust for when a power-unit has failed
or been shut down during takeoff, baulked landing or
before a discontinued approach and limited continuously
for up to 2.5 minutes.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Max Operational Pax Seating Configuration Maxi mum Stru ctur al Landing Mas s
The maximum passenger seating capacity of an individual The maximum permissible total aeroplane mass on
aircraft, excluding crew seats, established for operational landing under normal circumstances.
purposes and specified in the operations manual. Taking
as a baseline the maximum passenger seating Maxi mum Stru ctur al Tak e Off Mas s
configuration established during the certification process The maximum permissible total aeroplane mass at the
conducted for the type certificate (TC), supplemental type start of the takeoff run.
certificate (STC) or change to the TC or STC as relevant
to the individual aircraft, the MOPSC may establish an Maxi mum Takeoff M as s
equal or lower number of seats, depending on the The maximum permissible total mass at takeoff.
operational constraints.
Maxi mum Total Weigh t Au thori sed
Maximu m Per mitted Exposur e Time The maximum total weight of an aircraft and contents, at
A period, based of the power unit failure rate for the which it may take off anywhere, in the most favourable
engine type, during which the probability of a power unit circumstances under the C of A.
failure can be discounted.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Maxi mum Zer o Fuel Mas s

Max Power- Turbin e Speed for A utorot ation The maximum permissible mass of an aeroplane with no
The maximum rotational speed of the power-turbine (in a usable fuel or, put another way, where any additional
helicopter) during autorotation for periods of unrestricted weight comes from fuel. The mass of fuel in particular
duration. tanks must be included when explicitly mentioned in
Flight Manual limitations.
Maximu m Power Tur bine Overs peed
The max rotational speed of the free power-turbine (in Medic al Attendant
helicopters), inadvertent occurrence of which, for up to 20 A person carried to attend to any person in need of
seconds does not require rejection or maintenance (other medical attention, or to be available to attend to them.
than to correct the cause).

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-65

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Medical Pass enger Micr oligh t

A medical person carried in a helicopter during a HEMS An aeroplane with up to two seats, a VS0 of up to 35 knots
flight, including but not limited to, doctors, nurses and CAS, and maximum takeoff mass up to:
paramedics. • 300 kg for a landplane, single-seater
MEL • 330 kg, single-seat amphibians, floatplanes
Minimum Equipment List. A document that authorises • 450 kg for a landplane, two-seater
inoperative equipment, or equipment that must be
• 495 kg for an amphibian or floatplane, two-seater,
working.
provided that a microlight that is a floatplane and a
MET landplane falls below both MTOM limits.
Meteorological. Foot-launched aircraft are excluded.

Meteorological Offic e Military ai rcraft

An office designated to provide meteorological service for The naval, military or air force aircraft of any country, and
international air navigation. any being constructed for them under a contract entered
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

into by the Secretary of State, or for which there is a

Meteorological Report certificate that the aircraft is to be treated as such.
A statement of observed meteorological conditions related
to a specified time and location. Mili tar y Rocket
The naval, military or air force rockets of any country, and
any being constructed for them under a contract entered
into by the Secretary of State, or for which there is a
certificate that the aircraft is to be treated as such.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Mini mum Des cen t Height /Alti tude Min imum Navig ati on Per formance Speci fications
A specified altitude or height in a 2D instrument or A portion of the North Atlantic Region airspace between
circling approach operation below which descent must not FL285 and FL420 extending between latitude 27º North
be made without the required visual reference. in the New York FIR, the southern boundary of Santa
Maria Oceanic, and the North Pole, bounded in the east by
Mini mum Eye Height Over Th res hold (MEHT) the eastern boundaries of control areas Santa Maria
The lowest height over the runway threshold at which a Oceanic, Shanwick Oceanic and Reykjavik, and in the
(VASI/PAPI) on-slope indication will be seen. west by the western boundary of Reykjavik CTA, the
western boundary of Gander Oceanic CTA, and the
Mini mum Drainage Per iod After a False Start western boundary of New York Oceanic CTA, excluding
The minimum period to allow surplus fuel to drain from a the area west of 60º West and south of 38º30' North.
turbine engine before trying again, from the time the
starter is switched off and/or the engine fuel cock is closed Min imum Sector A ltitu de
during a false start. The lowest altitude which may be used under emergency
conditions which will provide a minimum clearance of
Mini mum Fuel 1000 ft above all objects in an area contained within a
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

A situation where your fuel state is such that little or no sector of 25 nm radius on a radio aid to navigation (or in
delay can be accepted. certain countries of the ARP).

Mini mum Governed Rotati onal Speed Minimum Stabilizat ion Distance (MSD)
The minimum rotational speed as determined by the The minimum distance to complete a turn manoeuvre and
setting of the (variable pitch) propeller governor or after which a new manoeuvre can be initiated. The
control mechanism. minimum stabilization distance is used to compute the
minimum distance between waypoints.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Minor Fai lure Condition Misuse Of Substances

A failure condition that would not significantly reduce The use of one or more psychoactive substances by flight
aircraft safety, and which involves flight crew actions that crew, cabin crew members and other safety-sensitive
are well within their capabilities. personnel in a way that constitutes a direct hazard to the
user or endangers the lives, health or welfare of others,
Min T akeoff Crankshaft Rotational Speed and/or causes or worsens an occupational, social, mental
Minimum crankshaft rotational speed of a piston engine or physical problem or disorder.
with max takeoff manifold pressure.
Mixed EBT Pr ogram
Missed Approach Holding Fi x ( MAHF) An operator’s recurrent training and checking program as
A fix used in RNAV applications that marks the end of the per [Link].230, a portion of which is dedicated to the
missed approach segment and the centre point for the application of EBT but which does not replace proficiency
missed approach holding. checks as per Appendix 9 to Annex I (Part-FCL) to
Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011.
Missed Approach Holding Waypoi nt (MAHWP)
In RNAV procedures. The missed approach segment MLS
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

contains a waypoint which establishes tracking guidance Microwave Landing System.

during the missed approach.
MNPS
Missed Approach Point (MAPt) Minimum Navigation Performance Specification.
That point in an instrument approach procedure at or
before which the prescribed missed approach procedure Mode (SSR)
must be initiated In order to ensure that the minimum The conventional identifier related to specific functions of
obstacle clearance is not infringed. the interrogation signals transmitted by an SSR
interrogator. There are four modes specified in Annex 10:
Miss ed Approach Procedure A, C, S and intermode.
To be followed if, after an instrument approach, a landing
is not effected.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Model airc raft MOPSC

One with a total weight typically under 35 kg (77.2 lbs), Maximum Operational Passenger Seating Configuration.
mechanically driven or launched into flight for The maximum passenger seating capacity of an individual
recreational purposes, not designed to carry people or aircraft, excluding crew seats, established for operational
other living creatures. purposes and specified in the operations manual. Taking
as a baseline the maximum passenger seating
Model Rock et configuration established during the certification process
One with model engines that will not generate a total conducted for the type certificate (TC), supplemental type
impulse over 80 newton-seconds, under 500kg and with a certificate (STC) or change to the TC or STC as relevant
parachute or other device capable of retarding its descent. to the individual aircraft, the MOPSC may establish an
equal or lower number of seats, depending on the
Modi fied Engin e operational constraints.
One previously approved, with unapproved modifications.
Moun tai nous Area
Modi fied Pr opeller An area of changing terrain profile where the changes of
One previously approved, with unapproved modifications. terrain elevation exceed 900 m (3 000 ft) within a distance
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

of 18.5 km (10 nm).

Modu le
A group of engine (or propeller) components defined and Movemen t Ar ea
replaceable without mechanical or performance Part of an aerodrome for the surface movement of aircraft,
difficulties. It is uniquely identified and amenable to the including the manoeuvring area and aprons.
setting of an overhaul life separate from other parts.
Moving Airspace Reservation
An airspace reservation whose position in space changes
with time.

MSA
Minimum Safe Altitude.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

MSAW Mult i-Pilot Aircraft

Minimum Safe Altitude Warning. A ground-based safety • For aeroplanes, those certificated for operation
net intended to warn ATC about increased risks of CFIT with a minimum crew of at least two pilots.
with alerts of aircraft proximity to terrain or obstacles. • For helicopters, airships and powered-lift aircraft,
It compares the levels reported by Mode C transponders the type of aircraft required to be operated with a
against MSAs. When the level or altitude of an aircraft is co-pilot as specified in the flight manual or by the
detected or predicted to be lower than the MSA, a visual air operator certificate or equivalent document.
and sometimes an audible warning is generated for the
ATCO concerned. Mult i-Pilot Operation
• For aeroplanes, operations needing at least 2 pilots
Multi -crew c o-operation using multi-crew cooperation in either multi-pilot or
Functioning of the flight crew as a team led by the PIC. single-pilot aeroplanes.
• For helicopters, operations needing at least 2 pilots
MNPS Airs pace using multi-crew cooperation on multi-pilot
North Atlantic Minimum Performance Specification helicopters.
Airspace prescribed as such.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Named Point
Multi lateration (MLAT ) System A reporting point identified by a name as well as by
A group of equipment configured to provide position latitude and longitude.
derived from the secondary surveillance radar (SSR)
transponder signals (replies or squitters) primarily using Nati onality Mark
time difference of arrival (TDOA) techniques. Additional Symbols, letters or numerals, or combinations, used by
information, including identification, can be extracted states to indicate nationality of aircraft registered in them.
from the received signals.
Nautical Mile
Multi -Crew Cooperation (MCC) The International Nautical Mile, that is, 1852 metres.
The functioning of a flight crew as a team of cooperating
members led by the PIC.
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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Navigation Specificati on Night

A set of aircraft and flight crew requirements needed to The time from half an hour after sunset until half an hour
support performance-based navigation operations within a before sunrise (both times inclusive), sunset and sunrise
defined airspace. There are two kinds of navigation being determined at surface level. In some countries, also
specifications: where the centre of the Sun's disc is more than 6° below
the horizon. ICAO & EASA say "between the end of
• Required Navigation Performance (RNP). A
evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil
specification based on area navigation that includes
twilight, or as may be prescribed by the appropriate
the requirement for performance monitoring and
authority, as defined by the Member State."
alerting, designated by the prefix RNP, e.g. RNP 4,
RNP APCH.
Night Vis ion Goggl es (NV G)
• Area Navigation (RNAV). A specification based on A head-mounted, binocular, light intensification appliance
area navigation that does not include the that enhances the ability to maintain visual surface
requirement for performance monitoring and references at night.
alerting, designated by the prefix RNAV, e.g. RNAV
5, RNAV 1. Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS)
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

The integration of all elements required to successfully

NDB and safely use NVGs while operating a helicopter. The
Non-Directional Radio Beacon. system includes at least: NVGs, NVIS lighting, helicopter
components, training and continuing airworthiness.
Near-Parallel Runways
Non-intersecting runways whose extended centre lines NIL
have an angle of convergence or divergence of 15° or less. In radio, None, or “I have nothing to send you”.

