Vocabulary Words Every Flying Instructor Should Know

Airplane

Definition: A vehicle designed for flying through the air.

• The airplane took off smoothly from the runway.
• They watched the airplane land at the airport.
• Understanding how an airplane works is exciting for many students.

Airplane in a sentence

Pilot

Definition: A person who flies an aircraft.

• The pilot safely landed the plane.
• She wants to become a pilot in the future.
• The pilot gave us information during the flight.

Pilot in a sentence

Fly

Definition: To move through the air using wings or to travel in an aircraft.

• Birds can fly high in the sky.
• We will fly to another city for vacation.
• I saw a plane fly over our house.

Fly in a sentence

Sky

Definition: The expanse of air above the Earth, where clouds and stars are found.

• The sky was clear and blue today.
• He looked up at the sky to spot airplanes.
• Understanding the sky helps in learning about weather patterns.

Sky in a sentence

Cloud

Definition: A visible mass of condensed water vapor in the sky.

• The cloud looks fluffy and white today.
• We can see a dark cloud; it might rain soon.
• Look at that cloud; it looks like a rabbit!

Cloud in a sentence

Take Off

Definition: To remove something; also refers to an airplane leaving the ground.

• She decided to take off her jacket because it was warm.
• The plane will take off in ten minutes.
• He asked to take off his shoes before entering.

Take Off in a sentence

Land

Definition: The solid surface of the earth.

• Farmers grow crops on the land.
• The plane will land soon.
• They bought a piece of land to build a house.

Land in a sentence

Seat

Definition: a place to sit

• Please take a seat while you wait.
• The bus has a seat for every passenger.
• Understanding seats is important for comfort.

Seat in a sentence

Safety

Definition: The condition of being protected from danger or harm.

• Safety is the most important thing in our school.
• We should practice safety rules when crossing the street.
• The safety of the children is our top priority.

Safety in a sentence

Engine

Definition: A machine that converts energy into motion.

• The car's engine needs regular maintenance.
• He learned how an engine works in science class.
• The engine is what makes the vehicle move.

Engine in a sentence

Control

Definition: To have power over something; to direct or regulate.

• He tries to control his temper when frustrated.
• We need to control the noise level in the classroom.
• She learned how to control the robot using a remote.

Control in a sentence

Map

Definition: A visual representation of an area showing locations and features.

• I used a map to find my way to the park.
• The teacher gave us a map for the field trip.
• She marked the location on the map.

Map in a sentence

Route

Definition: A way or path taken to get from one place to another.

• We took the shortest route to the park.
• He planned a new route for the road trip.
• The bus follows the same route every day.

Route in a sentence

Passenger

Definition: A person who travels in a vehicle but is not the driver.

• The passenger in the back seat was reading a book.
• She is a frequent passenger on the train.
• Understanding the role of a passenger is important for travel.

Passenger in a sentence

Runway

Definition: A long strip where airplanes take off and land; also refers to a fashion show stage.

• The plane was ready to take off from the runway.
• The models walked down the runway showcasing the latest designs.
• Understanding the runway's function is crucial in aviation.

Runway in a sentence

Altitude

Definition: The height of an object above a reference point, usually sea level.

• Mount Everest has the highest altitude in the world.
• Altitude affects the climate and weather conditions.
• They experienced altitude changes while hiking.

Altitude in a sentence

Flight

Definition: The act of flying or traveling through the air; a journey by air.

• The flight to New York was delayed.
• She loves the feeling of flight when traveling.
• He booked a flight for his vacation.

Flight in a sentence

Travel

Definition: To go from one place to another.

• I love to travel during summer.
• They plan to travel to Europe next year.
• Travel can be exciting and educational.

Travel in a sentence

Taxi

Definition: A car that is available for hire, usually with a driver; a cab.

• They took a taxi to the airport.
• She called a taxi to pick her up from the hotel.
• He prefers to travel by taxi when it's raining.

Taxi in a sentence

Weather

Definition: The state of the atmosphere at a place and time.

• The weather is sunny today.
• We need to check the weather before going outside.
• I love when the weather is warm and pleasant.

Weather in a sentence

Takeoff

Definition: The moment an aircraft leaves the ground and begins to fly.

• The takeoff was smooth, and everyone cheered.
• We watched the plane's takeoff from the runway.
• Understanding takeoff procedures is essential for pilots.

Takeoff in a sentence

Landing

Definition: The act of coming down to the ground, especially for an aircraft.

• The plane is landing at the airport.
• He watched the bird's landing on the branch.
• The smooth landing made everyone clap.

