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Aviation Dictionary

Reference:

1 Airplane Flying Handbook
2 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
3 Instrument Procedures Handbook
4 Risk Management Handbook
5 Aviation Instructor Handbook
6 Seaplane Handbook
7 Balloon Handbook
8 Aeronautical Information Manual
9 Airplane Flying Handbook
10 Pilot Controller Glossary
11 Glider Handbook

P

P-static

2 See precipitation static.

5 See precipitation static.

PAPI

2 See precision approach path indicator.

5 See precision approach path indicator.

PAR

2 See precision approach radar.

5 See precision approach radar.

Parallels

2 Lines of latitude.

Parasite drag

1 That part of total drag created by the design or shape of airplane parts. Parasite drag increases with an increase in airspeed.

2 Drag caused by the friction of air moving over the aircraft structure; its amount varies directly with the airspeed.

5 Drag caused by the friction of air moving over the aircraft structure; its amount varies directly with the airspeed.

12 Drag caused by any aircraft surface that deflects or interferes with the smooth airflow around the airplane.

Payload (GAMA)

1 The weight of occupants, cargo, and baggage.

2 The weight of occupants, cargo, and baggage.

Perceptions

7 The basis of all learning, perceptions result when a person gives meaning to external stimuli or sensations. Meaning derived from perception is influenced by an individual’s experience and many other factors.

Performance-based objectives

7 A statement of purpose for a lesson or instructional period that includes three elements: a description of the skill or behavior desired of the learner, a set of conditions under which the measurement will be taken, and a set of criteria describing the standard used to measure accomplishment of the objective.

Personal computer-based aviation training device (PCATD)

7 A device which uses software which can be displayed on a personal computer to replicate the instrument panel of an airplane. A PCATD must replicate a type of airplane or family of airplanes and meet the virtual control requirements specified in Advisory Circular (AC) 61-126.

Personality

2 The embodiment of personal traits and characteristics of an individual that are set at a very early age and extremely resistant to change.

7 The embodiment of personal traits and characteristics of an individual that are set at a very early age and are extremely resistant to change.

P-factor

1 A tendency for an aircraft to yaw to the left due to the descending propeller blade on the right producing more thrust than the ascending blade on the left. This occurs when the aircraft’s longitudinal axis is in a climbing attitude in relation to th

2 A tendency for an aircraft to yaw to the left due to the descending propeller blade on the right producing more thrust than the ascending blade on the left. This occurs when the aircraft’s longitudinal axis is in a climbing attitude in relation to th

PFD

2 See primary flight display.

5 See primary flight display.

Phugoid oscillations

2 Long-period oscillations of an aircraft around its lateral axis. It is a slow change in pitch accompanied by equally slow changes in airspeed. Angle of attack remains constant, and the pilot often corrects for phugoid oscillations without even being

PIC

2 See pilot in command.

5 See pilot-in-command.

Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)

1 A document developed by the airplane manufacturer and contains the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) information.

Pilotage

2 Navigation by visual reference to landmarks.

12 Navigational technique based on flight by reference to ground landmarks.

Pilot error

7 Pilot action/inaction or decision/indecision causing or contributing to an accident or incident.

Pilot in command (PIC).

2 The pilot responsible for the operation and safety of an aircraft.

5 The pilot responsible for the operation and safety of an aircraft.

Pilot-induced oscillation (PIO)

12 Rapid oscillations caused by the pilot’s overcontrolled motions. PIOs usually occur on takeoff or landings with pitch-sensitive gliders and in severe cases can lead to loss of control or damage.

Pilot report (PIREP)

2 Report of meteorological phenomena encountered by aircraft.

5 Report of meteorological phenomena encountered by aircraft.

Pilot’s Operating Handbook/Airplane Flight Manual (POH/AFM)

2 FAA-approved documents published by the airframe manufacturer that list the operating conditions for a particular model of aircraft.

5 FAA-approved documents published by the airframe manufacturer that list the operating conditions for a particular model of aircraft.

PIREP

2 See pilot report.

5 See pilot report.

Piston engine

1 A reciprocating engine.

Pitch

1 The rotation of an airplane about its lateral axis, or on a propeller, the blade angle as measured from plane of rotation.

Pitch attitude

12 The angle of the longitudinal axis relative to the horizon. Pitch attitude serves as a visual reference for the pilot to maintain or change airspeed.

Pitot pressure

2 Ram air pressure used to measure airspeed.

5 Ram air pressure used to measure airspeed.

Pitot-static head

2 A combination pickup used to sample pitot pressure and static air pressure.

5 A combination pickup used to sample pitot pressure and static air pressure.

Pitot-static system

12 System that powers the airspeed altimeter and variometer by relying on air pressure differences to measure glider speed, altitude, and climb or sink rate.