Next Dat a Au thor ity

The ground system designated by the current data
authority through which an onward transfer of
communications and control can take place.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Non-Host ile Environment Only the inner half of the normal operating zone is taken
An environment where a safe forced landing can be into account in independent parallel approaches.
accomplished, occupants can be protected from elements,
and SAR is consistent with anticipated exposure. NOTAM
Congested areas with adequate safe forced landing areas A notice to airmen about aeronautical facilities, services
are non-hostile. or procedures, or any hazard affecting aviation safety,
essential to personnel engaged in flight operations. Under
Non -piloted Airc raft ICAO, a notice distributed by telecommunication
A power-driven aircraft, other than a model, without a containing information concerning the establishment,
crew member. condition or change in any aeronautical facility, service,
procedure or hazard, the timely knowledge of which is
Non-precision Approach essential to personnel concerned with flight operations.
A instrument approach using non-visual aids for guidance
in azimuth or elevation but not a precision approach. No Transgressi on Zone (NTZ)
In the context of independent parallel approaches, a
Non-revenue Flight corridor of airspace of defined dimensions located
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

A flight that a PPL holder (aeroplanes, helicopters or centrally between the two extended runway centre lines,
gliders) may undertake under paragraph (2)(a) and (b) of where a penetration by an aircraft requires a controller
the privileges in Section 1 of Part A of Schedule 8. intervention to manoeuvre any threatened aircraft on the
adjacent approach.
Nor mal Oper ati ng Differential Pr es sur e
The difference between cabin and outside pressure, Notified
including tolerances of normal regulating systems. Set forth with the authority of the CAA in a document
published by or under an arrangement entered into with
Nor mal Oper ati ng Zon e (NOZ) the CAA and entitled 'United Kingdom NOTAM' or 'Air
Airspace of defined dimensions extending to either side of Pilot', for the time being in force.
an ILS localizer course and/or MLS final approach track.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

NTZ Obst acl e As ses sment Sur face ( OAS)

See No Transgression Zone. A defined surface intended for the purpose of determining
those obstacles to be considered in the calculation of
NV G obstacle clearance altitude or height for a specific ILS
Night Vision Goggles. facility and procedure.

NV IS Cr ew Member Obst acl e Clearanc e Alt itude (OCA) or Height (OCH)

A technical crew member assigned to an NVIS flight. The lowest altitude or the lowest height above the
elevation of the relevant runway threshold or aerodrome
NV IS Fli ght elevation, as applicable, used in establishing compliance
A flight under night visual meteorological conditions with the appropriate obstacle clearance criteria.
(VMC) with the flight crew using NVGs in a helicopter
operating under an NVIS approval. Obst acl e Free Zone (OFZ)
The airspace above the inner approach surface, inner
Obstacle transitional surfaces, and balked landing surface and that
Fixed (temporary or permanent) and mobile objects, or portion of the strip bounded by these surfaces, which is
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

parts thereof, that: not penetrated by any fixed obstacle other than a low-
• are located on an area intended for the surface mass and frangibly mounted one required for air
movement of aircraft; or navigation purposes.
• extend above a defined surface intended to protect Obst acl e Li mitation Su rfaces
aircraft in flight; or See CAP 168, Licensing of aerodromes.
• stand outside those defined surfaces and that have
been assessed as being a hazard to air navigation. Oceanic Entr y Point
That point on an FIR boundary where an aircraft enters
the first oceanic control area.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Ocean ic Exi t Point Oper at ion I n Perfor man ce Class 2

That point on the FIR boundary where an aircraft leaves An operation where, if a critical engine fails, performance
the last oceanic control area. is available to enable a helicopter to safely continue the
flight, except when the failure occurs early during the
Offshore Operation take-off manoeuvre or late in the landing manoeuvre, in
A helicopter operation with a substantial proportion of which cases a forced landing may be required.
any flight conducted over open sea areas to or from an
offshore location. Oper at ion I n Perfor man ce Class 3
An operation where, in the event of an engine failure at
Offshore Location any time during the flight, a forced landing may be
A facility intended for helicopter operations on a fixed or required in a multi-engined helicopter and will be required
floating offshore structure or a vessel. in a single-engined helicopter.

Open Sea Area Oper at ional Contr ol

The area of water to seaward of a coastline. The exercise of authority over, or the responsibility for,
the initiation, continuation, diversion or termination of a
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Operati ng Sit e flight in the interests of safety.

A site, other than an aerodrome, selected by the operator
or pilot-in-command or commander for landing, take-off Operat ional Credit
and/or external load operations. A credit for operations with an advanced aircraft enabling
lower aerodrome operating minima than would normally
Oper ati on I n Perfor manc e Class 1 be established by the operator for a basic aircraft, based
An operation that, if the critical engine fails, the helicopter upon the performance of advanced aircraft systems
is able to land within the rejected takeoff distance utilising the available external infrastructure. Lower
available or safely continue to an appropriate landing operating minima may include a lower decision height/
area, depending on when the failure occurs. altitude or minimum descent height/altitude, reduced
visibility requirements or reduced ground facilities or a
combination of these.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Oper ator Over hau l

The person at the relevant time who has the management A restoration process including the disassembly,
of an aircraft. ICAO: A person, organisation or enterprise inspection, repair or replacement of parts, reassembly,
engaged in, or offering to engage in, an aircraft operation. adjustment, refinishing and testing of an aeronautical
Often taken to mean a driver in road and rail legislation product, ensuring the product is in conformity with the
and, by extension, a pilot. In Annex 13, any natural or tolerances in applicable instructions for continued
legal person operating, or proposing to operate, one or airworthiness.
more aircraft.
Over pack
Operator Profi ciency Check An enclosure used by a single shipper to contain one or
A check conducted by an operator and completed by a more packages and form one handling unit for
pilot or technical crew member to demonstrate convenience of handling and stowage (not including a unit
competence in the carrying out of normal, abnormal and load device).
emergency procedures.
Own er
Opposite Directi on Air craft The person with legal custody and control of an aircraft.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Aircraft operating in the opposite direction on reciprocal

tracks, or on parallel or non-intersecting tracks that are not Package
laterally separated. The complete product of a packing operation consisting of
the packaging and its contents prepared for transport.
Optimum Altitude
Where specific range is maximum. Packaging
Receptacles and other components or materials necessary
Other Tr ai ning Devices (O TD) for the receptacle to perform its containment function and
Training aids other than flight simulators, flight training to ensure compliance with packing requirements.
devices or flight and navigation procedures trainers which
provide means for training where a complete flight deck Parascending Par ac hute
environment is not necessary. One towed by cable causing it to ascend.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Pas senger Performanc e Based Navi gation ( PBN)

A person other than a crewmember, carried in an aircraft. Area navigation based on performance requirements for
aircraft operating along an ATS route, on an instrument
Passenger Classification approach procedure or in a designated airspace (ICAO).
Adults, male and female, are 12 years of age and above.
Area navigation based on performance requirements for
Children are 2 years old and above, but less than 12.
aircraft operating along an ATS route, on an instrument
Infants are less than 2 years old.
approach procedure or in a designated airspace (EASA).
Pas sing Point Performance requirements are expressed in navigation
The point where aircraft are at the minimum distance from specifications (RNAV specification, RNP specification) in
each other and from which longitudinal separation is terms of accuracy, integrity, continuity, availability and
calculated. This may or may not coincide with the functionality needed for the proposed operation in the
common point. context of a particular airspace concept.

Per formance Based Commun ication (PBC) Performanc e Based Surveil lan ce ( PBS)
Communication based on performance specifications Surveillance based on performance specifications applied
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

applied to the provision of air traffic services. An RCP to the provision of air traffic services. An RSP
specification includes communication performance specification includes surveillance performance
requirements that are allocated to system components in requirements that are allocated to system components in
terms of the communication to be provided and associated terms of the surveillance to be provided and associated
transaction time, continuity, availability, integrity, safety data delivery time, continuity, availability, integrity,
and functionality needed for the proposed operation in the accuracy of the surveillance data, safety and functionality
context of a particular airspace concept. needed for the proposed operation in the context of a
particular airspace concept.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Per formance Clas s A Aer opl anes Performanc e Class 3 Helicopter

Multi-engined aeroplanes powered by turbo-propeller Performance such that, if a power unit fails, a forced
engines with an MOPSC of more than nine or a maximum landing may be required in a multi-engined helicopter, but
takeoff mass exceeding 5700 kg, and all multi-engined will be required in a single-engined helicopter.
turbo-jet powered aeroplanes.
Performanc e Crit eri a
Performance Clas s B Aeroplan es A simple, evaluative statement on the required outcome of
Those powered by propeller engines with an MOPSC of 9 a competency element and a description of the criteria
or less and with an MTOM of 5700 kg or less. used to judge if the required level of performance has
been achieved.
Performance Clas s C Aeroplanes
Those powered by reciprocating engines with an MOPSC Person Involved
of more than nine or a maximum takeoff mass exceeding For Annex 13, the owner, a member of the crew, the
5700 kg. operator of an aircraft involved in an accident or serious
incident, any person involved in the maintenance, design,
Per formance Clas s 1 Hel icopter manufacture of that aircraft or in the training of its crew,
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Performance such that, if the critical power unit fails, a any person involved in the provision of air traffic control,
helicopter can land within rejected takeoff distance flight information or aerodrome services, who have
available or safely go to an appropriate landing area, provided services for the aircraft, staff of the national civil
depending on when the failure occurs. aviation authority or staff of EASA.

