Optimum Altitude- The best aircraft cruise altitude for a given weight and corresponding air temperature. An increase in temperature will lower the level of altitude capability and the optimum altitude. In technical terms, optimum altitude is defined as the altitude at which the equivalent airspeed for a thrust setting will equal the square root [...]
Aviation Glossary Mission Statement
Datum – An aircraft datum line is an imaginary vertical plane or line from which all horizontal measurements of arm are taken, generally for balance purposes. Once the datum has been selected, all moment arms and the location of CG range are measured from this point and the weight and balance may be calculated. The [...]
A feathered aircraft propeller is a controllable – variable pitch propeller with a range sufficient enough to allow the blades to be turned parallel to the line of flight to reduce drag. This is done in the case of engine failure and is called feathering the prop. The goal of Aircraft Feathering Propellers is to [...]
Surface Movement Guidance Control Systems (SMGCS) refer to a systems used in Airports containing lighting, signs, and markings that allows an aircraft to operate to and from the runway in very low visibility in a controlled and safe manner. The SMGCS provides guidance to and control of aircraft, ground vehicles, and personnel on the movement [...]
The attribute of an Aircraft structure that permits it to retain its required residual strength for a period of unrepaired use after the failure or partial failure of a principal structural element.
The period of time (in flight cycles or flight hours, or both) established at design and/or certification of the aircraft during which the airplane structure is anticipated to be reasonably free from significant cracking.
The attribute of an Aircraft structure that permits it to retain its required residual strength for a period of use, generally take off and landing cycles, after the structure has sustained a given level of fatigue, corrosion, or accidental or discrete source damage.
in relation to a piston engine Constant Speed Unit (CSU) or Manual Propeller Pitch Control the term “Full Throttle Height”. Where the term critical height may refer to superchareged or turbo charged engines a naturally aspirated will get to a “Full Throttle Height.” Thank you to Mark Munn for adding this definition
FAAglossary.com has posted a list of definitions related to the certification of pressurized engine components. the FAA death missions from advisory circular 33.64-1 include Burst, Failure, Fracture, Hazardous condition, Normal working pressure, Maximum working pressure, Maximum possible pressure, Most critically stressed engine condition. The list may be accessed at FAAglossary.com
Live Black Box – A Live Black Box provides in-flight telemetry data transmitted from the aircraft to ground stations, such as the aircraft manufacturer or airline operator. This may include telemetry data, such as the data that is contained in the aircraft FDR -flight data recorder. The Bombardier C series is the first airliner scheduled [...]