Glossary
Discover the vocabulary of aeronautics!
Aerodrome circuit
Rectangular flight path followed by aircraft for approach and landing.
Aircraft
Any machine capable of rising and moving through the air (airplane, helicopter, hot air balloon, etc.)
ATPL
Airline Transport Pilot License – The highest level of pilot certification.
Control stick
Primary flight control used to manage pitch and roll.
Control stick
Group of fixed and movable surfaces at the rear of the aircraft (rudder and elevator).
Empennage
Movable surfaces that increase lift and drag during low-speed flight phases.
Gust
Sudden, brief increase in wind speed.
IFR
Instrument Flight Rules – Regulations for flying in low visibility using instruments.
LAPL
Light Aircraft Pilot License – European license for light aircraft pilots.
Load factor
Ratio between lift and aircraft weight, expressed in “g”.
Nacelle
Engine housing that encloses the engine and its accessories.
Nose-up attitude
Position of the aircraft when the nose is raised above the horizon.
PPL
Private Pilot License – License allowing private/recreational flying.
Rudder pedals
Foot-operated controls used to steer the rudder.
Runway heading
Magnetic orientation of the runway in degrees (e.g., runway 09/27).
Solo
Flight performed alone by a student pilot – a major milestone in training.
Stall
Phenomenon where the wing loses lift due to an excessive angle of attack.
Traffic pattern
Exercise involving a full circuit around the aerodrome.
Ultralight (ULM)
Ultra-light aircraft – Light category aircraft with simplified regulations.
VFR
Visual Flight Rules – Flight rules requiring sufficient visibility.