Per formance Clas s 2 Hel icopter

Performance such that, if the critical power unit fails, a
helicopter can safely continue, except early in the takeoff
or late in landing, when a forced landing may be required.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Per sonnel-Carr yi ng Devi ce Syst em (PCDS) Pilot Fl yi ng ( PF)

A system including one or more devices that is either The pilot in charge of the controls of an aircraft.
attached to a hoist or cargo hook or mounted to the
rotorcraft airframe during human external cargo (HEC) or Pilot In Command (PI C)
helicopter hoist operations (HHO). The devices have the The pilot designated by an aircraft operator, or in the case
structural capability and features needed to transport of general aviation, the owner, as being in command and
occupants external to the helicopter e.g. a life safety charged with the safe conduct of a flight.
harness with or without a quick release and strop with a A person in charge of the piloting of an aircraft without
connector ring, a rigid basket or a cage. being under the direction of any other pilot in it. The pilot
A simple PCDS is one that: responsible for the operation and safety of an aircraft
during flight time (not necessarily the handling pilot).
• meets a harmonised standard under Regulation (EU)
2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the For commercial air transport operations, the pilot-in-
Council1 or Directive 2006/42/EC of the European command shall be termed the commander.
Parliament and of the Council2.
Pilot In Command Under Supervision ( PICUS)
• is designed to restrain no more than a single person
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

A co-pilot performing, under the supervision of a PIC, the

(for instance, hoist or cargo hook operator, task
duties and functions of a PIC.
specialist or photographer) inside the cabin, or to
restrain no more than two persons outside the cabin.
Pilot Monitor ing (PM)
• is not a rigid structure such as a cage, a platform or a See Pilot Not Flying.
basket.
Pilot Not Flyi ng (P NF)
Per iod Of Duty The pilot assisting the Pilot Flying under the multi- crew
The time between the start and end of a shift in which an co-operation concept, when the flight crew is more than
air traffic controller performs, or could be called upon to one (a better term is Pilot Monitoring).
perform, functions specified for a rating in a licence.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Point- In-Space Approach (PinS) Port able Electr onic Devi ce ( PED)
One based on a basic GNSS non-precision approach Any kind of electronic device, typically but not limited to
procedure designed for helicopters only. It is aligned with consumer electronics, brought on board the aircraft by
a reference point located to permit subsequent flight crew members, passengers, or as part of the cargo, that is
manoeuvring or approach and landing using visual not included in the configuration of the certified aircraft.
manoeuvring in adequate visual conditions to see and It includes all equipment that is able to consume electrical
avoid obstacles. energy. The electrical energy can be provided from
internal sources such as batteries (chargeable or non-
Point- In-Space Reference Point (PRP) rechargeable) or the devices may also be connected to
A reference point for the PinS approach as identified by specific aircraft power sources;
the latitude and longitude of the MAPt.
Posi tion Indic ation
Police officer The visual indication, in non-symbolic and/or symbolic
A member of a police force or the RUC, including form, on a situation display, of the position of an aircraft,
reserves, and special constables, all of whom must have a aerodrome vehicle or other object.
warrant card.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Posi tion Symbol

Portable EFB The visual indication in symbolic form, on a situation
A portable EFB host platform, used on the flight deck, not display, of the position of an aircraft, aerodrome vehicle
part of the configuration of the certified aircraft. or other object, obtained after automatic processing of
positional data derived from any source.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-79

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Post- Treatment, De-Ic ing or De- /Ant i-I cing Chec k Power Definit ions
An external check of an aircraft after de-icing and/or anti- For piston-engined aeroplanes and helicopters:
icing treatment accomplished by qualified staff and from • Takeoff Power - output shaft power for takeoff,
suitably elevated observation points (e.g. from the de- discontinued approach and baulked landing, up to 5
icing/anti-icing equipment itself or other elevated continuous minutes.
equipment) to ensure that the aircraft is free from frost,
ice, snow, or slush. • Takeoff Power Rating - the test bed minimum
acceptance output shaft power in the engine type
certificate data sheet, of series and newly
overhauled engines running at the declared
maximum coolant CHTs, within appropriate
acceptance limitations.
• Maximum Continuous Power - output shaft power
in performance data for unrestricted duration (don't
assume this is necessarily for normal operations).
• Maximum Continuous Power Rating - the minimum
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

test bed acceptance power, as in the type certificate

data sheet, of series and newly overhauled engines
at declared max coolant CHTs within appropriate
acceptance limitations.
• Maximum Recommended Cruising Power
Conditions - crankshaft rotational speed, manifold
pressure and other parameters for cruising.
• Maximum Best Economy Cruising Power
Conditions - crankshaft rotational speed, manifold
pressure and other parameters recommended for
economical cruising mixture strength.
EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-80
 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Powered Glider Preliminary Report

An aeroplane that, with the engines inoperative, behaves The communication used for the prompt dissemination of
like a glider. data obtained during the early stages of an investigation.

Powered L ift Ai rcr aft Prescribed

Aircraft deriving vertical lift and in-flight propulsion/lift Prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State
from variable geometry rotors or engines/propulsive under the ANO.
devices attached to or within the fuselage or wings.
Pressure Alti tude
Powered Sailplane An atmospheric pressure expressed in terms of altitude
An aircraft, with one or more engines, with the which corresponds to that pressure in the Standard
characteristics of a sailplane with engines not working. Atmosphere.

Precision Approach Press uri sed Ai rcr aft

An instrument approach using ILS, MLS or PAR in One that can maintain in any compartment a pressure
azimuth and elevation. greater than the outside atmosphere.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Precision Approach Procedure Pre-Takeoff Ch eck

One providing azimuth and glide path information Within an aircraft’s HOT and prior to takeoff, the flight
provided by an ILS or PAR. crew should check the aircraft’s wings or representative
aircraft surfaces for frozen contaminants.
Precision Approach Radar (PAR)
Primary radar equipment used to determine the position of Pre-Takeoff Con tami nat ion Check
an aircraft during final approach, in terms of lateral and A check of the treated surfaces for contamination,
vertical deviations relative to a nominal approach path, performed when the HOT has been exceeded or if any
and in range relative to touchdown. Precision approach doubt exists regarding the continued effectiveness of the
radars enable pilots to be given guidance by radio during applied anti-icing treatment. It is normally accomplished
the final stages of the approach to land. externally, just before starting the takeoff run.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-81

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Primar y Area Profi cient

A defined area symmetrically disposed about the nominal Having demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge and
flight track in which full obstacle clearance is provided. attitudes that are required to perform any defined tasks to
(See also Secondary Area). the prescribed standard;

Primar y Radar Pri va te Fli ght

A radar system which uses reflected radio signals. A flight which is not for aerial work or public transport.

Primar y Surveill ance Radar (PSR) Pri vate Pilot

A surveillance radar system using reflected radio signals. One who holds a licence which prohibits the piloting of
aircraft in operations for which remuneration is given,
Principal Place Of Business except instruction or examination.
The head office or registered office of the organisation
within which the principal financial functions and Proc edur al Cont rol
operational control of the activities referred to in this Term used to indicate that information derived from an
Regulation are exercised. ATS surveillance system is not required for the provision
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

of air traffic control service.

Printed Communications
Communications that automatically provide a permanent Procedural Separati on
printed record at each terminal of a circuit of all messages The separation used when providing procedural control.
which pass over such circuit.

Prioritisation Of Ramp Inspections

The dedication of an appropriate portion of the total
number of ramp inspections conducted by or on behalf of
a competent authority on an annual basis as in Part-ARO.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-82

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Procedural Service Profi le

An ATS service where, as well as the provisions of a The orthogonal projection of a flight path or portion on
Basic Service, the controller provides vertical, lateral, the vertical surface containing the nominal track.
longitudinal and time instructions which, if complied
with, shall achieve deconfliction minima against other Proper Shipping Name
aircraft in the Procedural Service. Neither traffic The name to describe a particular article or substance in
information nor deconfliction advice can be passed with shipping documents and notifications and, where
respect to unknown traffic. appropriate, on packagings.

Procedure Altitude/Height Prot ecti ve Breat hing Equi pment (PBE)

A specified altitude or height flown operationally at or Equipment designed to cover the eyes, nose and mouth, or
above the minimum and established to accommodate a just the nose and mouth if the eyes are already protected,
stabilised descent at a prescribed gradient or angle in the to protect the wearer from the effects of smoke, carbon
intermediate or final approach segment. dioxide or other gases.

Procedure Turn PSR Bl ip

© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

A manoeuvre in which a turn is made away from a The visual indication, in non-symbolic form, on a
designated track followed by a turn in the opposite situation display of the position of an aircraft obtained by
direction to permit the aircraft to intercept and proceed primary radar.
along the reciprocal of the designated track, designated
Left or Right according to the direction of the initial turn. Psychoactive Substances
Alcohol, opioids, cannabinoids, sedatives and hypnotics,
Proficiency Check cocaine, other psychostimulants, hallucinogens, and
The demonstration of skill to revalidate or renew ratings, volatile solvents, with the exception of caffeine and
including such oral examination as may be required. tobacco.

Publi c Interest Site (PIS)

A site used only for operations in the public interest.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-83

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Public Transport Qualit y Manager

See article 130 of the UK Air Navigation Order. The manager responsible for the management of the
Quality System, monitoring function and requesting
Public Transport Aircraft remedial actions.
One flying, or intended by an operator to fly, for public
transport. Qui ck-donn ing Mas k
An oxygen mask that can be secured with one hand within
QFE five seconds, providing an immediate supply.
An altimeter setting used near an airfield, particularly in
the circuit, and is the pressure read directly from the Radar Vect oring
altimeter when on ground at an the airfield. The provision of aeronautical guidance to aircraft in the
form of specific headings, based on radar.
QNH
An altimeter setting used for general transit away from an R
airfield, below the transition altitude. It is the QFE Rotor radius.
converted to a pressure that would theoretically exist at
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

sea level at that point - this is done because reporting Racetr ac k Pr ocedur e
stations are not all at the same level. You add the pressure A procedure designed to enable an aircraft to reduce
change for elevation above sea level on a standard day. altitude during the initial approach segment and/or
The QFE is reduced to MSL using ISA temperatures and establish the aircraft inbound when the entry into a
lapse rates. It is forecast for one or two hours ahead over reversal procedure is not practical.
large areas.
Radar
Quality As su rance A radio detection device which provides information on
Planned and systematic actions necessary to provide range, azimuth and/or elevation of objects.
adequate confidence that operational and maintenance
practices satisfy given requirements.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-84

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Radar Approach Ramp Inspec tion

An approach in which the final approach phase is The inspection of aircraft, of flight and cabin crew
executed under the direction of a controller using radar. qualifications and of flight documentation in order to
verify the compliance with the applicable requirements.
Radar Clut ter
The visual indication on a situation display of unwanted RCC
signals. Rescue Coordination Centre.

Radar Contact RCP Type

When the radar position of a particular aircraft is seen and A label (e.g. RCP 240) that represents the values assigned
identified on a situation display. to RCP parameters for communication transaction time,
continuity, availability and integrity.
Radar Separation
The separation used when aircraft position information is Reasonably Pr obable
derived from radar sources. Unlikely to occur often during operation of the type, but
which may occur several times during operational life.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Radio Navigati on Servi ce

A service providing guidance information or position data Receiving Unit/Cont roller
for the efficient and safe operation of aircraft supported by An air traffic services unit/air traffic controller to which a
one or more radio navigation aids. message is sent. See Sending Unit/Controller.

