Glossary

This glossary contains information on terms, phrases and abbreviations used by the Aviation industry. While this list does not include all aviation terminology, it is the purpose of this glossary to aid the general viewer in better understanding aviation terms as it pertains to content on this website. A full list of aviation terminology can be found here.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

T

T-tail.

An aircraft with the horizontal stabilizer mounted on the top of the vertical stabilizer, forming a T.

TACAN.

See tactical air navigation.

An electronic navigation system used by military aircraft, providing both distance and direction information.

Takeoff decision speed (V1).

Per 14 CFR section 23.51: “the calibrated airspeed on the ground at which, as a result of engine failure or other reasons, the pilot assumed to have made a decision to continue or discontinue the takeoff.”

Takeoff distance.

The distance required to complete an all-engines operative takeoff to the 35-foot height. It must be at least 15 percent less than the distance required for a one-engine inoperative engine takeoff. This distance is not normally a limiting factor as it is usually less than the one-engine inoperative takeoff distance.

Takeoff safety speed (V2).

Per 14 CFR part 1: “A referenced airspeed obtained after lift-off at which the required one-engine-inoperative climb performance can be achieved.”

TAWS.

See terrain awareness and warning system.

Taxiway lights.

Omnidirectional lights that outline the edges of the taxiway and are blue in color.

Taxiway turnoff lights.

Lights that are flush with the runway which emit a steady green color.

TCAS.

See traffic alert collision avoidance system.

TEC.

See Tower En Route Control.

Technique.

The manner in which procedures are executed.

Telephone information briefing service (TIBS).

Telephone recording of area and/or route meteorological briefings, airspace procedures, and special aviation-oriented announcements.

Temporary flight restriction (TFR).

Restriction to flight imposed in order to: 1. Protect persons and property in the air or on the surface from an existing or imminent flight associated hazard;2. Provide a safe environment for the operation of disaster relief aircraft; 3. Prevent an unsafe congestion of sightseeing aircraft above an incident; 4. Protect the President, Vice President, or other public figures; and, 5. Provide a safe environment for space agency operations. Pilots are expected to check appropriate NOTAMs during flight planning when conducting flight in an area where a temporary flight restriction is in effect.

Tension.

Maintaining an excessively strong grip on the control column, usually resulting in an overcontrolled situation.