PPAER key terms

An authorization issued by air traffic control for specified aircraft actions, subject to its terms and the applicable operating rules.

A time-sensitive aeronautical notice that informs pilots of operational changes, hazards or facility status relevant to flight planning.

An instruction to remain outside a specified runway or protected boundary until the required further authorization is received.

The pilot responsible for the operation and safety decisions of the aircraft during the flight, within the applicable regulatory framework.

A pilot-specific conservative operating limit used to manage risk, which cannot make an applicable regulatory requirement less restrictive.

The direction of an aircraft’s actual path over the earth, which may differ from heading because the surrounding air is moving.

The direction in which the aircraft’s longitudinal axis points, expressed relative to a stated true, magnetic or compass reference.

The angular difference between true north and magnetic north at a location, used when converting chart directions to magnetic references.

The error in a magnetic compass associated with the aircraft’s own magnetic influences, accounted for using the applicable correction information.

The aircraft’s rate of progress relative to the earth, used with ground distance to calculate time between route points.

The temperature to which an air parcel must be cooled to reach saturation at constant pressure without changing its moisture content.

An atmospheric layer where temperature increases with height, often limiting vertical mixing and allowing haze or moisture to accumulate below.

A change in wind speed, direction or both over a short distance that can rapidly affect relative airflow and aircraft performance.

A measure of atmospheric density expressed as an altitude in the standard atmosphere, useful when evaluating aircraft performance conditions.

A coded report of observed weather at a particular aerodrome and time, used with forecasts and other information when planning.

The angle between the wing’s reference chord line and the relative airflow, central to understanding lift and the onset of a stall.

The ratio of aerodynamic supporting load to aircraft weight under the stated conditions, affecting structural loading and the associated stall speed.

The point representing the balance of the aircraft’s total loaded mass, calculated from total moment divided by total mass.

The component of aerodynamic drag associated with generating lift and its resulting airflow pattern, including downwash and trailing vortices.

The local ambient atmospheric pressure sensed by the aircraft’s static system and used by pressure-based altitude, vertical-speed and airspeed instruments.