Radiotelephony Rectification Interval

A form of radiocommunication primarily intended for the A limitation on the duration of operations with inoperative
exchange of information in the form of speech. equipment.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-85

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Reduced Vertical Separati on Minimum Rel ati ves

The application of 1000 feet vertical separation from The immediate family and/or next of kin and/or other
FL290 through FL410 between approved aircraft in person closely connected with the victim of an accident,
RVSM designated airspace. as defined under the national law of the victim.

Reference Datu m Hei ght (RDH) Rel eased Flig ht

A point at a height above the intersection of a runway Flight by an uncontrollable balloon not attached to the
centreline and the threshold through which the downward surface by a restraining device.
extended straight part of an ILS glidepath passes.
Rel evant Overseas Terr itory
Registered Owner Any colony and country or place outside Her Majesty's
The person to whom a C of R for an aircraft is issued. dominions in which HM has jurisdiction.

Reg istr ati on Mark Remot e

The combination of letters, or letters and numerals, issued Unlikely to occur during total operational life but may
to an aircraft by a state as a registration identification. occur several times in the total operational life of a
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

number of aircraft of the same type.

Rej ected Tak eoff Dis tance Available ( RTODAH)
The length of the final approach and takeoff area declared Renewal
available and suitable for helicopters operated in (of a rating or certificate) means the administrative action
performance class 1 to complete a rejected takeoff. taken after a rating or certificate has lapsed for the
purpose of renewing the privileges of the rating or
Rej ected Tak eoff Dis tance Requir ed certificate for a further specified period consequent upon
The horizontal distance from the start of takeoff to where the fulfilment of specified requirements.
a helicopter comes to a full stop after a power unit failure
and rejection of takeoff at TDP. Repair
Rectification of deficiencies in an aeronautical product, or
restoration to an airworthy condition.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-86

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Repetitive Fli ght P lan (RPL) Required Communication Perfor mance (RCP)
A flight plan related to a series of frequently recurring, A statement of the performance requirements for
regularly operated individual flights with identical basic operational communication in support of specific ATM
features, submitted by an operator for retention and functions.
repetitive use by ATS units.
Required Navig ati on Performanc e (RNP)
Replica A statement of the navigation performance necessary for
An aircraft of any scale that is a duplicate of an original operation within a defined airspace.
military aircraft.
Requ ired Su rveillanc e Perfor manc e ( RSP)
Replacement Requirements for ATS provision and associated ground
The removal and replacement of a part (whether the same equipment, aircraft capability, and operations needed to
or not), and whether or not any work is done on it, but not support performance-based surveillance.
including parts that are designed to be removable solely
for the checking another part, or loading cargo. Required Visual Refer ence
That portion of the approach area of the runway, or those
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Repor ted Headwind Component visual aids that, when viewed by the pilot of an aircraft,
That reported during flight planning which may be used if enable the pilot to assess the aircraft position and rate of
there is no significant change of unfactored wind before change of position, to continue and complete a landing.
takeoff.
Res cue Coordination Centr e (R CC)
Reporting Point A unit responsible for promoting efficient organization of
A specified geographical location in relation to which the search and rescue services and for coordinating the
position of an aircraft can be reported. conduct of search and rescue operations within a search
and rescue region.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Rescue Unit RNP

A unit composed of trained personnel and provided with Required Navigational performance. A containment value
equipment suitable for the expeditious conduct of search expressed as a distance in nautical miles from the intended
and rescue. position within which flights would be for at least 95% of
the total flight time. However, this concept has been
Res tric ted airs pace overtaken by that of PBN. The term RNP is now solely
Airspace of fixed dimensions within which flight is used in the context of navigation specifications that
restricted. require performance monitoring and alerting, e.g. RNP 4
refers to the aircraft and operating requirements, including
Reval idation a 4 nm lateral performance with on-board performance
(of a rating or certificate) - the administrative action taken monitoring and alerting that are detailed in Doc 9613.
within the period of validity of a rating or certificate
which allows the holder to continue to exercise the RNP APCH
privileges for a further specified period consequent upon A PBN specification used for instrument approaches.
the fulfilment of specified requirements.
RNP APCH To LNAV Mini ma
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Rever sal Proc edure A 2D instrument approach for which the lateral guidance
A procedure designed to enable aircraft to reverse is based on GNSS positioning.
direction during the initial approach segment of an
instrument approach procedure. The sequence may RNP APCH To LNAV/VNAV Mini ma
include Procedure turns or Base turns. A 3D instrument approach for which the lateral guidance
is based on GNSS positioning and the vertical guidance is
RNAV provided either by the Baro VNAV function or by the
Area Navigation. GNSS positioning including SBAS.

RNP APCH To LPV Minima

A 3D instrument approach for which lateral and vertical
guidance are based on GNSS positioning with SBAS.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-88

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

RNP AR APCH Rotational Direct ion of Equipment

A navigation specification used for instrument approaches The direction of rotation as observed when looking at the
requiring a specific approval. drive face ('clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise').

Requi red Navigation Performance Speci fication Rotational Speed

A navigation specification for PBN operations that • Engine - unless otherwise qualified (e.g. propeller
includes a requirement for on-board navigation rotational speed), the rotational speed in RPM of the
performance monitoring and alerting. engine crankshaft or its equivalent.
• Propeller - unless otherwise specified (e.g. prop
RNP Type RPM), the speed in RPM of the engine crankshaft or
A containment value expressed as a distance in nautical its equivalent.
miles from the intended position within which flights
would be for at least 95% of the total flying time. Rotor craft
A heavier-than-air aircraft that depends mainly for its
Rocket support in flight on the lift from one or more rotors.
A device propelled by the ejection of expanding gases
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

from self-contained propellant, not dependent on the

intake of outside substances, including anything designed
to drop off in flight.

Rotation Poi nt (RP)

Where a cyclic input is made to initiate a nose-down
attitude change during the takeoff. The last point from
which, if engine failure is recognised, forced landing on
the deck can be achieved.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-89

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Rotorcraft-Load Combinat ion Runway Condit ion Report (RCR)

The combination of a rotorcraft and an external load, A comprehensive standardised report relating to the
including the load attaching means. They are: conditions of the runway surface and their effect on the
aeroplane landing and takeoff performance, described by
• Class A - the load cannot move freely, or be
means of runway conditions code.
jettisoned, not extending below the landing gear.
• Class B - the load is jettisonable and is free of land Run way Holdi ng Pos ition
or water. A designated position intended to protect a runway, an
• Class C - the load is jettisonable and remains in obstacle limitation surface, or an ILS/MLS critical/
contact with land or water. sensitive area at which taxiing aircraft and vehicles shall
stop and hold, unless otherwise authorised by the
• Class D - the load is other than a Class A, B or C aerodrome control tower.
and has been specifically approved. Mostly for
human loads. Runway Incur sion
An occurrence involving the incorrect presence of an
Route Sect or aircraft, vehicle or person on the protected area of a
A flight comprising takeoff, departure, cruise of at least
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

surface designated for the landing and takeoff of aircraft.

15 minutes, arrival, approach and landing phases.
Runway Visual Range ( RVR)
Rules of the A ir The distance in the direction of takeoff or landing over
See article 84(1) and ICAO Annex 2. For EASA, the rules which runway lights or surface markings may be seen
established in Commission Implementing Regulation from the touchdown zone by human observation or
(EU) No 923/20121. instruments near it. ICAO: The range over which the pilot
of an aircraft on the centre line of a runway can see the
Runway
runway surface markings or the lights delineating the
A defined area on a land aerodrome prepared for the
runway or identifying its centre line.
landing and taking off of aircraft (ICAO says a
rectangular area).

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-90

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

RVSM Ai rspace to enable pilots to broadcast their intentions to other

Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum Airspace. Any aircraft that may be operating on, or near, an aerodrome.
between FL 290 - 410 (inclusive) within which a vertical
separation minimum of 1000 feet or 300 metres is applied. Saf ety Invest igation
A process conducted by a safety investigation authority
Safe Landing for the purpose of accident and incident prevention which
In the context of the fuel/energy policy or fuel/energy includes the gathering and analysis of information, the
schemes, a landing at an adequate aerodrome or operating drawing of conclusions, including the determination of
site with no less than the final reserve fuel/energy cause(s) and/or contributing factors and, when
remaining and in compliance with the applicable appropriate, the making of safety recommendations.
operational procedures and aerodrome operating minima.
Saf ety Management Sys tem
Safe Forced Landing A systematic approach to managing safety, including the
An unavoidable landing or ditching with a reasonable necessary organizational structures, accountabilities,
expectancy of no injuries to people. policies and procedures.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Safety Belt Saf ety Pilot

A personal restraint system with either a lap strap or a lap One who acts as a lookout for another pilot operating an
strap combined with a shoulder harness. aircraft in simulated instrument flight.

Safety Catc h Saf ety Recommendation

A mechanism which locks a control in position, engaging A proposal from a safety investigation authority, based on
automatically whenever the control is put there but has to information derived from a safety investigation or other
be manually taken out to move it away (JAR 25). sources such as safety studies, made with the intention of
preventing further accidents and incidents.
SAFETYCOM
A common frequency (135.475 MHz) made available for
use at aerodromes where no other frequency is allocated,

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-91

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Safety-Sensiti ve Personnel Scenario-Based Traini ng Phase

Persons who might endanger aviation safety if they A phase of an EBT module focussing on the development
perform their duties and functions improperly, including of competencies, while the pilot is trained to mitigate the
flight crew and cabin crew members, aircraft maintenance most critical risks for the aircraft generation. It should
personnel and air traffic controllers. include the management of specific operator’s threats and
errors in a real-time line orientated environment.
Sai lplane
A heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight by the Scheduled journey
dynamic reaction of air against its fixed lifting surfaces, One of a series of journeys between the same two places
the free flight of which does not depend on an engine. and which together amount to a systematic service - other
conditions may apply in other areas of transport law, such
Same Direction Aircraft as being open to all classes of passenger, which rules out
Aircraft operating in the same direction on the same track offshore operations. In short, scheduled flights are
or diverging tracks, or on parallel or non-intersecting planned to fly at set times (that is, established in advance)
tracks that are not laterally separated. in a continuous sequence (e.g. to a timetable).
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Saturated Vapour Scheduled maint enanc e

That in contact with its liquid at the same temperature. That performed at predetermined intervals, a maintenance
Vapours used in refrigeration systems are saturated. schedule or an AD.