Landing in a sentence

Cockpit

Definition: The area in an aircraft where the pilot sits and controls the plane.

• The pilot checked all instruments in the cockpit before takeoff.
• She was excited to see the cockpit during the tour.
• The cockpit is a busy place during a flight.

Seatbelt

Definition: Another term for seat belt; a safety device in vehicles.

• The seatbelt clicked into place as he fastened it.
• She always checks her seatbelt before starting the car.
• The car's safety features include automatic seatbelts.

Seatbelt in a sentence

Landing Gear

Definition: the wheels and supports of an aircraft that allow it to land

• The landing gear must be checked before every flight.
• He learned about the mechanics of landing gear in class.
• The aircraft's landing gear made a smooth touchdown.

Landing Gear in a sentence

Fuel

Definition: a substance that provides energy, such as gasoline or food

• Gasoline is a common fuel for cars.
• He learned about different types of fuel in science.
• Using renewable fuel helps the environment.

Fuel in a sentence

Navigation

Definition: The act of determining one's position and planning a route.

• The navigation system helped us find our way.
• Good navigation skills are important for sailors.
• She used a map for navigation during the hike.

Navigation in a sentence

Aircraft

Definition: Any vehicle capable of flight, such as airplanes or helicopters.

• The aircraft soared high above the clouds.
• The airport has many different types of aircraft.
• Technological advances have improved the safety of aircraft.

Aircraft in a sentence

Approach

Definition: a way of dealing with something

• He has a different approach to solving problems.
• Let's take a new approach to the project.
• Her approach to studying is very effective.

Approach in a sentence

Communication

Definition: The process of sharing information between people.

• Good communication is key to teamwork.
• We use different methods of communication, like texting.
• Effective communication helps prevent misunderstandings.

Communication in a sentence

Maneuver

Definition: to move skillfully or carefully

• He had to maneuver the car into a tight parking space.
• They learned to maneuver through obstacles in the game.
• Maneuvering the boat took practice.

Maneuver in a sentence

Instructor

Definition: A person who teaches a course or skill, often in a formal setting.

• The instructor explained the lesson clearly.
• She is a dance instructor at the local studio.
• The instructor provided helpful feedback on the project.

Instructor in a sentence

Student

Definition: A person who is learning, especially in a school.

• She is a student at the local high school.
• The student asked a question in class.
• He helped a fellow student with her homework.

Student in a sentence

Training

Definition: The action of teaching or learning skills for a specific job or activity.

• He is undergoing training to become a firefighter.
• The training program helps new employees learn.
• She attends training sessions for her sport.

Training in a sentence

Procedure

Definition: a series of steps to accomplish a task

• Follow the procedure to complete the assignment.
• The procedure for the experiment was explained.
• He learned the procedure for making cookies.

Procedure in a sentence

Checklist

Definition: A list of items or tasks to be completed, checked off as done.

• He created a checklist to prepare for the trip.
• Using a checklist helps ensure nothing is forgotten.
• Understanding checklists can improve organization.

Checklist in a sentence

Aerodynamics

Definition: the study of how air interacts with moving objects

• Aerodynamics is important in aviation.
• They learned about aerodynamics in their science class.
• Understanding aerodynamics helps improve vehicle design.

Aerodynamics in a sentence

Ascent

Definition: A rise or upward movement.

• The ascent to the mountain was challenging.
• We enjoyed the ascent during our hike.
• Her ascent in the company was due to hard work.

Ascent in a sentence

Descent

Definition: the act of moving downward; lineage

• She made her descent down the hill carefully.
• His descent from a famous family is well-known.
• Understanding descent helps in genealogical studies.

Descent in a sentence

Glide

Definition: to move smoothly and effortlessly

• The bird seemed to glide through the air.
• He watched the skater glide across the ice.
• They learned how to glide down the hill on sleds.

Glide in a sentence

Stall

Definition: to stop or slow down progress

• The car began to stall on the hill.
• He had to stall for time while waiting for his friend.
• The project will stall without more resources.

Stall in a sentence

Throttle

Definition: To control the speed of an engine or vehicle by adjusting the flow of fuel.

• He throttled the engine to increase speed.
• Understanding how to throttle effectively is important for drivers.
• They learned to throttle the machine during training.

Throttle in a sentence

Turbulence

Definition: Irregular or chaotic movement of fluids, often affecting flight and flow.

• The airplane experienced turbulence during the flight.
• Turbulence can make swimming difficult.
• She learned about turbulence in her physics class.

Turbulence in a sentence

Vector

Definition: A quantity with both direction and magnitude.

