Dictionary of
Aeronautical Terms

Third Edition
Compiled and Edited by Dale Crane
Copyright . 1991 - 1997 Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc.
ISBN 1-56027-287-2 ASA-DAT-3
All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without express permission, of editorial or pictorial content, in any manner, is prohibited. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damage resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
Published by Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc. 7005 132nd Place SE Newcastle, WA 98059-3153

Preface to the Third Edition

There is no aspect of modern technology that encompasses so many disciplines as aviation: physics, chemistry, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, structural and fluid mechanics, electronics, acoustics, reciprocating and turbine engine technology, meteorology, and navigation. In addition, aviation is governed by an extremely complex set of federal regulations.
Each discipline and regulation has its own unique vocabulary, and it is difficult to find a single reference source that includes terms specific to the aviation application of these fields. To this end, ASA's editors have searched aviation periodicals, aviation-related textbooks, service manuals, manufacturers’ literature, engineering reports, military training manuals, and especially all of the publications produced by the FAA for applicable terms.
This third edition of ASA’s Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms is more than a lexicon; it explains as well as defines more than 7,400 terms and includes some 485 illustrations and four appendices.
The names of the Federal Aviation Regulations have been changed from FARs to parts of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and in this dictionary, each reference to a federal regulation is identified by the prefix 14 CFR.
The officially recognized definitions for many of the aviation terms are included in 14 CFR Part 1 Definitions and Abbreviations. In all instances where a definition in this dictionary is taken directly from this document, it is identified by the prefix 14 CFR Part 1:, and the definition is in quotation marks.
The information contained here is as accurate and up-to-date as it has been possible to make it, but because of the speed with which changes are taking place in aviation, some of the terms are taking on new meanings, and their relative importance is changing. Because of this, and because of ASA’s dedication to working together for excellence, we will appreciate any criticism, or suggestion you have that will make subsequent revisions of this work more useful to you.
Dale Crane

Dictionary

A

AAM (air-to-air missile). A missile carried on an aircraft for use against other aircraft. The missile is guided to its target by radar or infrared sensors.