Saturation Temperat ure Screening

The boiling or vaporisation point of a liquid. The boiling The application of technical or other means which are
point can change with the pressure, for example, water intended to identify and/or detect weapons, explosives or
boils at a lower temperature at altitude - in fact, it doesn't other dangerous devices, articles or substances which may
even have to be hot in some circumstances. Thus, if you be used to commit an act of unlawful interference.
want to stop a liquid boiling, subject it to high pressure.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-92

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Seaplane Sec uri ty Rest rict ed Area

A fixed wing aircraft designed for taking off and landing Those areas of the airside of an airport which are
on water, including amphibians operated as seaplanes. See identified as priority risk areas where, in addition to
also section 97 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982. access control, other security controls are applied.

Secondary Area Segregat ed Parallel Operations

A defined area on each side of the primary area located Simultaneous operations on parallel or near-parallel
along the nominal flight track in which decreasing instrument runways in which one runway is used
obstacle clearance is provided. (See also Primary Area). exclusively for approaches and the other runway is used
exclusively for departures.
Secondary Radar
A radar system wherein a radio signal transmitted from SELCAL
the radar station initiates the transmission of a radio signal Selective Calling System - allows specific aircraft to be
from another station. called over HF frequencies.

Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) Self Launch ing Motor Glider (SLM G)
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

A surveillance radar system which uses transmitters/ Something like a non power-driven glider with one or
receivers (interrogators) and transponders. more power units, that takes off under its own power.

Sect or Sendi ng Unit/Controll er

Part of the airspace controlled from an area control centre Air traffic services unit/air traffic controller transmitting a
or other place. message. See Receiving Unit/Controller.

Security Sensible Heat

The safeguarding of civil aviation against acts of unlawful As opposed to latent heat, that which changes the
interference. This objective is achieved by a combination temperature of a substance without changing its form.
of measures and human and material resources.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-93

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Separate Runways Serious In jury

Runways at the same aerodrome that are separate landing An injury which is sustained by a person in an accident
surfaces. These runways may overlay or cross in such a and which:
way that if one of the runways is blocked, it will not • Requires hospitalisation for more than 48 hours,
prevent the planned type of operations on the other starting within seven days from the date the injury
runway. Each runway shall have a separate approach was received
procedure based on a separate navigation aid.
• Results in a fracture of any bone (except simple
Serious Incident fractures of fingers, toes or nose)
An incident involving circumstances indicating that an • Involves lacerations causing severe haemorrhage,
accident nearly occurred. Under Annex 13, an incident nerve, muscle or tendon damage
involving circumstances indicating that there was a high
• Involves injury to any internal organ
probability of an accident and is associated with the
operation of an aircraft which, in the case of a manned • Involves second or third degree burns, or any burns
aircraft, takes place between the time any person boards affecting more than 5% of the body surface
the aircraft with the intention of flight until such time as
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

all such persons have disembarked, or in the case of an Serviceable

unmanned aircraft, takes place between the time the Fit and safe for flight.
aircraft is ready to move with the purpose of flight until
such time it comes to rest at the end of the flight and the Servicing
primary propulsion system is shut down. Cleaning, lubricating, replenishment of fluids not
requiring disassembly.

Shoreline
A line following the general contour of a shore, except
that in cases of inlets or bays less than 30 nm wide, the
line shall pass directly across the inlet or bay to intersect
the general contour on the opposite side.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-94

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Shoulder Harness Significant Obstacle

Any device for restraining the upper torso of a person, A natural terrain feature or man-made fixed object,
with a single diagonal or dual upper torso straps. permanent or temporary, which has vertical significance
in relation to adjacent and surrounding features and which
Singl e-Pi lot Aircraft is considered a potential hazard to the safe passage of
One certificated for operation by one pilot. aircraft in the type of operation for which the individual
procedure is designed.
SI System
The international system of measurement now Significant Point
recommended for all scientific purposes (SI units have A specified geographical location used in defining an ATS
replaced CGS and Imperial units. CGS means centimetre, route or the flight path of an aircraft and for other
gram, and second). navigation and ATS purposes. There are three categories
of significant points, including ground-based navigation
SID aids, intersections and waypoints. An intersection is a
Standard Instrument Departure. significant point expressed as radials, bearings and/or
distances from ground-based navigation aids.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

SIGMET
Significant Met Warning. Thus, a significant point can be a navaid, a fix derived
from one, a named point, or geographical coordinate(s)
SIGMET Information expressed in degrees of latitude, longitude or both,
Information issued by a meteorological watch office established for the purpose of providing separation, as a
concerning the occurrence or expected occurrence of reporting point or to delineate a route of flight.
specified en-route weather phenomena which may affect
the safety of aircraft operations. Simplex
Communication between two stations that takes place in
Signal Area one direction at a time.
An area on an aerodrome used for the display of ground
signals.

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G Definitions

Situation Display Smal l Balloon

An electronic display depicting the position and One not exceeding 2 metres in any linear dimension,
movement of aircraft and other information as required. including baskets, etc. attached to it.

Skill Test Smal l Rocket

The demonstration of skill for a licence or rating issue, One with a total impulse from its engine(s) up to 10,240
including such oral examination as may be required. newton-secs.

SLMG SNOTAM
Self Launching Motor Glider. Or SNOWTAM. A small white Scottish terrier (seriously,
a NOTAM about snow, valid for up to 24 hours).
Slush
Water-saturated snow which with a heel-and-toe slap- Snow
down motion against the ground will be displaced with • Dry Snow. Snow which can be blown if loose or, if
asplatter; specific gravity: 0.5 up to 0.8. compacted by hand, will fall apart upon release;
specific gravity: up to but not including 0.35.
Combinations of ice, snow and/or standing water may,
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

especially when rain, rain and snow, or snow is falling, • Wet Snow. Snow which, if compacted by hand, will
produce substances with specific gravities in excess of stick together and tend to or form a snowball;
0.8. These substances, due to their high water/ice content, specific gravity: 0.35 up to but not including 0.5.
will have a transparent rather than a cloudy appearance • Compacted Snow. Snow which has been
and, at the higher specific gravities, will be readily compressed into a solid mass that resists further
distinguishable from slush. compression and will hold together or break up into
lumps if picked up; specific gravity: 0.5 and over.
Small Airc raft
Any unmanned aircraft, other than a balloon or a kite, Solo flight ti me
weighing not more than 20 kg without fuel, but including Flight time during which a student pilot is the sole
articles or equipment installed in or attached to it at the occupant of an aircraft (EASA).
start of its flight.
EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-96
 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Special Stabilised Approach (SAp)

In VFR Comms, a special meteorological report in An approach that is flown in a controlled and appropriate
abbreviated plain language. manner in terms of configuration, energy and control of
the flight path from a pre-determined point or altitude/
Specially Pr epared Wint er Runway height down to a point 50 ft above the threshold or the
One with a dry frozen surface of compacted snow or ice point where the flare manoeuvre is initiated if higher.
which has been treated with sand or grit or has been
mechanically treated to improve runway friction. Standard Atmosphere
See Atmosphere, International Standard.
Special VFR flight
A VFR flight authorised by ATC in a control zone where Standard Instru ment Arrival (STAR)
IFR would normally apply, or conditions are below VMC A designated instrument flight rule (IFR) arrival route
(see Rules of the Air). linking a significant point, normally on an ATS route, with
a point &om which a published instrument approach
SSR procedure can be commenced.
Secondary Surveillance Radar.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Standard Instrument Departure (SID)

SSR Response A designated instrument flight rule (IFR) departure route
The visual indication, in non-symbolic form, on a linking an aerodrome or a specified runway of the
situation display, of a response from an SSR transponder aerodrome with a specified significant point, normally on
in reply to an interrogation. a designated ATS route, at which the en-route phase of a
flight commences.
SST
Supersonic Transport. Standar d M ess ag e Element
Part of a message defined in PANS-ATM (Doc 4444) in
terms of display format, intended use and attributes.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

STAR Stopway
Standard Instrument Arrival. (ICAO) A defined rectangular area on the ground at the end of a
takeoff run available prepared as a suitable area in which
Stat e of Origi n an aircraft can be stopped during an abandoned takeoff.
The Authority in whose territory dangerous goods were
first loaded on an aircraft. Standard Devi ati on
A statistical measure of data about a mean value.
Stat e of Registry
The Authority in whose territory an aircraft is registered. Step Cli mb
A technique in which higher altitudes or flight levels are
Stat e Safety Program flight planned or achieved at a specified point or time.
An integrated set of regulations and activities aimed at
improving safety. Steep Tracks
Parallel tracks which are not laterally separated because
Stat ion Declination the tracks exceed the allowable change in latitude for any
An alignment variation between the 0° radial of a VOR ten-degree interval of longitude.
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

and True North, as determined on calibration.

Straight Ahead
Stat ionary Airspace Reservat ion In departure clearances, the term means track the
An airspace reservation whose position in space remains extended runway centreline. In Missed Approach
fixed with relation to the surface of the Earth. Procedures, it means continue on the final approach track.
Sterile Flight Crew Compartment
Studen t Pilot In Command (SPI C)
Any period when flight crew members are not disturbed A student pilot acting as PIC on a flight with an instructor
or distracted, except for matters critical to the safe where the latter will only observe the student pilot and
operation of the aircraft or the safety of the occupants. shall not influence or control the flight of the aircraft.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-98

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Superheated Vapour Takeoff

That with temperature above the boiling point of its For other than airships, leaving a supporting surface,
liquid. including the take-off run, plus acts just before and after.
For an airship, freeing it from restraint, including acts just
Supplemental Oxygen before and after.
Extra oxygen to protect against adverse effects of
excessive cabin altitude and maintain acceptable Takeoff Alternate Aerodrome
physiological conditions. An alternate aerodrome at which an aircraft can land
should this become necessary shortly after takeoff and if it
Surface is not possible to use the aerodrome of departure.
Ground or water, including frozen.
Takeoff Decis ion Poi nt (TDP)
Survei llan ce Radar The fixed point in Helicopter Class 1 Performance
Radar equipment used to determine the position of an operations used in determining takeoff performance from
aircraft in range and azimuth. which, an engine failure having been recognised at this
point, either a rejected take-off may be made or a takeoff
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Stat e of the operator safely continued.

