ATP Pilot key terms

A document issued by the civil aviation authority confirming that an aircraft meets its approved type design and is safe to operate under specified conditions. It must be aboard and current for flight.

The calculation and control of aircraft weight, center of gravity, and loading limits. Exceeding limits can reduce performance, handling, and structural safety.

Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature. High density altitude reduces engine power, propeller or thrust output, and wing lift, increasing takeoff and landing distances.

An approved document that allows flight with certain inoperative equipment under specific conditions, maintenance procedures, and operating limitations. It supports legal dispatch while preserving an acceptable level of safety.

A notice containing time-critical information about hazards, facility changes, or restrictions affecting flight operations. Pilots review relevant NOTAMs during preflight planning to avoid unexpected conflicts.

A review of weather, NOTAMs, fuel, alternates, aircraft status, and threats before flight. It aligns crew members on the plan, risks, and decision points.

The minimum fuel required beyond planned trip fuel to cover contingencies, alternate needs, and holding. It protects against unexpected delays and must be monitored in flight.

A destination airport selected before flight where the aircraft can land if the planned airport becomes unusable. It must meet weather, fuel, and performance requirements.

Planning and flying to remain clear of convective weather by using radar, forecasts, and visual cues. Avoiding storms reduces exposure to turbulence, hail, icing, wind shear, and lightning.

Accumulation of ice on wings, tail, and structures that increases weight and drag and reduces lift. It requires timely anti-ice or deice use and often a change in altitude or route.

A pilot report of observed weather such as turbulence, icing, visibility, or wind shear. It gives other pilots and forecasters real-time information about conditions aloft.

Any unauthorized presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on a protected runway area. It can lead to collision; prevention relies on clearances, situational awareness, and sterile cockpit discipline.

A pair of solid and dashed yellow lines marking where an aircraft must stop before entering a runway. Crossing requires an explicit clearance and is never done without one.

A rule restricting nonessential conversation and activity during critical phases of flight, such as taxi, takeoff, and approach. It keeps attention on operating the aircraft and monitoring clearances.

A pre-takeoff plan covering departure route, rejected takeoff criteria, engine failure actions, terrain, weather, and crew roles. It prepares the crew to act quickly if something fails.

The takeoff decision speed at which the crew must continue if an engine fails, because stopping may be impossible within remaining runway. It is calculated before takeoff for each condition.

Rotation speed, at which the pilot begins raising the nose to achieve the required attitude and lift off. It is scheduled so the aircraft reaches V2 by the required height.

Takeoff safety speed, the minimum speed to maintain after liftoff with one engine inoperative. It provides climb gradient and controllability until acceleration or configuration cleanup.

A decision to stop the takeoff after it has begun, typically before V1. The crew uses available runway, braking, and thrust reversers while maintaining directional control.

Minimum control speed with one engine inoperative and the other at takeoff power, below which directional control may be lost. It sets safe minimum maneuvering speeds in multiengine aircraft.

Loss of thrust during takeoff, requiring immediate pitch, rudder, and power adjustments. Crews follow memory items and checklists to maintain control, climb, and decide whether to continue or return.

An approach meeting defined criteria for path, speed, configuration, sink rate, and power by a specified height. If criteria are not met, a go-around is required.

Landing reference speed, typically 1.3 times the stall speed in the landing configuration. It is used to plan approach speed and touchdown performance.

A specified altitude on a precision or vertical-guidance approach at which a missed approach must begin if the required visual references are not in sight.

The lowest altitude to which descent is authorized on a nonprecision approach until required visual references are acquired. Descending below it without references is not permitted.

A published series of maneuvers and altitudes allowing transition from en route flight to landing under instrument conditions. It includes initial, intermediate, final, and missed approach segments.

A published procedure followed when an approach cannot be completed, often because visual references are not acquired or landing is unsafe. It climbs to a safe altitude and navigates to a holding fix or alternate.

A transition from approach or landing to climb, used when the approach is unstable or landing cannot be safely completed. It requires prompt power, pitch, configuration, and positive climb.

A turn with bank angle typically 45 degrees or more, requiring increased back pressure and power to maintain altitude and airspeed. It develops coordination and energy management.

The procedure to reduce angle of attack, add power as needed, and return to controlled flight after a stall. It prioritizes lowering the nose and preventing a secondary stall.

A control input that reduces steady stick or rudder pressure by adjusting aerodynamic balance. Proper trim improves handling and reduces fatigue during climbs, descents, and configuration changes.

Consistently using approved checklists at the correct phase, reading items aloud, and confirming responses before action. It prevents skipped items and supports standardized, verifiable operation.

A sudden loss of cabin pressure causing a rapid drop in oxygen and temperature. Crews don oxygen masks, establish communication, and descend to a safe altitude.

A condition in which body tissues receive insufficient oxygen, impairing judgment, vision, and coordination. At altitude it can develop silently and progress rapidly; supplemental oxygen is the treatment.

The period after loss of oxygen at altitude during which a person can still take corrective action before becoming incapacitated. It shortens rapidly as altitude increases.

A rapid descent to a lower altitude, often to address decompression, fire, or other urgent conditions. It balances speed, structural limits, terrain, and traffic while crews don oxygen.

A descent to an altitude where the aircraft can maintain level flight with one engine inoperative or reduced performance. It is planned to clear terrain and reach a suitable airport.

An inspection after flight for damage, leaks, tire condition, and security of panels or covers. It identifies issues before the next flight and supports maintenance reporting.

A review of the flight's performance, events, and discrepancies to improve future operations and document maintenance needs. It closes the loop on safety and learning.

The final actions of shutting down systems, setting brakes and chocks, securing controls, and protecting the aircraft. Proper securing prevents damage and unauthorized movement.