Glossary

Outside of commercial operations, aircraft are required to undergo a series of non-revenue test flights to verify particular aspects of airworthiness. The requirement to ensure airworthiness of an aircraft can be sought by different personnel or organizations. A term used to describe such test flights are referred to as an “Acceptance Flight”, in which the … Read more

During the descent and approach phase of flight, there is a transition and shift in relation to the speed and altitude of the aircraft. During the approach and landing phases, there is a need for the aircraft to decelerate in terms of airspeed in order to enter the necessary landing configuration – this includes the … Read more

In the aviation industry, there are a plethora of acronyms that pilots use to remember key elements of checklists and procedures. In the world of IFR, there is a criterion in regards to onboard equipment that is required to be operational when flying on instruments. Perhaps the most useful acronym to keep in mind when … Read more

On aircraft which fly at high-level altitudes, pressurization systems are required in order for the occupants to breathe. Pressurization systems are comprised of a balance between providing sufficient oxygen levels to those onboard while placing minimal stress on the aircraft’s structure. With these pressurization systems, there are numerous terms used to address the key components … Read more

ILS is by far the most commonly available instrument approach available in North America and Europe. The precision and ubiquitous infrastructure of this system make it ideal for instrument approaches. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a prospective replacement for ILS emerged in the form of a system known as the Microwave Landing System … Read more

Under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), there are a number of different instrument approaches which may be performed, depending on the airport’s infrastructure and the aircraft’s capabilities. Two forms of instrument approaches are an ILS – short for Instrument Landing System, and LOC – which stands for the localizer. The difference between an ILS and LOC … Read more

When recording specific technical details pertinent to an aircraft and/or components, there are numerous abbreviations used to measure certain maintenance parameters. Two of the most commonly used terms which are often seen on aircraft records are SMOH (Since Major Overhaul) and SFOH (Since Factory Overhaul). The key difference between these two terms is that SMOH … Read more

In relation to navigational aids, there are various forms of equipment utilized. The various navigational aids available have different functions and operational uses. The key difference between a VOR and VORTAC is that the VORTAC merges the VOR and TACAN stations into one navigational aid. A VORTAC station consists of the two stations (VOR and … Read more

During an in-flight incident, there may be a need for the aircraft to land as soon as possible due to an emergency. In this instance, pilots will select an internationally recognized signal on the transponder to communicate this. This code is 7700 – a code used to indicate an aircraft in a general emergency. This … Read more