Pivotal altitude

1 A specific altitude at which, when an airplane turns at a given groundspeed, a projecting of the sighting reference line to a selected point on the ground will appear to pivot on that point.

Placards

12 Small statements or pictorial signs permanently fixed in the cockpit and visible to the pilot. Placards are used for operating limitations (e.g., weight or speeds) or to indicate the position of an operating lever (e.g., landing gear retracted or down and locked).

Plan view

2 The overhead view of an approach procedure on an instrument approach chart. The plan view depicts the routes that guide the pilot from the en route segments to the IAF.

5 The overhead view of an approach procedure on an instrument approach chart. The plan view depicts the routes that guide the pilot from the en route segments to the IAF.

Planform

2 The shape or form of a wing as viewed from above. It may be long and tapered, short and rectangular, or various other shapes.

Pneumatic

2 Operation by the use of compressed air.

Pneumatic system

1 The power system in an aircraft used for operating such items as landing gear, brakes, and wing flaps with compressed air as the operating fluid.

POH/AFM

2 See Pilot’s Operating Handbook/Airplane Flight Manual.

5 See Pilot’s Operating Handbook/Airplane Flight Manual.

Point-in-space approach (PinS)

2 A type of helicopter instrument approach procedure to a missed approach point more than 2,600 feet from an associated helicopter landing area.

4 An approach normally developed to heliports that do not meet the IFR heliport design standards but meet the standards for a VFR heliport. A helicopter PinS approach can be developed using conventional NAVAIDs or RNAV systems. These procedures have either a VFR or visual segment between the MAP and the landing area. The procedure specifies a course and distance from the MAP to the heliport(s) and includes a note to proceed VFR or visually from the MAP to the heliport, or conduct the missed approa

5 A type of helicopter instrument approach procedure to a missed approach point more than 2,600 feet from an associated helicopter landing area.

Poor judgment chain

2 A series of mistakes that may lead to an accident or incident. Two basic principles generally associated with the creation of a poor judgment chain are: (1) one bad decision often leads to another; and (2) as a string of bad decisions grows, it reduc

7 A series of mistakes that may lead to an accident or incident. Two basic principles generally associated with the creation of a poor judgment chain are: (1) one bad decision often leads to another; and (2) as a string of bad decisions grows, it reduces the number of subsequent alternatives for continued safe flight. Aeronautical decision-making is intended to break the poor judgment chain before it can cause an accident or incident.

Porpoising

1 Oscillating around the lateral axis of the aircraft during landing.

Position error

2 Error in the indication of the altimeter, ASI, and VSI caused by the air at the static system entrance not being absolutely still.

5 Error in the indication of the altimeter, ASI, and VSI caused by the air at the static system entrance not being absolutely still.

Position lights

1 Lights on an aircraft consisting of a red light on the left wing, a green light on the right wing, and a white light on the tail. CFRs require that these lights be displayed in flight from sunset to sunrise.

Position report

2 A report over a known location as transmitted by an aircraft to ATC.

5 A report over a known location as transmitted by an aircraft to ATC.

Positive static stability.

1 The initial tendency to return to a state of equilibrium when disturbed from that state.

2 The initial tendency to return to a state of equilibrium when disturbed from that state.

Potential energy

1 Amount of energy due to the altitude, expressed as mgh, where m = airplane’s mass, and g = gravitational constant, and h = altitude.

Power

1 Implies work rate or units of work per unit of time, and as such, it is a function of the speed at which the force is developed. The term “power required” is generally associated with reciprocating engines.

2 Implies work rate or units of work per unit of time, and as such, it is a function of the speed at which the force is developed. The term “power required” is generally associated with reciprocating engines.

Power available

1 The airplane’s rate of energy gain due to maximum available engine thrust at a given airspeed. Expressed as TV, where T = engine thrust, and V = airspeed. Usually measured in horsepower, foot-pound per minute, or foot-pound per second.

Power distribution bus

1 See bus bar.

Power lever

1 The cockpit lever connected to the fuel control unit for scheduling fuel flow to the combustion chambers of a turbine engine.

Power required

1 The airplane’s rate of energy loss due to total drag at a given airspeed. Expressed as DV, where D = total drag, and V = airspeed. Usually measured in horsepower, foot-pound per minute, or foot-pound per second.

