DICTIONARY OF AERONAUTICAL TERMS
A
Aerodrome.
A tract of land selected for flying purposes.
The science of aviation, literally the study of the influence of air in motion.
A flat or flexed plane which lends support to an aeroplane.
One engaged in navigating the air.
The science of navigating the air.
A heavier than air machine supported by one or more fixed planes.
The science of aerostation, or of buoyancy caused by displacement, ballooning.
The science of lighter than air or gas-born machines.
The outer edge or tip of a plane, usually adjustable, used to balance or stabilize.
Commonly used to denote both heavier and lighter than air machines; correctly a dirigible balloon.
The angle of the plane with the line of travel.
In the case of planes, the extent of surface measured on both the upper and lower sides. An area of one square foot comprises the actual surface of two square feet.
The relation of a surface crossing the direction of flight with that paralleling the line of flight.
Stability secured by fins, the angle of the planes and similar devices.
One engaged in aviation.
The science of heavier than air machines.
B
Balancer.
A plane or other part intended for lateral equilibrium.
An aeroplane with two supporting surfaces one above the other.
The main framework supporting the plane and the machinery.
C
Camber.
The curve measured from the cord to the highest point of the plane.
The part on which the main body is supported on land or water.
The point at which the aeroplane balances.
The imaginary line beneath the plane at which the pressure balances.
D
Deck.
The main surface of a biplane or multiplane.
The ability to determine the direction of the flight of an aeroplane.
A balloon driven by power.
With the wind.
The resistance of the plane to the forward movement.
E
Elevator.
The plane or wing intended to control the vertical flight of the machine.
One who controls the power, driving the machinery.
Front edge of the forward plane of an aeroplane.
A plane or other contrivance which makes for stability.
F
Flexed.
A plane is said to be flexed when it curves upward forming an arc of a circle.
A fixed vertical plane.
Literally a form of lighter than air craft; a gas-born airship.
The rear edge of the plane or wing of an aeroplane.
The body or framework of an aeroplane.
G
Glider.
An aeroplane without motor power.
A brace, usually a wire or cord used for tuning up the aeroplane.
The weight of the aircraft comprising fuel, lubricating oils, and the pilot.
A rotating mechanism for maintaining equilibrium.
H
Hanger.
A shed for housing an aeroplane.
A shelter for aircrafts.
A machine weighing more than the air it displaces.
A flying machine driven upward by rotary screws on vertical shafts.
One in charge of the steering device.
L
Lateral Stability.
Stability which prevents side motion.
The gross weight divided by the supporting area measured in square feet.
Stability which prevents fore and after motion or pitching.
M
Mast.
A perpendicular stick holding the stays or struts which keep the planes rigid.
A toy aeroplane, reproducing a man-carrying machine.
An aeroplane or heavier than air machine supported by a single main plane which may be formed of two wings extending from a central body.
A contrivance for generating driving power.
An aeroplane with more than three main planes one above another.
N
Nacelle.
The car of a dirigible balloon, literally a cradle.
Complete weight of the machine without pilot, fuel or oil.
O
Ornithopter.
A machine supported and propelled by planes moving in imitation of birds; a flapping wing machine.
A flight maintained by flapping wings.
P
Plane.
A surface or wing, either plain or flexed, employed to support or control an aeroplane.
One directing an aeroplane in flight.
Theoretical distance covered by a propeller in making one revolution.
Correctly, a structure housing a falling weight used for starting an aeroplane, commonly a turning point in aeroplane flights.
The screw used for driving an aeroplane, plane.
R
Rudder.
A plane or group of planes used to steer an aeroplane.
Strip beneath an aeroplane used for a skid.
S
Scale Model.
A miniature aeroplane exactly reproducing the proportions of an original.
A mast, strut, or brace.
The power to maintain an even keel in flight.
A runway to enable an aeroplane to leave the ground.
Resistance offered by planes or wings.
The difference between the distance actually travelled by a propeller and that measured by the pitch.
A gliding movement without apparent effort.
The extent of planes measured on one side only.
Extent of wings or planes which lend support to an aeroplane.
T
Tail.
The plane or planes, both horizontal and vertical, carried behind the main planes.
An arrangement of two planes one behind the other.
The power exerted by the propeller of an aeroplane.
The power exerted by twisted strands of rubber in unwinding.
A propeller placed before the main plane.
An aeroplane with three main planes one above another.
U
Up Wind.
Against the wind.
W
Wake.
The churned or disturbed air in the track of a moving aeroplane.
The movement of the air radiating from the sides of an aeroplane in flight.
Planes or supporting surfaces, commonly a pair of planes extending out from the central body.
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