• In physics, a vector represents force and direction.
• He used a vector to describe the movement of the car.
• Understanding vectors is important in math and science.

Vector in a sentence

Wind Shear

Definition: a change in wind speed or direction over a short distance

• Wind shear can be dangerous for aircraft during takeoff.
• The pilot was trained to handle wind shear situations.
• Meteorologists monitor wind shear during storms.

Flight Plan

Definition: A detailed plan for a flight, including the route and altitude.

• The pilot filed a flight plan before takeoff.
• She reviewed the flight plan with her co-pilot.
• Every flight must have an approved flight plan.

Instrument

Definition: A tool or device used for a specific purpose, especially in music or science.

• He plays a musical instrument in the band.
• The scientist used an instrument to measure temperature.
• She learned to play several instruments in school.

Instrument in a sentence

Airspace

Definition: The space above a country or region that is controlled by its government.

• Flying through restricted airspace is illegal.
• The pilot communicated with air traffic control about airspace.
• They learned about the rules of airspace in class.

Airspace in a sentence

Emergency

Definition: A serious situation requiring immediate action.

• Call 911 in case of an emergency.
• They practiced emergency drills at school.
• He handled the emergency with calmness.

Emergency in a sentence

Simulation

Definition: A model or representation used to mimic real-world processes.

• The class used a simulation to learn about weather patterns.
• He enjoyed the flight simulation game.
• The simulation helped students understand the concept better.

Simulation in a sentence

Attitude

Definition: A settled way of thinking or feeling about something; a perspective.

• She has a positive attitude toward challenges.
• His attitude toward learning is very open.
• They discussed the importance of having a good attitude.

Attitude in a sentence

Avionics

Definition: The electronic systems used in aircraft and spacecraft.

• Avionics technology is essential for navigation.
• He learned about avionics in his aerospace course.
• The advancements in avionics improve flight safety.

Avionics in a sentence

Calibration

Definition: The act of adjusting a device to ensure accurate measurements.

• Calibration is essential for scientific instruments.
• The technician performed the calibration on the scales.
• Regular calibration helps maintain accuracy in measurements.

Calibration in a sentence

Flight Path

Definition: The route taken by an aircraft in the sky.

• The flight path was adjusted due to weather conditions.
• You can track the flight path of planes online.
• The flight path included several waypoints for navigation.

Flight Path in a sentence

Instrumentation

Definition: The use of instruments to measure or control processes.

• Instrumentation is essential in scientific experiments.
• The laboratory has advanced instrumentation for research.
• He learned about instrumentation in his engineering course.

Instrumentation in a sentence

Performance

Definition: The act of doing something, especially in front of an audience; how well someone does a task.

• The performance of the students was impressive.
• He practiced daily for his music performance.
• Her performance in the play earned her applause.

Performance in a sentence

Regulation

Definition: A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.

• The regulation ensures safety.
• They followed the regulation carefully.
• New regulation was introduced for better practices.

Regulation in a sentence

Stability

Definition: The state of being steady or not changing.

• Economic stability is important for growth.
• She values the stability of her job.
• Stability in relationships is essential for happiness.

Stability in a sentence

Yaw

Definition: to turn or twist a vehicle or aircraft

• The plane began to yaw during the turbulence.
• He had to correct the yaw while flying.
• Pilots monitor yaw for safe navigation.

Yaw in a sentence

Altimeter

Definition: An instrument that measures altitude.

• The pilot used the altimeter to determine the plane's height.
• An altimeter is important for mountain climbing.
• She checked the altimeter frequently during the hike.

Altimeter in a sentence

Bank Angle

Definition: The angle at which an aircraft is tilted during a turn.

• The pilot adjusted the bank angle to navigate the turn.
• A steep bank angle can affect the aircraft's stability.
• Students learned about bank angle in their aviation class.

Control Surfaces

Definition: The parts of an aircraft that are used to control its movement.

• The pilot adjusted the control surfaces for stability.
• Understanding control surfaces is essential for flying.
• They learned about the different control surfaces on a plane.

Drag

Definition: To pull something along the ground or through the air.

• She had to drag her suitcase through the airport.
• He felt a drag on the bike while riding uphill.
• The drag on the sled made it hard to pull.

Drag in a sentence

Elevator

Definition: A mechanical device used to lift people or goods to different floors in a building.

• They took the elevator to the top floor.
• The building has a modern elevator for convenience.
• Understanding how elevators work can improve safety awareness.

Elevator in a sentence

Flight Envelope

Definition: The range of conditions under which an aircraft can safely operate.

