Aiport Basics
This is the long paved area where airplanes take off and land
What is a runway?
This part of the airplane creates lift.
What are the wings?
Pilots use this device to communicate with air traffic control.
What is a radio?
Even without engine power, an airplane can continue moving through the air this way.
What is gliding?
Opening this during a normal commercial flight is essentially impossible because of cabin pressure.
What is the airplane door?
This building is where passengers check in, go through security, and wait for flights.
What is a terminal?
This part of the airplane provides thrust.
What is an engine?
This word means a pilot has permission to do something.
What is cleared?
Pilots generally avoid this type of weather because it can contain strong winds, lightning, hail, and severe turbulence.
What is a thunderstorm?
This bumpy condition may feel dangerous, but it is usually more uncomfortable than hazardous.
What is turbulence?
This person directs airplanes in the air and on the ground.
What is an ATC?
This is the area at the front of the airplane where the pilots sit.
What is a cockpit?
This emergency word is used when an aircraft is in serious danger.
What is mayday?
If the weather suddenly becomes unsafe, a pilot may choose to change course and land at a different airport instead of continuing.
What is diverting?
Many people think this has to be turned off because it can interfere with the airplane, but modern aircraft systems are generally well shielded from it.
What is a cell phone?
This is where you usually pick up your suitcase after a flight.
What is baggage claim?
This word describes bumpy air during a flight.
What is turbulence?
Pilots use this list to make sure they do not forget important steps.
What is a checklist?
During takeoff and landing, pilots prefer to face this direction relative to the wind because it improves aircraft performance.
What is into the wind?
Many people think airplane toilets dump waste into the sky, but the waste is actually stored here until the aircraft lands.
What is a holding tank?
These three letters identify many airports, such as LAX or JFK.
What is an airport code?
This force pulls an airplane toward the ground.
What is gravity?
Before taking off, pilots often check this to make sure conditions are safe.
What is weather?
This happens when the wing can no longer produce enough lift because the angle between the wing and the airflow becomes too great.
What is a stall?
Many people think airplane cabin air is “stale,” but modern airliners constantly replace and filter it using this type of system.
What is a recirculation and HEPA filtration system?