The location of the principal place of business, or
permanent residence if there is none. Takeoff Di stance Available (TODA)
In the case of aeroplanes, the length of the takeoff run
TACAN available plus the length of the clearway, if provided.
Tactical Air Navigation system A military version of
VOR/DME. Takeoff Di stance Available (TODAH)
In the case of helicopters, the length of the final approach
TAF and takeoff area plus, if provided, the length of helicopter
Terminal Aerodrome Forecast. clearway declared available and suitable for helicopters to
complete a takeoff.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-99

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Tak eoff Distance Requir ed (TODRH) Task Specialist

In the case of helicopters, the horizontal distance required A person assigned by an operator or a third party, or
from the start of the takeoff to the point at which takeoff acting as an undertaking, who performs tasks on the
safety speed (VTOSS), a selected height and a positive ground directly associated with a specialised task or
climb gradient are achieved, following failure of the performs specialised tasks on board or from the aircraft.
critical engine being recognised at the TDP, the remaining
engines operating within approved operating limits. Taxi ing
Movement of an aircraft on the surface of an aerodrome
Takeoff Flight Path under its own power, excluding take-off and landing.
The vertical and horizontal path, with the critical engine
inoperative, from a specified point in the takeoff for Taxi way
aeroplanes to 1500 ft above the surface and, for A defined path on a land aerodrome established for the
helicopters, to 1000 ft above the surface. taxiing of aircraft and intended to provide a link between
one part of the aerodrome and another, including:
Takeoff Mass • Aircraft stand taxilane. A portion of an apron
The mass, including everything and everyone carried at designated as a taxiway and intended to provide
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

the start of the takeoff run. It consists of the DOM, plus access to aircraft stands only.
the Disposable Load, which must not be over the
maximum weight used for performance reasons, or that in • Apron taxiway. A portion of a taxiway system
the Flight Manual, so it limits the Traffic Load. located on an apron and intended to provide a
through taxi route across the apron.
Tak eoff Ru n Avai lable (TORA) • Rapid exit taxiway. A taxiway connected to a
The length of runway that is declared available by the runway at an acute angle and designed to allow
State of the aerodrome and suitable for the ground run of landing aeroplanes to turn off at higher speeds than
an aeroplane taking off. are achieved on other exit taxiways thereby
minimizing runway occupancy times.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-100

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

TDA Tel ecommunications System

Takeoff Distance Available. The TORA plus Clearway. And public telecommunications system. See sections 4
and 9 (1) of the Telecommunications Act 1984.
TDP
Takeoff Decision Point. The fixed point in Performance Ter minal Ar rival Altit ude (TA A)
Class 1 helicopter operations that is used to determine The lowest altitude that will provide a minimum clearance
takeoff performance from which, a power unit failure of 300 m (1 000 ft) above all objects in an arc of a circle
having been recognised, either a rejected takeoff may be defined by a 46 km (25 nm) radius centred on the initial
made or a takeoff safely continued. approach fix (IAF), or where there is no IAF on the
intermediate approach fix (IF), delimited by straight lines
Tech nic al Cr ew M ember joining the extremity of the arc to the IF. The combined
A crew member in commercial air transport HEMS, HHO TAAs associated with an approach procedure shall
or NVIS operations other than a flight or cabin crew account for an area of 360 degrees around the IF.
member, assigned by the operator to duties in the aircraft
or on the ground for the purpose of assisting the pilot Terminal Control Ar ea
during HEMS, HHO or NVIS operations, which may One normally established at the confluence of ATS routes
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

require the operation of specialised on-board equipment. in the vicinity of one or more major aerodromes.

Technic al Harmonisation Regulation Tet her ed flig ht

Council Regulation (EEC) No 3922/ 91, on the Controllable balloons in limits from restraining devices.
harmonisation of technical requirements and
administration in civil aviation. Threat
Events or errors that occur beyond the influence of the
Technic al Ins tructions flight crew, increase operational complexity and which
The latest effective edition of the Technical Instructions must be managed to maintain safety margins.
for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc
9284-AN/905), including Supplement and Addenda,
approved and published by ICAO.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-101

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Thr eat Manag ement Total Estimated Elapsed Time

The process of detecting and responding to the threats For IFR flights, the estimated time required from takeoff
with countermeasures that reduce or eliminate the to arrive over that designated point, defined by reference
consequences of threats, and mitigate the probability of to navigation aids, from which it is intended that an
errors or undesired aircraft states. instrument approach procedure will be commenced, or, if
no navigation aid is associated with the destination
Thr ee Di mens ional (3D) I nst rument A ppr oac h aerodrome, to arrive over the destination aerodrome. For
An instrument approach using lateral and vertical VFR flights, the estimated time required from take-off to
navigation guidance (a precision approach). arrive over the destination aerodrome.

Threshold (THR) Touc hdown

The beginning of the part of a runway usable for landing. The point where the nominal glide path intercepts the
runway. This is only a datum and is not necessarily the
Time Differenc e Of Arri val (TDOA) actual point at which an aircraft will touch the runway.
The difference in relative time that a transponder signal
from the same aircraft (or ground vehicle) is received at Touc hdown Zon e Elevati on (TDZE)
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

different receivers. The highest point in the first 3000 ft of the landing
surface.
TLOF
Touchdown and Lift-off Area. A load bearing area on Touring Motor Glider (TMG)
which a helicopter may touch down or lift off. A specific class of powered sailplane with an integrally
mounted, non-retractable engine and a non-retractable
TMA propeller, capable of taking off and climbing under its
Terminal Control Area. own power according to its flight manual.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-102

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Track Traffic Service

The projection on the Earth's surface of the path of an A surveillance ATS where, as well as the provisions of a
aircraft, the direction of which path at any point is usually Basic Service, the controller provides specific
expressed in degrees from North (True, Magnetic, Grid). surveillance derived traffic information to assist the pilot
in avoiding other traffic. Controllers may provide
Traffic Alert and Coll ision Avoi dance System ( TCAS) headings and/or levels for the purposes of positioning and/
See Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS). or sequencing; however, the controller is not required to
achieve deconfliction minima, and the avoidance of other
Traffic Avoidance Advice traffic is ultimately the pilot’s responsibility.
Advice provided by an air traffic services unit specifying
manoeuvres to assist a pilot to avoid a collision. Training To Profic iency
Training designed to achieve end-state performance
Traffic Informat ion objectives, providing sufficient assurance that the trained
Information issued by an ATS unit to alert pilots to other individual is capable of consistently carrying out specific
known or observed air traffic which may be in proximity tasks safely and effectively.
to the position or intended route of flight and to help the
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

pilot avoid a collision. Type A Instrument Approach Operation

One with an MDH or a DH at or above 250 ft.
Traffic Load
The total mass of passengers, baggage, cargo and carry-on
specialist equipment, including any ballast.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-103

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Type B Instrument Approach Operation Transferring Unit/Controller

One with a DH below 250 ft. Type B instrument approach Air traffic control unit/air traffic controller in the process
operations are categorised as: of transferring the responsibility for providing air traffic
control service to an aircraft to the next air traffic control
• Category I (CAT I): a DH not lower than 200 ft and
unit/air traffic controller along the route of flight. See
with either a visibility not less than 800 m or an
Accepting Unit/Controller.
RVR not less than 550 m.
• Category II (CAT II): a DH lower than 200 ft but not Transition Altitude
lower than 100 ft, and an RVR not less than 300 m. The altitude at or below which the vertical position of an
• Category III (CAT III): a DH lower than 100 ft or no aircraft is controlled by reference to altitudes.
DH, and an RVR less than 300 m or no RVR
limitation. Transition Layer
The airspace between the transition altitude and the
Transfer Of Control Point transition level.
A defined point located along the flight path of an aircraft,
at which the responsibility for providing air traffic control Transition Level
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

service to the aircraft is transferred from one control unit The lowest flight level available for use above the
or control position to the next. transition altitude.

Transferring Unit True Ai rspeed

An air traffic control unit in the process of transferring the Airspeed relative to undisturbed air.
responsibility for providing air traffic control service to an
aircraft to the next air traffic control unit along the route Tru e Mach number
of flight. Ratio of TAS to local speed of sound.

Two Di mens ional (2D) I nstr ument Appr oach

An instrument approach using only lateral navigation
guidance (non-precision).

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-104

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Type Uncontrollable balloon

Aircraft of the same basic design, including A balloon, not small, incapable of free controlled flight.
modifications, except which result in a change of Undertaking
handling, flight characteristics or crew.
Any natural or legal person, profit-making or not, or any
Type A EFB Applicati on official body whether having its own personality or not.
An EFB application whose malfunction or misuse has no
safety effect. UH F
Ultra High Frequency.
Type B EFB Applicati on
An EFB application whose malfunction or misuse is UI R
classified as minor failure condition or below, and which Upper Flight Information Region.
neither replaces nor duplicates any system or functionality
required by airworthiness regulations, airspace UN Number
requirements, or operational rules. The four-digit number assigned by the United Nations
Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Type Of Aircraft Goods to identify a substance or a particular group of

A categorisation of aircraft requiring a type rating as substances.
determined in the operational suitability data established
under Part 21, and which include all aircraft of the same Un cer tainty Ph as e
basic design including all modifications thereto except A situation in which uncertainty exists as to the safety of
those which result in a change in handling or flight an aircraft and its occupants.
characteristics (Part FCL).
Un ident ified B agg ag e
Un aided NVI S Fligh t Baggage at an airport, with or without a baggage tag,
That portion of a VFR flight performed at night when a which is not picked up by or identified with a passenger.
crew member is not using NVG.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-105

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

Unmanned Free Balloon VASI S

A non-power-driven, unmanned, lighter-than-air aircraft Visual Approach Slope Indicator System.
in free flight. Unmanned free balloons are classified as
heavy, medium or light in accordance with specifications VDF
contained in Annex 2, Appendix 5. VHF Direction Finding.

UTA Vector ing

Upper Control Area. Provision of navigational guidance to aircraft in the form
of specific headings, based on the use of an ATS
UTC surveillance system.
Universal Coordinated Time (the initials are the wrong
way round because the actual definition is in French). VEF
What used to be called Greenwich Mean Time. The speed at which the critical engine is assumed to fail
during the takeoff run.
V1
The maximum speed in the takeoff at which a pilot must Verti cal Path Ang le
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

take the first action to stop an aeroplane within the The angle of the published final approach descent in Baro-
accelerate-stop distance. V1 also means the minimum VNAV procedures.
speed in the takeoff procedure, following a failure of the
critical engine at VEF, at which a pilot can continue the Verti cal Separat ion
takeoff and achieve the required height above the takeoff Vertical separation is the specified spacing of aircraft
surface within the takeoff distance. expressed in altitudes or flight levels.

