GCAA PPL Theory Exam key terms

Regulations that let a pilot fly mainly by looking outside the aircraft. The pilot must stay clear of clouds and terrain and see other traffic well enough to avoid it.

An official document confirming that an individual aircraft meets the design and safety standards required for flight. It must remain valid for the aircraft to be legally flown.

Airspace of defined dimensions where air traffic control services are provided to all flights under specified rules. Pilots normally need clearance before entering and must follow ATC instructions.

A notice distributed to pilots containing urgent information about changes or hazards at an aerodrome or along a route, such as closed runways, unserviceable equipment, or temporary restrictions.

A mandatory instruction from an aviation authority requiring inspection, repair, or modification of a specific aircraft type or component to correct an unsafe condition.

Ice forming inside a carburetor, often when air is cool and humid. It can reduce engine power or stop the engine, and may occur even when outside air temperature is above freezing.

Engine-driven electrical generators that supply spark to the spark plugs independently of the aircraft battery. Two are normally fitted so the engine keeps running if one fails.

A set of probes and lines that supplies air pressure to the airspeed indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator. Blockages or leaks cause incorrect readings on these instruments.

The point where the aircraft's weight is considered to act. Its position affects stability and control, and must stay within limits for safe flight.

The altitude at which the aircraft would perform as if the air had standard density. It rises with high temperature, high humidity, or low pressure and reduces engine and propeller performance.

The calculation of total aircraft weight and the position of its center of gravity before flight. Both must fall within approved limits for safe takeoff, flight, and landing.

The distance needed from the start of the takeoff roll to reaching a specified height above the runway. It increases with weight, altitude, temperature, and unfavorable wind.

The part of the wind that blows across the runway rather than along it. It must not exceed the aircraft's demonstrated limit and affects takeoff and landing technique.

The minimum fuel that must remain in the tanks when the aircraft lands, intended to cover unexpected delays or diversion. It is calculated separately from trip and contingency fuel.

A condition in which body tissues receive too little oxygen. It impairs judgment and vision, and symptoms can be subtle, so pilots must recognize it early and use supplemental oxygen or descend.

A pilot's mistaken perception of the aircraft's position or motion, often when outside visual references are poor. It can lead to dangerous control inputs unless the pilot trusts the instruments.

A state of tiredness that reduces alertness, reaction time, and decision-making. It can build up from long duty periods, poor sleep, or stress and is a major human-factors risk.

A false sensation of pitching up or down caused by acceleration or deceleration. During takeoff, forward acceleration may feel like a climb, tempting the pilot to push the nose down.

The altimeter setting that makes the altimeter read aerodrome elevation when the aircraft is on the ground. It provides height above mean sea level during flight.

A routine weather report for an aerodrome giving observed wind, visibility, clouds, temperature, pressure, and significant weather at a stated time.

A forecast of weather expected at an aerodrome over a specified period, including wind, visibility, clouds, and significant changes. Pilots use it for pre-flight and in-flight planning.

A sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance, often near thunderstorms or fronts. It can cause large, rapid airspeed changes close to the ground.

A tall, dense cloud associated with thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, lightning, and strong updrafts and downdrafts. Pilots normally avoid these clouds because of severe turbulence and icing.

The angular difference between true north and magnetic north at a given location. It is shown on charts and must be applied when converting between true and magnetic directions.

A navigation method that calculates position from a known starting point using heading, speed, and elapsed time, with allowances for wind. It is updated by fixes from other navigation aids.

The direction in which the aircraft's nose points, usually expressed in degrees from north. It differs from track because of wind drift.

The actual path of the aircraft over the ground, usually expressed as a direction from north. Wind causes the track to differ from the heading.

A systematic check of the aircraft's structure, controls, fluids, and documents before flight. It helps detect defects or hazards that could affect safety.

A written list of actions to follow for specific failures or hazardous situations. It helps pilots respond correctly under stress without relying on memory alone.

A discontinued landing approach in which the pilot applies power and climbs away to try again or divert. It is a normal, safe option when the approach is unstable or the runway is not clear.

Safety information given to passengers before takeoff, covering seat belts, exits, oxygen, and emergency equipment. It is required by regulations and helps passengers respond correctly in an emergency.

The angle between the wing's chord line and the relative airflow. Increasing it raises lift up to the critical angle, beyond which the wing stalls.

A loss of lift caused when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack. It can happen at any speed or attitude and is recovered by reducing the angle of attack.

Drag created as a by-product of lift, caused by airflow patterns around the wingtips. It increases at high angles of attack and low airspeeds.

The ratio of total lift to the aircraft's weight. Higher load factors increase stall speed and structural stress, especially during turns or abrupt maneuvers.

A standard set of spoken words used to represent letters clearly over radio, such as Alpha for A and Bravo for B. It reduces misunderstandings caused by similar-sounding letters.

A four-digit number set on the aircraft transponder to identify the flight on air traffic control radar. ATC assigns it, and it may change during a flight.

The international spoken signal for a distress situation involving immediate danger and a need for urgent assistance. It is repeated three times at the start of the radio call.

The international spoken signal for an urgency situation that is serious but not immediately life-threatening. It requests assistance or priority and is repeated three times.

A pilot's repetition of important ATC instructions or clearances to confirm they were heard and understood correctly. It reduces communication errors, especially for route, altitude, and frequency changes.