Aviation Vocabulary
What does “squawk” mean in aviation?
A four-digit transponder code used to identify aircraft
What is the first thing a pilot should do in an emergency?
Aviate – maintain control of the aircraft.
What does “Cleared for takeoff” mean?
The aircraft has ATC permission to begin its takeoff roll.
Who was the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic?
Amelia Earhart
What is the primary function of the fuselage?
To hold passengers, cargo, and fuel.
This is the term for turbulence caused by an aircraft’s wingtip vortices
Wake turbulence
What is the meaning of "V1 speed"?
The decision speed for takeoff.
Translate the ATC term “Roger.”
Message received and understood
What year did the Wright brothers make their first powered flight?
1903
What are the flaps on the wings used for?
To increase lift during takeoff and landing
What is a “holding pattern”?
A racetrack-shaped flight path flown while waiting for ATC clearance.
Describe the purpose of CRM (Cockpit Resource Management)
Ensuring effective teamwork and communication in the cockpit.
What’s the purpose of the “readback” procedure?
To confirm instructions to avoid miscommunication.
What was the Concorde’s maximum cruising speed?
Mach 2 – twice the speed of sound.
What part of the aircraft controls pitch?
The elevator
What does ATIS stand for?
Automatic Terminal Information Service
What’s the difference between "mayday" and "pan-pan"?
Mayday is for immediate danger; pan-pan is for urgency but no immediate threat.
What is the ICAO phonetic alphabet for the letter "S"?
Sierra
What airline introduced the first commercial jetliner?
BOAC with the de Havilland Comet.
What are thrust reversers used for?
To slow down the aircraft after landing.
Define “fuel jettisoning.”
Releasing fuel to reduce weight for emergency landings.
What does a “go-around” mean during landing?
Aborting the landing approach to try again.
What does ATC say to direct an aircraft to descend?
Descend and maintain [altitude]
What was the name of the first plane to fly around the world non-stop?
Voyager
What’s the difference between the ailerons and the rudder?
Ailerons control roll, and the rudder controls yaw.