Aviation Terms and Definitions

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. Wake Turbulence Wake turbulence is a concern whenever small aircraft share an airport with larger ones. The powerful vortices that spiral off the wing tips of heavier aircraft—turboprops and business jets, as well as airliners— can suddenly and unexpectedly toss a small airplane out of control. Flashing green Cleared for taxi or Return for landing (to be followed by steady green at the proper time) REILs Runway end identifier lights Airport Lighting (For further information and a complete set of approach consist of a pair of synchronized flashing lights located on each side of the runway threshold. 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 Autokinesis At night, a stationary dim light against a dark background will appear to move if a pilot visually fixates on the light for about six to 12 seconds. Tail Stall The horizontal stabilizer balances the tendency of the nose to pitch down by generating downward lift on the tail of the aircraft. When the tail stalls, this downward force is lessened or removed, and the nose of the airplane can severely pitch down. Inversion Illusion An abrupt change from climb to straight-and-level flight can excessively stimulate the sensory organs for gravity and linear acceleration, creating the illusion of tumbling backwards. Steady red Stop or Give way to other aircraft and continue circling Runway Incursion

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	Did You Know?
	National Transportation Safety Board ("NTSB") is a federal agency that investigates plane crashes They are charged with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States. Its jurisdiction also includes trains and other vehicle accidents as well. The NTSB also issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. The NTSB maintains the government's database on civil aviation accidents and conducts special studies of transportation safety issues of national significance.