Powerplant

1 A complete engine and propeller combination with accessories.

2 A complete engine and propeller combination with accessories.

Practical Test Standards (PTS)

7 An FAA published list of standards which must be met for the issuance of a particular pilot certificate or rating. FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners use these standards when conducting pilot practical tests and flight instructors should use the PTS while preparing applicants for practical tests.

Practical slip limit

1 The maximum slip an aircraft is capable of performing due to rudder travel limits.

Precession

1 The tilting or turning of a gyro in response to deflective forces causing slow drifting and erroneous indications in gyroscopic instruments.

2 The characteristic of a gyroscope that causes an applied force to be felt, not at the point of application, but 90° from that point in the direction of rotation.

5 The characteristic of a gyroscope that causes an applied force to be felt, not at the point of application, but 90° from that point in the direction of rotation.

Precipitable water

12 The amount of liquid precipitation that would result if all water vapor were condensed.

Precipitation

2 Any or all forms of water particles (rain, sleet, hail, or snow) that fall from the atmosphere and reach the surface.

Precipitation static (P-static)

2 A form of radio interference caused by rain, snow, or dust particles hitting the antenna and inducing a small radio-frequency voltage into it.

5 A form of radio interference caused by rain, snow, or dust particles hitting the antenna and inducing a small radio-frequency voltage into it.

Precision approach

2 A standard instrument approach procedure in which both vertical and horizontal guidance is provided.

5 A standard instrument approach procedure in which both vertical and horizontal guidance is provided.

Precision approach path indicator (PAPI)

2 A system of lights similar to the V ASI, but consisting of one row of lights in two- or four-light systems. A pilot on the correct glideslope will see two white lights and two red lights. See VASI.

5 A system of lights similar to the V ASI, but consisting of one row of lights in two- or four-light systems. A pilot on the correct glide slope will see two white lights and two red lights. See VASI.

Precision approach radar (PAR)

2 A type of radar used at an airport to guide an aircraft through the final stages of landing, providing horizontal and vertical guidance. The radar operator directs the pilot to change heading or adjust the descent rate to keep the aircraft on a path

5 A type of radar used at an airport to guide an aircraft through the final stages of landing, providing horizontal and vertical guidance. The radar operator directs the pilot to change heading or adjust the descent rate to keep the aircraft on a path that allows it to touch down at the correct spot on the runway.

Precision runway monitor (PRM)

2 System allows simultaneous, independent instrument flight rules (IFR) approaches at airports with closely spaced parallel runways.

4 Provides air traffic controllers with high precision secondary surveillance data for aircraft on final approach to parallel runways that have extended centerlines separated by less than 4,300 feet. High resolution color monitoring displays (FMA) are required to present surveillance track data to controllers along with detailed maps depicting approaches and a no transgression zone.

5 System allows simultaneous, independent Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) approaches at airports with closely spaced parallel runways.

Preferential Departure Route (PDR)

4 A specific departure route from an airport or terminal area to an en route point where there is no further need for flow control. It may be included in an instrument Departure Procedure (DP) or a Preferred IFR Route.

Preferred IFR routes

2 Routes established in the major terminal and en route environments to increase system efficiency and capacity. IFR clearances are issued based on these routes, listed in the Chart Supplement U.S. except when severe weather avoidance procedures or oth

4 A system of preferred IFR routes guides you in planning your route of flight to minimize route changes during the operational phase of flight, and to aid in the efficient orderly management of air traffic using federal airways.

5 Routes established in the major terminal and en route environments to increase system efficiency and capacity. IFR clearances are issued based on these routes, listed in the A/FD except when severe weather avoidance procedures or other factors dictate otherwise.

Preignition

1 Ignition occurring in the cylinder before the time of normal ignition. Preignition is often caused by a local hot spot in the combustion chamber igniting the fuel/air mixture.

2 Ignition occurring in the cylinder before the time of normal ignition. Preignition is often caused by a local hot spot in the combustion chamber igniting the fuel-air mixture.

Preparation

7 The first step of the teaching process, which consists of determining the scope of the lesson, the objectives, and the goals to be attained. This portion also includes making certain all necessary supplies are on hand. When using the telling-and-doing technique of flight instruction, this step is accomplished prior to the flight lesson.

Presentation

7 The second step of the teaching process, which consists of delivering information or demonstrating the skills that make up the lesson. The delivery could be by either the lecture method or demonstration-performance method. In the telling-and-doing technique of flight instruction, this is the segment in which the instructor both talks about and performs the procedure.