Valuable Consideration Vess el

Any right, interest, profit or benefit, forbearance, Any ship, boat or other floating structure, other than an
detriment, loss or responsibility accruing, given, suffered aircraft, used for navigation on water.
or undertaken pursuant to an agreement, of more than a
nominal nature.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-106

 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

VFR Vi sual Approach

Visual Flight Rules. Where only part of an instrument procedure is flown, and
the remainder is flown visually with reference to terrain.
VFR Air craft
One operating in VFR flight. Vi sual Approach Operati on
An approach by an IFR flight when either a part or all
VFR Fligh t parts of an IAP is (are) not completed and the approach
One conducted under visual flight rules. operation is executed with visual reference to terrain.

VHF Vi sual Flig ht Rul es

Very High Frequency. As per the Rules of the Air.

VI P Vi sual Manoeuvring (Circl ing) Area

Very Important Person. The area in which obstacle clearance should be taken into
consideration for aircraft carrying out a circling approach.
Visibility
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

The greater of: Vi sual Meteorological Conditions

• the greatest distance at which a black object of Those permitting flight under VFR. ICAO:
suitable dimensions, near the ground, can be seen Meteorological conditions expressed in terms of visibility,
and recognised when observed against a bright distance from cloud, and ceiling, equal to or better than
background. the specified minima in Annex 2.

• the greatest distance at which lights of around 1000 VMC

candelas can be seen and identified against an unlit Visual Meteorological Conditions. Weather expressed in
background. terms of visibility, distance from cloud and ceiling equal
to or better than that specified from time to time.
Vis itin g Force
See the Visiting Forces Act, 1952.

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 GLOSSARY
G Definitions

VNAV Waypoint
Vertical Navigation. A specified geographical location used to define an area
navigation route or the flight path of an aircraft employing
V LE area navigation. Waypoints are identified as either:
The maximum speed to fly with the gear extended.
• Fly-by, which requires turn anticipation to allow
tangential interception of the next segment of a
V LO
route or procedure, or
The maximum speed at which the landing gear can be
operated. • Flyover, at which a turn is initiated in order to join
the next segment of a route or procedure.
V NE Weather-Permissible Aerodrome
The speed (or Velocity) Never to be Exceeded.
An adequate aerodrome where, for the anticipated time of
VOL MET use, meteorological reports, or forecasts, or any
Meteorological information available over the radio. combination thereof, indicate that the meteorological
conditions will be at or above the required aerodrome
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

VOR operating minima, and the runway surface condition

VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range. reports indicate that a safe landing will be possible.

VORTAC
VOR and TACAN combination.

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-108

 GLOSSARY
G Abbreviations/Acronyms

West Atlantic Route System (WATRS) ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS

The WATRS area is defined beginning at a point 27º
North 77º West direct to 20º North 67º West direct to 18º
North 62º West direct to 18º North 60º West direct to A
38º30' North 60º West direct to 38º30' North 69º15' West A Amber
thence counterclockwise along the New York Oceanic A/A Air-to-air
control area/flight information region boundary to the
AAC Army Air Corps
Miami Oceanic control area/flight information region
boundary, thence southbound along the Miami Oceanic AAI Angle of Approach Indicator
control area/flight information region boundary to the AAL Above Aerodrome Level
point of beginning. Abm Abeam
ABn Aerodrome Beacon
Wet Lease A greement
For CAT operations, between air carriers pursuant to AGO Area Control Centre
which the aircraft is operated under the AOC of the lessor Accel Accelerat(e),(ion)
or, for commercial operations other than CAT, between Acft Aircraft
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

operators pursuant to which the aircraft is operated under ACL Altimeter Check Location
the responsibility of the lessor.
ACN Aircraft Classification Number
Wet Run way ACP Airlift Command Post
A runway whose surface is covered by any visible ACP Altimeter Check Point
dampness or water up to and including 3 mm deep within AD Aerodrome
the area intended to be used.
ADF Automatic Direction Finder
ADIZ Air Defence Identification Zone
ADR Advisory Route
ADS Automatic Dependent Surveillance
ADVS Advisory Service

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-109

 GLOSSARY
G Abbreviations/Acronyms

AF Air Force ARA Air Restricted Area/Airborne Radar

Approach
AFB Air Force Base
ARP Aerodrome Reference Point
AFIS Aerodrome Flight Information Service
Arr Arrival, arrive
A/G Air/Ground
ASDA Accelerate-Stop Distance Available
A Gear Arrestor Gear
ASHTAM NOTAM for volcanic ash
AGL Above Ground Level
ASR Aerodrome/ Area Surveillance Radar
AGNIS Azimuth Guidance for Nose-in-Stand Altimeter Setting Region
AGU Azimuth Guidance Unit ATA Actual Time of Arrival
AIAA Area of Intense Air Activity ATC Air Traffic Control
AIDU Aeronautical Information Documents Unit ATCC Air Traffic Control Centre
AlP Aeronautical Information Publication ATCRU Air Traffic Control Radar Unit
AIS Aeronautical Information Services ATD Actual Time of Departure
ALS Approach Lighting System ATIS Automatic Terminal Information Service
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Alt Altitude ATOC Air Terminal Operations Centre

Altn Alternat(e),(ive),(ing) ATS Air Traffic Services
AMSL Above Mean Sea Level ATZ Air Traffic Zone
APAPI Abbreviated PAPI Aug August
APATC-1 Allied Procedures ATC Auth Authority, authorized
App Approach Auto Automatic
Apprx Approximate, Approximately AUW All Up Weight (gross)
Apr April Aux Auxiliary
APU Auxiliary Power Unit Avbl Available, Availability
AVASIS Abbreviated VASIS

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-110

 GLOSSARY
G Abbreviations/Acronyms

Awy A/W Airway CAC Centralised Approach Control

AZ PAR Azimuth Element Only Approach CAS Controlled Airspace
Cat Category
B Cct Circuit
B Blue CD Calvert Approach Lighting
System
BAe British Aerospace
CDN Canadian
BAF Belgian Air Force
CF Canadian Forces
BAOR British Army of the Rhine
CHAG Chain Arresting Gear
BB(m) Back Beam (ILS)
Ch Channel
BC Back Course(ILS)
Circ Circling (App)
BCP Break Cloud Procedure
Civ Civil, Civilian
Bcst Broadcast
Ck Check
Bdry Boundary
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

C/L Centre-line
Bldg Building
Clnc Clearance
Bn Beacon
Clr Clear
Brg Bearing
Clsd Closed
BS Broadcast Station (Commercial)
CMATZ Combined MATZ
Btn Between
CMDA Circling Minimum Descent
Altitude
C
CMDH Circling Minimum Descent
C Centre (Runway Identification) Height

C Degrees Celsius/Centigrade Com Communication(s)

CAA Civil Aviation Authority Con Control

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-111

 GLOSSARY
G Abbreviations/Acronyms

CON Console Beacon Dec December

Conc Concrete Deliv Delivery
Cont Continu(e), (ed), (al), (ous) Dep Depart, Departure
Copter Helicopter (App Proc) DER Departure End of Runway
CPDLC Controller/Pilot Data Link Desc Descent, Descend(ing)
Communications
DF Direction Finder (finding)
CRP Compulsory Reporting Point
DH Decision Height
C/S Callsign
Dist Distance
CTA Control Area
Dly Daily
Ctc Contact
DME Distance Measuring Equipment
Ctl Control
DND Department of National Defense
CTR Control Zone
Doc Document
CTZ Control Zone
DOC Designated Operational Coverage
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

CWY Clearway
DOD Department of Defense
DOT Department of Transport
D
DR Dead-Reckoning
d DME Distance
D THR Displaced threshold
D Danger Area, (Followed by Indent Nr)
DVOT(TAC) Doppler VOR(TAC)
DA Decision Altitude
dB Decibels (noise levels) E
Dct Direct
E East
Dctd Directed
EAT Expected Approach Time
Dctr Director
EET Estimated Elapsed Time

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-112

 GLOSSARY
G Abbreviations/Acronyms

Elev Elevation Flg Flashing

Emerg Emergency FLIP Flight Information Publication
EOA Engine Out Allowance Flt Flight
EOBT Estimated Off-Block Time FM Fan Marker, Frequency Modulation
ERC En Route Chart FNY French Navy
ERS En Route Supplement A FOD Foreign Object Damage
ETA Estimated Time of Arrival FPL Filed Flight Plan
ETD Estimated Time of Departure FPD Flight Planning Document
Exc Except FPM Feet Per Minute
FPR Flight Plan Route
F Freq Frequency (radio)
Fac Facility, Facilities FRI Friday
FAF Final Approach Fix Ft Feet
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

FAF French Air Force FTU Flying Training Units

FAP Final Approach Point
FAT Final Approach Track G
FATO Final Approach and Takeoff Area g Above Ground (ARAs)
FEB February G Green
FIC Flight Information Centre GA General Aviation
FIH Flight Information Handbook GAF German Air Force
FIR Flight Information Region GAR German Army
FIS Flight Information Service GAT General Air Traffic
FL Flight Level GCA Ground Controlled Approach

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-113

 GLOSSARY
G Abbreviations/Acronyms

Gen General HF High Frequency (3000-30000KHz)

GMT Greenwich Mean Time Hgr Hangar
Gnd Ground HGT Height or Height Above
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System HIRTA High Intensity Radio Transmission Area
GNY German Navy HJ Sunrise to Sunset
GP Glidepath HLS Helicopter Landing Site
Gp Group HN Sunset to Sunrise
Grad Gradient HO Service Available to meet Operational
Requirement
Grvl Gravel
Hol Holiday(s)
GS Ground Speed, Glide Slope
HP Holding Point
GSE Ground Serving Equipment
HPA Hectopascal
H Hr Hour(s)
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

HS Service Available during Hours of

H24 Continuous Day and Night Service Scheduled Operations
HAA Height Above Aerodrome Ht Height
HAAP Helicopter Approach Aiming Point HT High Tension
HAF Hellenic (Greek) Air Force HTZ Helicopter Traffic Zone
HAPI Helicopter Approach Path Indicator Hvy Heavy
HAS Hardened Aircraft Shelter HZ Hertz
HAT Height Above Touchdown
HBn Hazard Beacon I
Hdg Heading IAC Instrument Approach Chart
Hel Helicopter IAF Initial Approach Fix

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-114

 GLOSSARY
G Abbreviations/Acronyms

IAF Italian Air Force Intl International

IAM Instrument Approach Minima IP Initial Point
IAP Instrument Approach Procedure ISA International Standard Atmosphere
IAS Indicated Air Speed
IBn Identification Beacon J
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organisation Jan January
ICF Initial Contact Frequency J Bar Jet Barrier
Ident Identification JBI James Braking Index
IF Intermediate Fix Jul July
IFF Identification Friend/Foe Jun June
IFR Instrument Flight Rules
ILS Instrument Landing System K
ILS(V) ILS with Emergency Voice Facility Kcs Kilocycles
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

