Index of aviation articles

Last updated

Aviation is the design, development, production, operation, and use of aircraft, especially heavier-than-air aircraft. Articles related to aviation include:

Contents

A

Aviation accidents and incidentsADFAccessory driveAdvance airfieldAdvanced Air MobilityAdvanced Technology EngineAdverse yawAerial reconnaissanceAerobaticsAerodromeAerodrome mapping database (AMDB) – AerodynamicsAerofoilAerodrome beaconAeronautical Information Manual (AIM) – Aeronautical chartAeronautical Message Handling SystemAeronautical phraseologyAeronauticsAerospaceAerospace engineeringAfterburnerAgile Combat Employment (ACE) – AileronAir CharterAir defense identification zone (ADIZ) – Air Freight TerminalAir traffic flow managementAir-augmented rocketAirbandAirbaseAirborne collision avoidance systemAircraft canopyAircraft maintenance engineer (AME) – Aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) – Aircraft registrationAircraftAircraft catapultAircraft engine controlsAircraft fairingAircraft lavatoryAircraft marshallingAircraft noiseAircraft ordnanceAircraft periscopeAir data boomAirfoilAirline Transport Pilot LicenseAirlineAirlinerAirmissAir navigationAir observation postAirport/Facility Directory (A/FD) – AirparkAirport - Airports CommissionAviation safetyAir routeAirshipAirshowAirspace classesAirspeedAirspeed indicatorAir-start systemAir traffic controlAir traffic controllers' strike of 1981Air-to-ground communicationAir turborocketAltimeterAltiportAltitudeAngel FlightAngle of attackAngle of incidenceAnhedralAnti-collision lightAnti-torque pedals (Helicopter rudder pedals) – Arresting gearArtificial horizonAspect ratio (wing)Assisted take-offAstrodomeAttitude indicatorAutoflareAutolandAutomatic dependent surveillance – broadcastAutomatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) – Autorotation (helicopter)Autorotation (fixed-wing aircraft)AutopilotAviationAviation archaeologyAviation communicationAviation historyAviation light signalsAviation medical examiner (AME) – Aviation parts tagAviation safetyAviation systemAviatorAviator call signAvionicsAuxiliary power unit

B

Balloon (aircraft)Bird strikeBlast padBlimpBolterBoundary layerBrevity codeBrodie landing systemBubble canopy – §Bypass ratio

C

CanardCarrier onboard deliveryCenter of gravity (aircraft)Chord (aircraft)Chosen instrumentCircuit (airfield)Civil Air Patrol (US Air Force Auxiliary) – Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – Clear-air turbulenceCloaking deviceCockpitCockpit voice recorderCoefficient of liftCoefficient of momentCollectiveCommercial pilot licenseCommon-use self-service (CUSS) – CompassCompression liftCompressor stallContour flyingControlled airspaceCVFRConvertiplaneCowlingCrab landingCrash position indicatorCross controlCTAFCyclic

D

Deep stallDelta wingDihedralDistance measuring equipment (DME) – DownwashDragDrag-reducing aerospikeDrop zoneDual controlDucted fanDutch roll

E

ElevatorElevonEmergency locator beaconEmergency locator transmitter ELT – Empennage (tail section) – Enhanced flight vision system (EFVS/EVS) – ETOPSExperimental aircraftExternal vision system (XVS) – Eurocontrol (European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation) – Empty weightEnvironmental and climate impacts of aviation

F

Fail-safeFederal Aviation Administration (FAA – US authority) – Fixed-base operatorFlame holderFlameoutFlapFlightFlight computerFlight control surfacesFlight data recorderFlight deckFlight envelope protectionFlight information regionFlight instrumentsFlight lengthFlight levelFlight management system (FMS) – Flight planFlight planningFlight simulatorFlight trainingFlight timeFly-by-wireFlyingFlying carFlying familiesFly-inFlying PlatformFlying wingFolding wingForm drag - From the Ground Up (book) – Formation light - Flight information serviceFuel control unit