Pressure altitude

1 The altitude indicated when the altimeter setting window (barometric scale) is adjusted to 29.92. This is the altitude above the standard datum plane, which is a theoretical plane where air pressure (corrected to 15 oC) equals 29.92 "Hg. Pressure alt

2 Altitude above the standard 29.92 "Hg plane.

5 Altitude above the standard 29.92" Hg plane.

12 The height above the standard pressure level of 29.92 "Hg. It is obtained by setting 29.92 in the barometric pressure window and reading the altimeter.

Pressure demand oxygen system

2 A demand oxygen system that supplies 100 percent oxygen at sufficient pressure above the altitude where normal breathing is adequate. Also referred to as a pressure breathing system.

Pretest

7 A test used to determine whether a learner has the necessary qualifications to begin a course of study. Also used to determine the level of knowledge a learner has in relation to the material that will be presented in the course.

Prevailing visibility

2 The greatest horizontal visibility equaled or exceeded throughout at least half the horizon circle (which is not necessarily continuous).

5 The greatest horizontal visibility equaled or exceeded throughout at least half the horizon circle (which is not necessarily continuous).

Preventive maintenance

2 Simple or minor preservative operations and the replacement of small standard parts not involving complex assembly operation as listed in 14 CFR part 43, appendix A. Certificated pilots may perform preventive maintenance on any aircraft that is owned

Primacy

7 A principle of learning in which the first experience of something often creates a strong, almost unshakable impression. The importance to an instructor is that the first time something is demonstrated, it must be shown correctly since that experience is the one most likely to be remembered by the learner.

Primary and supporting

2 A method of attitude instrument flying using the instrument that provides the most direct indication of attitude and performance.

5 A method of attitude instrument flying using the instrument that provides the most direct indication of attitude and performance.

Primary flight display (PFD)

2 A display that provides increased situational awareness to the pilot by replacing the traditional six instruments used for instrument flight with an easy-to-scan display that provides the horizon, airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, trend, trim, and

5 A display that provides increased situational awareness to the pilot by replacing the traditional six instruments used for instrument flight with an easy-to-scan display that provides the horizon, airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, trend, trim, rate of turn among other key relevant indications.

Principal Operations Inspector (POI)

4 Scheduled air carriers and operators for compensation or hire are assigned a POI who works directly with the company and coordinates FAA operating approval.

Problem-based learning

7 Lessons in such a way as to confront learners with problems that are encountered in real life which force them to reach real-world solutions.

PRM

2 See precision runway monitor.

5 See precision runway monitor.

Procedure turn

2 A maneuver prescribed when it is necessary to reverse direction to establish an aircraft on the intermediate approach segment or final approach course.

5 A maneuver prescribed when it is necessary to reverse direction to establish an aircraft on the intermediate approach segment or final approach course.

Profile drag

1 The total of the skin friction drag and form drag for a two-dimensional airfoil section.

Profile view

2 Side view of an IAP chart illustrating the vertical approach path altitudes, headings, distances, and fixes.

5 Side view of an IAP chart illustrating the vertical approach path altitudes, headings, distances, and fixes.

Prohibited area

2 Designated airspace within which flight of aircraft is prohibited.

5 Designated airspace within which flight of aircraft is prohibited.

Propeller

2 A device for propelling an aircraft that, when rotated, produces by its action on the air, a thrust approximately perpendicular to its plane of rotation. It includes the control components normally supplied by its manufacturer.

Propeller blade angle

1 The angle between the propeller chord and the propeller plane of rotation.

Propeller lever

1 The control on a free power turbine turboprop that controls propeller speed and the selection for propeller feathering.

Propeller/rotor modulation error

2 Certain propeller rpm settings or helicopter rotor speeds can cause the VOR course deviation indicator (CDI) to fluctuate as much as ±6°. Slight changes to the rpm setting will normally smooth out this roughness.

5 Certain propeller RPM settings or helicopter rotor speeds can cause the VOR course deviation indicator (CDI) to fluctuate as much as ±6°. Slight changes to the RPM setting will normally smooth out this roughness.

Propeller slipstream

1 The volume of air accelerated behind a propeller producing thrust.

Propeller synchronization

1 A condition in which all of the propellers have their pitch automatically adjusted to maintain a constant rpm among all of the engines of a multiengine aircraft.

Propeller

1 A device for propelling an aircraft that, when rotated, produces by its action on the air, a thrust approximately perpendicular to its plane of rotation. It includes the control components normally supplied by its manufacturer.

Psychomotor domain

7 A grouping of levels of learning associated with physical skill levels which range from perception through set, guided response, mechanism, complex overt response, and adaptation to origination.

PTS

7 See Practical Test Standards.