IM Inner Marker Kg Kilograms

IMC Instrument Meteorological Conditions KHz Kilohertz
lnbd Inbound Km Kilometres
Incl Including, Inclusive Kt Knots
Info Information KW Kilowatts
Inop Inoperative
INS Inertial Navigation System L
lnstr Instruction(s) L Locator (NDB with Published Procedure)
IntcP Intercept LARS Lower Airspace Radar Advisory Service
Int Intersection Lat Latitude

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 GLOSSARY
G Abbreviations/Acronyms

LB Lead Bearing M
Lb Pound(s) M Mach Number (followed by figures)
LDA Landing Distance Available m Metres
Ldg Landing MAC Military Aircraft Command
LF Low Frequency (30-300 KHZ) Mag Magnetic
Lgt Light MAPt Missed Approach Point
LHC Left-Hand Circuit M/App Missed Approach Procedure
LIH Light Intensity High Mar March
LIL Light Intensity Low MATZ Military Aerodrome Traffic Zone
LIM Light Intensity Medium Max Maximum
LHS Left-Hand Side Mb Millibar
LITAS Low Intensity Two-colour Approach Slope MCA Minimum Crossing Altitude
System
MDA Minimum Descent Altitude
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

LIz Localizer
MDH Minimum Descent Height
LM Locatorr, middle marker
MEA Minimum En Route Altitude
LMT Local Mean Time
MEDA Military Emergency Diversion Aerodrome
LO(M) Locator, outer marker
MEHT Mean Eye Height above Threshold
Long Longitude
Met Meteorology, Meteorological
LR Lead Radial
METRO Pilot-to-Metro Voice call
Ltd Limited
MEXE Moveable VTOL platform
Lvl Level
MF Medium Frequency (300-3000KHZ)
LVP Low Visibility Procedures
MHz Megahertz
Mil Military

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-116

 GLOSSARY
G Abbreviations/Acronyms

Min Minutes NAS Naval Air Station

Mkr Marker Radio Beacon NAT North Atlantic
MLS Microwave Landing System Nav Navigation
MM Middle Marker NCRP Non-Compulsory Reporting Point
Mnm Minimum NDB Non-Directional Radio Beacon
MNPS Minimum Navigation Performance NE North-East
Specifications
NFLD Newfoundland
MNR Minimum Noise Route
Nm Nautical Mile
MNT Mach Number Technique
NMT Noise Monitoring Terminal
MOCA Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude
NOTAM Notice(s) to Airmen
MOD Ministry of Defence
Nov November
Mon Monday
Nr Number
MORA Minimum Off Route Altitude
NTZ No Transgression Zone
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

MRA Minimum Reception Altitude

NW North-West
MSA Minimum Sector Altitude
MSD Minimum Separation Distance O
MS Minus
OAT Operational Air Traffic
MSFL Minimum Safe Flight Level
OAT Outside Air Temperature
MSL Mean Sea Level
Obst Obstacle
MTOW Maximum Take-off Weight
OCA Obstacle Clearance Altitude
Occ Occulting (light)
N
OCH Obstacle Clearance Height
N North
OCL Obstacle Clearance Limit

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-117

 GLOSSARY
G Abbreviations/Acronyms

Ocnl Occasional Perm Permanent

Oct October PF Pilot Flying
Ohd Overhead PFSV Pilot-to-Forecaster Service
OM Outer Marker PLASI Pulse Ught Approach Slope Indicator
Opr Operator, Operating, Operational PIn Flight Plan
Ops Operations PMP Provost Marshal Prohibited Area
O/R On Request PMR Provost Marshal Restricted Area
ORP Operational Readiness Platform PMSV Pilot-to-Metro Service
Oubd Outbound PN Prior Notice Required
Ovrn Over-run PNF Pilot Not Flying
PNY Portuguese Navy
P POL Petrol, Oil & Lubricants
P Prohibited Area (Followed by dent Nr) Poss Possible
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

PAF Portuguese Air Force PPO Prior Permission Only

PALS Precision Approach Lighting System PPR Prior Permission Required
PANS Procedures for Air Navigation Services Prob P'robability
PANS/ Procedures for Air Navigation Services/Air Proc Procedure
ATM Traffic Management (ICAO Doc 4444)
Prop Propeller
PAPI Precision Approach Path Indicator
PS Plus
PAR Precision Approach Radar
Psn Position
Para Parachute, (ing)
psi lbs per square inch
Pax Passengers
PSP Pierced Steel Planking
PCN Pavement Classification Number
Pt Point

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-118

 GLOSSARY
G Abbreviations/Acronyms

PUAG Purpose Use Arrestor Gear RCF Radio Communication Failure

RCL Runway Centre-line
Q RCLL Runway Centre-line Lights
QDM Magnetic Heading (to Facility)(Zero wind) RCR Runway Condition Reading
QDR Magnetic Bearing (from Facility) RDAF Royal Danish Air Force
QFE Atmospheric Pressure at Aerodrome RDH Reference Datum Height (for ILS)
Elevation or at Runway Threshold
RDO Radio
QFU Magnetic Orientation of Runway
Rdr Radar
QNE Altimeter sub-scale setting 1013mb
REDL Runway Edge Lights
QNH Altimeter Sub-scale Setting for Elevation
when on the Ground RENL Runway End Lights
QTE True Bearing REP Report, Reporting Point
Req Request(ed)
R RHAG Rotary Hydraulic Arrestor Gear
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

R Radial RHC Right Hand Circuit

R Red RIAP Revised Instrument Approach Procedures
R Restricted Area (Followed by RLCE Request Level Change En-Route
Indentification) RLLS Runway Lead-ln Lighting System
R Right (Runway Identification)
RLG Relief Landing Ground
RAAF Royal Australian Air Force RMI Radio Magnetic Indicator
Rad Alt Radio Altimeter RN Royal Navy
RADHAZ Radiation Hazard
RNAS Royal Naval Air Service/Station
RAI Runway Alignment Indicator RNAV Area Navigation
RAS Radar Advisory Service RNLAF Royal Netherlands Air Force

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 GLOSSARY
G Abbreviations/Acronyms

RNLAS Royal Netherlands Naval Air Service Sby Standby

RNoAF Royal Norwegian Air Force SOF Step-Down Fix
RNZAF Royal New Zealand Air Force SE South-east
ROC Rate of Climb Sec Second
ROD Rate of Descent SELCAL Selective Calling System
RPI Runway Point of Interception Sep September
Rqr(d) Require(d) Sfc Surface
RSAF Royal Swedish Air Force SHF Super High Frequency (3000-30000MHZ)
Rte Route SID Standard Instrument Departure
RTF Radio Telephone SIF Selective Identification Feature
RTHL Runway Threshold Lights Simul Simultaneous
RTR Radar Termination Range Sked Schedule(d)
RVA Radar Vectoring Area SLP Speed Limiting Point
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

RVR Runway Visual Range SM Statute Miles

RVSM Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum SMC Surface Movement Control
Rwy Runway SMR Surface Movement Radar
SOP Standard Operational Procedure
S SR Sunrise
S South SRA Special Rules Area
SALS Simple Approach Lighting System SRA Surveillance Radar Approach
SAR Search and Rescue SRE Surveillance Radar Element
Sat Saturday SRZ Special Rules Zone
SATCOM Satellite Communication SS Sunset

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 GLOSSARY
G Abbreviations/Acronyms

SSA Sector Safe Altitude TCH Threshold Crossing Height

SSB Single Side-band TD Touchdown
SSR Secondary Surveillance Radar TDP Takeoff Decision Point
SST Supersonic Transport TDZ Touchdown Zone
STAR Standard (Instrument) Arrival Route TDZE Touchdown Zone Elevation
Std Standard TERPS Terminal Procedures (USA)
STOL Short Take-oft and Landing THR Threshold
STWL Stopway Lights Thu Thursday
Sun Sunday TKOF Take-oft
Svcbl Serviceable Tlkdwn Talkdown
SW South-west TMA Terminal Control Area
SWY Stopway TOC Top of Climb
TODA Take-oft Distance Available
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

T TORA Take-oft Run Available

°T Degrees True Tr Track
TA Transition Altitude TRA Temporary Reserved Airspace
TAC, Tactical Air Navigation Equipment TRL Transition Level
TACAN
Tue Tuesday
TAP Terminal Approach Procedure
Turb Turbulence
TAR Terminal Area Surveillance Radar
Trng Training
TAS True Airspeed
TuAF Turkish Air Force
TC Terminal Chart
T-VASIS T Visual Approach Slope Indicator System
TCA Terminal Control Area
TVOR Terminal VOR

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 GLOSSARY
G Abbreviations/Acronyms

TWR Aerodrome Control V

Twy Taxiway (V) Emergency Voice Facility (ILS)
Twyl Taxiway Unk VAD Visual Approach & Departure (Charts)
Tx Transmit, (ter) Var Magnetic Variation
VASIS Visual Approach Slope Indicator System
U VDF VHF Direction Finding Station
UAR Upper Air Route VFR Visual Flight Rules
UAS University Air Squadron VHF Very High Frequency (30-300 MHZ)
UDF UHF Direction Finder VIP Very Important Person
UFN Until Further Notice Vis Visibility
UHF Ultra High Frequency (300-3000MHz) VLF Very Low Frequency (3-30KHZ)
UIR Upper information Region VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions
UK United Kingdom VOLMET Meteorological Information for Aircraft in Flight
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

Unltd Unlimited VOR VHF Omni-directional Radio Range

Unrel Unreliable VORTAC VOR and TACAN Combination
u/s Unserviceable VOT VOR Airborne Equipment Test Facility
USA United States of America Vrb Variable
USAF United States Air Force VSTOL Vertical & Short Takeoff and Landing
USMC United States Marine Corps VTOL Vertical Takeoff and Landing
USN United States Navy v/v Vertical Velocity
UTC Co-ordinated Universal Time V/v (fpm) Vertical Velocity in Feet per Minute

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 GLOSSARY
G Abbreviations/Acronyms

W Z
W West Z Co-ordinated Universal Time
W White
WATRS West Atlantic Route System
WBAR Wing-bar Lights
WDI Wind Direction Indicator
Wed Wednesday
WEF With Effect From
Wkend Weekend
WIE With Immediate Effect
WIP Work In Progress
Wh White
Wkday Weekday
© Phil Croucher Electrocution Technical Publishers 2020

WPT Waypoint
Wt Weight
Wx Weather

X
XBAR Crossbar (of Approach Lighting System)

Y
Y Yellow

EASA Professional Pilot Studies G-123