G

Geared turbofanGeneral aviationg-LOCG-suitGlass cockpitGlide pathGlider aircraftGlider (sailplane)Glider pilot certificateGlidingGluhareff Pressure JetGo aroundGPSGreat-circle distanceGround Air Emergency CodeGround carriageGround effectGround support equipmentGust lockGyrodyne

H

HardstandHeading indicatorHead-up displayHold (aviation)History of aviationHelicopterHelicopter flight controlsHorseshoe vortexHypermobilityHypersonic flight

I

ICAO spelling alphabetIon-propelled aircraftInertial Navigation SystemInfrared signatureInstrument flight rules (IFR) – Instrument landing system (ILS) – Instrument ratingIndicated airspeedIntake/Inlet blankIntake rampInternational Air Transport Association (IATA) – International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) – Integrated engine pressure ratio (IEPR) – Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) – International Fighter Pilots Academy (IFPA) - Instrument meteorological conditions

J

Jet AirlinerJet blast deflectorJet engineJetlinerJet washJetwayJoint-use airportJoystick

K

Kneeboard

L

LandingLanding lightsLanding TLanding zoneLeading-edge extension (LEVCON) – Lift (force)Lift-induced dragLight-sport aircraftLow-altitude parachute-extraction system

M

MachmeterMach tuckMagnetic chip detectorMaintenanceMETARMeteorologyMaintenance, repair and overhaulMinimum interval takeoff (MITO) – MobilityMoving map display (MMD) – Multi-function display (MFD)

N

NACA ductNacelleNanolightNautical airmileNaval air stationNaval outlying landing fieldNaval aviationNavigation - Navigation lightNo-fly zoneNon-directional beacon (NDB) – Non-towered airportNight aviation regulations in the USNOTAM

O

Oleo strutOperational Readiness Platform (ORP) – Oshkosh AirshowOverhead join

P

Performance and weather minimaPerformance envelopePersonal air vehiclePhugoidPilot controlled lightingPilot licensesPilot licensing and certificationPilot reports (PIREPS) – Plane guardPowered liftPrecision approach path indicatorPrecooled jet enginePrivate pilot licenseProne pilotPropellerPropelling nozzlePropfanPulsejetPushback (aviation)

Q

Quick access recorderQFEQNHQ codeQTOL

R

RadarRadar intercept officerRadio beaconRadar blipRadar cross-sectionRadar lock-onRadar warning receiverRamjetReaction engineReaction propulsionReady roomReciprocating enginesRed squareReduced take-off and landing (RTOL) – Relaxed stabilityRemove before flight tagRIATRoadable aircraftRocket turbine engineRogallo wingRotating detonation engineRoute structureRudderRuddervatorRule of three (aviation)RunwayRun-up (aviation)

S

Satellite airfieldScramjetSeaplane baseSecond line - Sectional chartShock diamondShcramjetSignal squareSpatial disorientationSparSpin (flight)Spoiler (aeronautics)Spy basketSlatsSlip landingspecific fuel consumption (propeller engines) – Specific fuel consumption (thrust) (jet engines) – Sport pilot certificateStabilatorStaggerStall (flight)Standard dayStealth aircraftStick shakerSTOLportStrike packageStudent pilot certificateSupercruiseSupermaneuverabilitySwedish Civil Aviation AdministrationSwing-wing

T

T-tailTabletop runwayTactical beacon (TACBE) – Tailess aircraftTailhookTakeoffTakeoff/go-around switchTarget blipTaxiingTaxiwayTen-codeTerminal area chartThrust vectoringTraffic pattern indicatorTransatlantic flightTrim tabTrue airspeedTurbine engineTurn and bank indicator

U

Uncontrolled airport (see Non-towered airport) – Uncontrolled airspaceUnderground hangarUrban Air Mobility

V

V speedsV-tailValveless pulsejetVariable cycle engineVenturi effectVertical speed indicatorVertical stabilizer (fin) – Visual approach slope indicator (VASI) – Visual flight rules (VFR) – VNEVOR VHF omni-range (type of navigational beacon) - Visual meteorological conditions

