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

C

Control pressures

The amount of physical exertion on the control column necessary to achieve the desired attitude.

Controllability

A measure of the response of an aircraft relative to the pilot’s flight control inputs.

Controlled airspace

A measure of the response of an aircraft relative to the pilot’s flight control inputs.

Controlled airspace

An airspace of defined dimensions within which ATC service is provided to IFR and VFR flights in accordance with the airspace classification. It includes Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E airspace.

Convective SIGMET

Weather advisory concerning convective weather significant to the safety of all aircraft, including thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes.

Convective weather

Unstable, rising air found in cumuliform clouds.

Conventional landing gear

Landing gear employing a third rear-mounted wheel. These airplanes are also sometimes referred to as tailwheel airplanes.

Coordinated flight.

Flight with a minimum disturbance of the forces maintaining equilibrium, established via effective control use.

COP

See changeover point

Coriolis illusion

The illusion of rotation or movement in an entirely different axis, caused by an abrupt head movement, while in a prolonged constant-rate turn that has ceased to stimulate the brain’s motion sensing system.

Coupled ailerons and rudder

Rudder and ailerons are connected with interconnected springs in order to counteract adverse yaw. Can be overridden if it becomes necessary to slip the aircraft.

Course

The intended direction of flight in the horizontal plane measured in degrees from north.

Cowl flaps

Shutter-like devices arranged around certain air-cooled engine cowlings, which may be opened or closed to regulate the flow of air around the engine.

Crew resource management (CRM)

The application of team management concepts in the flight deck environment. It was initially known as cockpit resource management, but as CRM programs evolved to include cabin crews, maintenance personnel, and others, the phrase “crew resource management” was adopted. This includes single pilots, as in most general aviation aircraft. Pilots of small aircraft, as well as crews of larger aircraft, must make effective use of all available resources; human resources, hardware, and information. A current definition includes all groups routinely working with the flight crew who are involved in decisions required to operate a flight safely. These groups include, but are not limited to pilots, dispatchers, cabin crewmembers, maintenance personnel, and air traffic controllers. CRM is one way of addressing the challenge of optimizing the human/machine interface and accompanying interpersonal activities

Critical altitude

The maximum altitude under standard atmospheric conditions at which a turbocharged engine can produce its rated horsepower.