Aviation Terms and Definitions

Propeller Anti-icers: Ice often forms on the propeller before it is visible on the wing. Props are treated with deicing fluid applied by slinger rings on the prop hub or with electrically heated elements on the leading edges. Nondirectional Radio Beacon (Ndb) An L/MF or UHF radio beacon transmitting nondirectional signals whereby the pilot of an aircraft equipped with direction finding equipment can determine the bearing to or from the radio beacon and “home” on or track to or from the station. Anti-icing Is turned on before the flight enters icing conditions. Typically this includes carburetor heat, prop heat, pitot eat, fuel vent heat, windshield heat, and fluid surface deicers (in some cases). Then when the boots deflate, a “bridge” of ice remains that cannot be shed during the next inflation cycle. Although some residual ice may remain after a boot Hold short Do not enter or cross the taxiway or runway specified by the controller. If there is a painted hold line, do not cross it. VFR Visual Flight Rules we fly under Visual Flight Rules False Horizon When the only or most distinct visual reference is a cloud formation, it can be confused with the horizon or the ground. A sloping cloud deck that extends into a pilot's peripheral vision will appear to be horizontal. Vestibular system Organs found in the inner ear that sense position by the way we're balanced. Vestibular Illusions In the absence of visual reference, we rely on our vestibular system to keep us oriented. But as previously explained, this system is totally unreliable for this purpose when in motion. Scud Running This occurs when a pilot tries to maintain visual contact with the terrain at low altitudes while instrument conditions exist. SIGMET An in-flight weather advisory that is considered significant to all aircraft. SIGMET criteria include severe icing, severe and extreme turbulence, duststorms, sandstorms, volcanic eruptions, and volcanic ash that lower visibility to less than 3 miles.

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	Did You Know?
	Private pilots must be at least 17 years old and have a minimum of 40 hours of flight time The actual average is about 65 hours), including 20 hours of instruction and 10 hours solo. Pilots trained according to accelerated curricula defined in Part 141 of the Federal Aviation Regulations may be certified with a minimum of 35 hours. Private pilots may not fly for hire but may share equally with their passengers the direct expenses of a flight – specifically, fuel, oil, airport transient parking/landing fees, and aircraft rental charges.