W

War emergency powerWaveriderWaypointWayportWheel chockWide-body aircraftWind shearWingWingtip vorticesWingboxWingless Electromagnetic Air VehicleWingletWorld aeronautical chart

Y

Yaw angleYaw stringYehudi lights

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aircraft</span> Vehicle or machine that is able to fly by gaining support from the air

An aircraft is a vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air. It counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or, in a few cases, direct downward thrust from its engines. Common examples of aircraft include airplanes, helicopters, airships, gliders, paramotors, and hot air balloons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Avionics</span> Electronic systems used on aircraft

Avionics are the electronic systems used on aircraft. Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems, and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to perform individual functions. These can be as simple as a searchlight for a police helicopter or as complicated as the tactical system for an airborne early warning platform.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Instrument flight rules</span> Civil aviation regulations for flight on instruments

In aviation, instrument flight rules (IFR) is one of two sets of regulations governing all aspects of civil aviation aircraft operations; the other is visual flight rules (VFR).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fixed-wing aircraft</span> Heavier-than-air aircraft with fixed wings generating aerodynamic lift

A fixed-wing aircraft is a heavier-than-air flying machine, such as an airplane, which is capable of flight using aerodynamic lift. Fixed-wing aircraft are distinct from rotary-wing aircraft, and ornithopters. The wings of a fixed-wing aircraft are not necessarily rigid; kites, hang gliders, variable-sweep wing aircraft, and airplanes that use wing morphing are all classified as fixed-wing aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flight instruments</span> Instruments in an aircrafts cockpit which provide the pilot with crucial information during flight

Flight instruments are the instruments in the cockpit of an aircraft that provide the pilot with data about the flight situation of that aircraft, such as altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, heading and much more other crucial information in flight. They improve safety by allowing the pilot to fly the aircraft in level flight, and make turns, without a reference outside the aircraft such as the horizon. Visual flight rules (VFR) require an airspeed indicator, an altimeter, and a compass or other suitable magnetic direction indicator. Instrument flight rules (IFR) additionally require a gyroscopic pitch-bank, direction and rate of turn indicator, plus a slip-skid indicator, adjustable altimeter, and a clock. Flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) require radio navigation instruments for precise takeoffs and landings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stall (fluid dynamics)</span> Abrupt reduction in lift due to flow separation

In fluid dynamics, a stall is a reduction in the lift coefficient generated by a foil as angle of attack increases. This occurs when the critical angle of attack of the foil is exceeded. The critical angle of attack is typically about 15°, but it may vary significantly depending on the fluid, foil, and Reynolds number.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flight</span> Process by which an object moves, through an atmosphere or beyond it

Flight or flying is the process by which an object moves through a space without contacting any planetary surface, either within an atmosphere or through the vacuum of outer space. This can be achieved by generating aerodynamic lift associated with gliding or propulsive thrust, aerostatically using buoyancy, or by ballistic movement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Landing</span> Transition from being in flight to being on a surface

Landing is the last part of a flight, where a flying animal, aircraft, or spacecraft returns to the ground. When the flying object returns to water, the process is called alighting, although it is commonly called "landing", "touchdown" or "splashdown" as well. A normal aircraft flight would include several parts of flight including taxi, takeoff, climb, cruise, descent and landing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Airspeed indicator</span> Flight instrument

The airspeed indicator (ASI) or airspeed gauge is a flight instrument indicating the airspeed of an aircraft in kilometres per hour (km/h), knots (kn), miles per hour (MPH) and/or metres per second (m/s). The recommendation by ICAO is to use km/h, however knots is currently the most used unit. The ASI measures the pressure differential between static pressure from the static port, and total pressure from the pitot tube. This difference in pressure is registered with the ASI pointer on the face of the instrument.

