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

S

Structural icing.

The accumulation of ice on the exterior of the aircraft.

Sublimation.

Process by which a solid is changed to a gas without going through the liquid state.

Sublimation.

Process by which a solid is changed to a gas without going through the liquid state.

Suction relief valve.

A relief valve in an instrument vacuum system required to maintain the correct low pressure inside the instrument case for the proper operation of the gyros.

Suction relief valve.

A relief valve in an instrument vacuum system required to maintain the correct low pressure inside the instrument case for the proper operation of the gyros.

Supercharger.

An engine- or exhaust-driven air compressor used to provide additional pressure to the induction air so the engine can produce additional power.

Supercharger.

An engine- or exhaust-driven air compressor used to provide additional pressure to the induction air so the engine can produce additional power.

Supercooled water droplets.

Water droplets that have been cooled below the freezing point, but are still in a liquid state.

Supercooled water droplets.

Water droplets that have been cooled below the freezing point, but are still in a liquid state.

Surface analysis chart.

A report that depicts an analysis of the current surface weather. Shows the areas of high and low pressure, fronts, temperatures, dewpoints, wind directions and speeds, local weather, and visual obstructions.

Surface analysis chart.

A report that depicts an analysis of the current surface weather. Shows the areas of high and low pressure, fronts, temperatures, dewpoints, wind directions and speeds, local weather, and visual obstructions.

Synchro.

A device used to transmit indications of angular movement or position from one location to another.

Synchro.

A device used to transmit indications of angular movement or position from one location to another.

Synthetic vision.

A realistic display depiction of the aircraft in relation to terrain and flight path.

Synthetic vision.

A realistic display depiction of the aircraft in relation to terrain and flight path.