KSL ATP 107 key terms

A set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going and to see and avoid other traffic.

Weather conditions expressed in terms of visibility, distance from clouds, and ceiling that meet or exceed the minimums required for flight under visual flight rules.

Regulations and procedures governing flight in weather below VFR minimums, where the pilot navigates and maintains separation primarily by reference to instruments and clearances from air traffic control.

The height above ground level of the lowest broken or overcast cloud layer, or of an obscuring phenomenon, reported by a weather observer. It sets the vertical visibility limit for VFR flight.

Uncontrolled airspace in which air traffic control has no authority or responsibility; VFR minimums apply and pilots must see and avoid other aircraft without ATC separation services.

Controlled airspace that is not Class A, B, C, or D. It generally has no specific entry requirements for VFR aircraft but does require compliance with applicable VFR weather minimums.

An authorization by an air traffic controller for an aircraft to proceed under specified conditions within controlled airspace. Pilots must read back the clearance and comply unless an amended clearance is issued.

The pilot's repetition of a clearance or instruction back to the controller to confirm it was received and understood correctly. Readback is required for clearances, runway assignments, and instructions involving safety.

A standardized set of spoken words (Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, and so on) used to spell out letters, call signs, and unclear words so they are understood over radio despite static and interference.

A four-digit octal code set in the aircraft's transponder so air traffic control radar can identify the aircraft and display its altitude and position on controller screens.

A battery-powered radio beacon carried aboard aircraft that automatically transmits a distress signal on a designated emergency frequency after a crash to help rescuers locate the site.

The transponder code pilots set to declare a general in-flight emergency, alerting air traffic control that the aircraft needs priority handling and assistance.

The international spoken distress call used on the radio to signal a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate assistance. It is repeated three times and takes priority over all other transmissions.

A radio urgency call indicating a situation of concern that is not immediately life-threatening, such as a mechanical problem or a lost pilot. It has priority below Mayday but above routine traffic.

The angle between the wing's chord line and the relative wind. Increasing it generates more lift up to the critical angle, beyond which the wing stalls and lift decreases sharply.

The specific angle of attack at which airflow separates from the wing and lift begins to drop. A wing stalls at this angle regardless of airspeed, altitude, or weight.

A condition in which the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack and can no longer produce sufficient lift. It can occur at any airspeed or attitude and is corrected by reducing angle of attack.

The ratio of the total lift produced by an aircraft to its actual weight, expressed in G units. Higher load factors raise stall speed and increase structural stress on the airframe.

The maximum speed at which abrupt control inputs or turbulence will stall the wing before the airframe is structurally damaged, protecting the aircraft from overload.

Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature. High density altitude reduces engine power, propeller thrust, and lift, lengthening takeoff and landing distances and degrading climb performance.

The altitude displayed when the altimeter is set to the standard sea-level pressure of 29.92 inches of mercury. It is used for performance computations and flight levels above the transition altitude.

The local station pressure reported by weather or ATC and set in the altimeter's Kollsman window so the instrument displays altitude above mean sea level at the aircraft's position.

The speed shown on the airspeed indicator, derived from ram air pressure entering the pitot tube. It is the primary reference for aircraft control and performance limitations.

The actual speed of the aircraft through the air mass, corrected for altitude and temperature effects on indicated airspeed. It is used for flight planning and navigation calculations.

The speed of the aircraft over the ground, equal to true airspeed adjusted for wind. It determines time en route and fuel consumption and is used in dead reckoning.

Indicated airspeed corrected for instrument installation and position error. It closely approximates true airspeed at sea level in standard conditions.

A navigation method of calculating position by advancing a known starting point using course, true airspeed, wind, and elapsed time, without reference to outside landmarks.

Navigation by visual reference to landmarks and charts, such as roads, rivers, and towns, to determine position and maintain the intended course.

The angular difference between true north and magnetic north at a given location, shown on charts and applied when converting between true and magnetic courses.

A vector diagram used in flight planning to combine the aircraft's heading and true airspeed with the wind's direction and speed to find the resulting groundspeed and course.

The tendency of an aircraft to yaw away from the direction of a turn when ailerons are applied, caused by increased induced drag on the descending wing.

A turn in which the horizontal component of lift points toward the inside of the turn and the slip-skid indicator is centered, so the aircraft is neither slipping nor skidding.

A turn of three degrees per second, allowing the aircraft to complete a full 360-degree turn in two minutes. It is commonly used in instrument and holding procedures.

A sky condition in which clouds cover more than seven-eighths of the sky. An overcast layer at low altitude can establish a ceiling that restricts VFR flight.

Vertical air motion caused by surface heating, often producing cumulus clouds, thunderstorms, and turbulence. It is a major hazard for light aircraft, especially in warm seasons.

A storm formed by strong convection with towering cumulonimbus clouds, lightning, heavy rain, hail, and severe turbulence. Pilots should avoid these storms by a wide margin.

A rapid change in wind speed or direction over a short distance, often near thunderstorms or frontal boundaries. It can cause sudden airspeed changes and loss of control at low altitude.

The accumulation of ice on aircraft surfaces when flying through supercooled water droplets. It adds weight, reduces lift, and degrades control and engine performance.

A preflight self-assessment tool in which the pilot checks Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotion before flying to decide whether fit to fly.

The pilot's accurate perception and understanding of the aircraft, environment, and other traffic at any moment, enabling timely decisions to avoid hazards.

The effective use of all available resources, including people, equipment, and information, to achieve safe and efficient flight. It emphasizes communication, teamwork, and workload management.

A structured method such as DECIDE or 3P that guides a pilot through detecting a problem, evaluating options, and choosing and executing a safe course of action.