The basic principles of air navigation are identical to general navigation, which includes the process of planning, recording, and controlling the movement of a craft from one place to another.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Autopilot</span> System to maintain vehicle trajectory in lieu of direct operator command

An autopilot is a system used to control the path of an aircraft, marine craft or spacecraft without requiring constant manual control by a human operator. Autopilots do not replace human operators. Instead, the autopilot assists the operator's control of the vehicle, allowing the operator to focus on broader aspects of operations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indicated airspeed</span> Displayed on the airspeed indicator on an aircraft

Indicated airspeed (IAS) is the airspeed of an aircraft as measured by its pitot-static system and displayed by the airspeed indicator (ASI). This is the pilots' primary airspeed reference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aviation safety</span> State in which risks associated with aviation are at an acceptable level

Aviation safety is the study and practice of managing risks in aviation. This includes preventing aviation accidents and incidents through research, educating air travel personnel, passengers and the general public, as well as the design of aircraft and aviation infrastructure. The aviation industry is subject to significant regulation and oversight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Airplane</span> Powered, flying vehicle with wings

An airplane or aeroplane, informally plane, is a fixed-wing aircraft that is propelled forward by thrust from a jet engine, propeller, or rocket engine. Airplanes come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and wing configurations. The broad spectrum of uses for airplanes includes recreation, transportation of goods and people, military, and research. Worldwide, commercial aviation transports more than four billion passengers annually on airliners and transports more than 200 billion tonne-kilometers of cargo annually, which is less than 1% of the world's cargo movement. Most airplanes are flown by a pilot on board the aircraft, but some are designed to be remotely or computer-controlled such as drones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Helicopter flight controls</span> Instruments used in helicopter flight

Helicopter flight controls are used to achieve and maintain controlled aerodynamic helicopter flight. Changes to the aircraft flight control system transmit mechanically to the rotor, producing aerodynamic effects on the rotor blades that make the helicopter move in a desired way. To tilt forward and back (pitch) or sideways (roll) requires that the controls alter the angle of attack of the main rotor blades cyclically during rotation, creating differing amounts of lift at different points in the cycle. To increase or decrease overall lift requires that the controls alter the angle of attack for all blades collectively by equal amounts at the same time, resulting in ascent, descent, acceleration and deceleration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gyrodyne</span> Type of VTOL aircraft

A gyrodyne is a type of VTOL aircraft with a helicopter rotor-like system that is driven by its engine for takeoff and landing only, and includes one or more conventional propeller or jet engines to provide forward thrust during cruising flight. During forward flight the rotor is unpowered and free-spinning, like an autogyro, and lift is provided by a combination of the rotor and conventional wings. The gyrodyne is one of a number of similar concepts which attempt to combine helicopter-like low-speed performance with conventional fixed-wing high-speeds, including tiltrotors and tiltwings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">V speeds</span> Standard terms to define airspeeds

In aviation, V-speeds are standard terms used to define airspeeds important or useful to the operation of all aircraft. These speeds are derived from data obtained by aircraft designers and manufacturers during flight testing for aircraft type-certification. Using them is considered a best practice to maximize aviation safety, aircraft performance, or both.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glider (sailplane)</span> Type of aircraft used in the sport of gliding

A glider or sailplane is a type of glider aircraft used in the leisure activity and sport of gliding. This unpowered aircraft can use naturally occurring currents of rising air in the atmosphere to gain altitude. Sailplanes are aerodynamically streamlined and so can fly a significant distance forward for a small decrease in altitude.

The minimum control speed (VMC) of a multi-engine aircraft is a V-speed that specifies the calibrated airspeed below which directional or lateral control of the aircraft can no longer be maintained, after the failure of one or more engines. The VMC only applies if at least one engine is still operative, and will depend on the stage of flight. Indeed, multiple VMCs have to be calculated for landing, air travel, and ground travel, and there are more still for aircraft with four or more engines. These are all included in the aircraft flight manual of all multi-engine aircraft. When design engineers are sizing an airplane's vertical tail and flight control surfaces, they have to take into account the effect this will have on the airplane's minimum control speeds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Airlines Flight 863</span> 1998 aviation incident

Not to be confused with one of the aircraft featured in Air Canada flight 759