Aviation Terms and Definitions

False Horizon When the only or most distinct visual reference is a cloud formation, it can be confused with the horizon or the ground. A sloping cloud deck that extends into a pilot's peripheral vision will appear to be horizontal. VASI Visual approach slope indicators provides visual descent guidance during the approach to a runway. The lights are arranged in bars and vary in number from two to 16. Spatial Disorientation Spatial disorientation is an erroneous sense or mistaken perception of one's position and motion relative to the earth. Deicing Is used after ice has built up to an appreciable amount. Typically this includes surface deice equipment. ADDS Aviation Digital Data Service AGTP Aircraft Gas Turbine Powerplants Sterile Cockpit Complacency and lack of attention are the enemies of MAC avoidance strategies. To keep crews focused, airlines mandate a “sterile cockpit” at altitudes below 10,000 feet AGL; that is, all conversation not pertaining to operation of the aircraft is forbidden during these times. Vestibular Illusions In the absence of visual reference, we rely on our vestibular system to keep us oriented. But as previously explained, this system is totally unreliable for this purpose when in motion. Anti-icing Is turned on before the flight enters icing conditions. Typically this includes carburetor heat, prop heat, pitot eat, fuel vent heat, windshield heat, and fluid surface deicers (in some cases). Then when the boots deflate, a “bridge” of ice remains that cannot be shed during the next inflation cycle. Although some residual ice may remain after a boot Structural Ice Pressure on the elevator may help to reattach airflow to the aileron. How quickly a surface collects ice depends in part on its shape. Thin, modern wings will be more critical with ice on them than thick, older wing sections.

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	Did You Know?
	Aviation Insurance loss (Aircraft Hull and Liability, War Risks, and Hangar) totals are very high from 1990-1998 Hull loss value ($M) of Western built aircraft - total losses and major partial losses Source: Aviation Insurance Offices Association (AIOA) Losses totaled since 1990 $6.565 billion dollars.