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.
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S

Standard empty weight (GAMA).

This weight consists of the airframe, engines, and all items of operating equipment that have fixed locations and are permanently installed in the airplane including fixed ballast, hydraulic fluid, unusable fuel, and full engine oil.

Standard service volume (SSV).

Defines the limits of the volume of airspace which the VOR serves.

Standard weights.

Weights established for numerous items involved in weight and balance computations. These weights should not be used if actual weights are available.

Static longitudinal stability.

The aerodynamic pitching moments required to return the aircraft to the equilibrium angle of attack.

Static pressure.

Pressure of air that is still or not moving, measured perpendicular to the surface of the aircraft.

Static stability.

The initial tendency an aircraft displays when disturbed from a state of equilibrium.

Station.

A location in the airplane that is identified by a number designating its distance in inches from the datum. The datum is, therefore, identified as station zero. An item located at station +50 would have an arm of 50 inches.

Stationary front.

A front that is moving at a speed of less than 5 knots.

Steep turns.

In instrument flight, any turn greater than standard rate; in visual flight, anything greater than a 45° bank.

Stratosphere.

A layer of the atmosphere above the tropopause extending to a height of approximately 160,000 feet.

Stress management.

The personal analysis of the kinds of stress experienced while flying, the application of appropriate stress assessment tools, and other coping mechanisms.

Stress management.

The personal analysis of the kinds of stress experienced while flying, the application of appropriate stress assessment tools, and other coping mechanisms.

Stress.

The body’s response to demands placed upon it.

Stress.

The body’s response to demands placed upon it.

Structural icing.

The accumulation of ice on the exterior of the aircraft.