• The flight envelope defines the limits for speed and altitude.
• Engineers test aircraft within its flight envelope.
• Knowing the flight envelope is essential for safety.

Glide Ratio

Definition: the distance a glider travels compared to its altitude

• The glide ratio is important for pilots.
• He calculated the glide ratio for the aircraft.
• A high glide ratio means better performance.

Heading

Definition: A title or direction; the topic of a section.

• The heading of the chapter was very informative.
• They changed the heading for better clarity.
• Please include a heading on your report.

Heading in a sentence

Lift

Definition: To raise or move something to a higher position.

• Please lift the box onto the table.
• He can lift heavy weights at the gym.
• She used a crane to lift the car.

Lift in a sentence

Maneuverability

Definition: the ability to move easily and quickly

• The small car has great maneuverability in the city.
• Maneuverability is important for athletes.
• They assessed the maneuverability of the aircraft.

Maneuverability in a sentence

Thrust

Definition: To push something quickly and forcefully; a strong movement.

• He made a thrust with the sword during practice.
• The rocket’s thrust propelled it into space.
• She felt a thrust of excitement when she received the news.

Thrust in a sentence

Pitch

Definition: The highness or lowness of a sound; also refers to a proposal or presentation.

• The pitch of her voice was very soothing.
• He gave a great pitch for his new business idea.
• Understanding pitch is important in music and communication.

Pitch in a sentence

Roll

Definition: to move by turning over and over

• He watched the ball roll down the hill.
• She likes to roll dough for cookies.
• Understanding roll is important for actions.

Roll in a sentence

Airspeed

Definition: The speed of an aircraft relative to the air around it.

• The pilot checked the airspeed during takeoff.
• Airspeed is crucial for safe flying conditions.
• He learned how to measure airspeed using instruments.

Airspeed in a sentence

Airworthiness

Definition: The condition of an aircraft being safe to fly.

• The mechanic checked the airworthiness of the plane.
• Airworthiness is essential for all commercial flights.
• She learned about the standards for airworthiness.

Airworthiness in a sentence

Approach Path

Definition: The route taken by an aircraft when nearing a runway.

• The approach path is important for landing safely.
• She learned about the approach path in her aviation course.
• The pilot followed the correct approach path to avoid obstacles.

Crosswind

Definition: A wind that blows across a path or direction, often affecting travel.

• The pilot had to adjust for the crosswind during landing.
• Riding a bike can be challenging in strong crosswinds.
• Crosswinds can make driving difficult, especially for larger vehicles.

Crosswind in a sentence

Safety Protocols

Definition: Guidelines designed to ensure safety in various situations.

• Safety protocols are essential in laboratories.
• She learned about safety protocols during training.
• Understanding safety protocols is crucial for workplace safety.

Stall Warning

Definition: An alert indicating that an aircraft is approaching its stall speed.

• The stall warning sounded as they climbed too slowly.
• The pilot responded quickly to the stall warning.
• Training includes recognizing a stall warning in time.

Windshear

Definition: a sudden change in wind speed or direction

• Windshear can be dangerous for pilots.
• The plane experienced windshear during takeoff.
• Understanding windshear is important for safe flying.

Visual Flight Rules

Definition: regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow pilots to see where the aircraft is going

• Pilots must follow visual flight rules in good weather.
• Understanding visual flight rules is essential for safety.
• He trained extensively on visual flight rules.

Instrument Flight Rules

Definition: Regulations for flying an aircraft solely by reference to instruments.

• Pilots must follow instrument flight rules in poor weather.
• He studied instrument flight rules for his license.
• Understanding instrument flight rules is essential for safety.

Emergency Procedures

Definition: Steps to follow in case of an emergency to ensure safety.

• Emergency procedures are important for schools and workplaces.
• She reviewed emergency procedures for fire drills.
• Understanding emergency procedures can save lives.

Preflight Inspection

Definition: A thorough check of an aircraft before it takes off; ensures safety and readiness.

• The mechanic performed a preflight inspection before departure.
• She learned the importance of a preflight inspection in her class.
• A preflight inspection can help identify potential problems.

Postflight Checklist

Definition: A list of tasks to be completed after a flight to ensure safety and maintenance.

• The pilot went through the postflight checklist.
• Following the postflight checklist is crucial for safety.
• The postflight checklist helps identify any issues with the aircraft.

Standardized Operating Procedures

Definition: Official methods that are consistent across an organization.

• Standardized operating procedures help reduce errors.
• The team reviewed the standardized operating procedures before starting.
• Understanding standardized operating procedures is key to compliance.