Air Traffic Control/Air Freight/Weather Terms

Question 1

Central Load Planning (CLP)

Answer 1

The Central Load Planning (CLP), or Operations Agent, compiles all necessary information in order to compute the proper take-off weight for an aircraft. The CLP, or Operations Agent, is one of various types of Customer Service Agents.

Question 2

Weight and Balance: Maximum Takeoff and Landing Gross Weight

Answer 2

Weight and Balance: Maximum Takeoff and Landing Gross Weight is the absolute maximum weight at which an aircraft may take off and land. The FAA determines the maximum takeoff and landing gross weight for each type of aircraft. Each aircraft must be balanced in order to fly properly. Sometimes cargo, baggage, or passengers must be relocated on the aircraft for weight and balance purposes.

Question 3

Holding

Answer 3

Holding refers to a flight that is maintaining a certain altitude, speed, and pattern, or experiencing a delay on the ground while waiting for takeoff clearance.

Question 4

Stacking

Answer 4

Stacking occurs when two or more aircraft are holding at different levels. This occurs when air traffic is so heavy that many other aircraft must wait their turn before landing.

Question 5

Air cargo

Answer 5

Air cargo is any mail or freight moving by air.

Question 6

Cargo Compartment

Answer 6

Cargo Compartment, or more commonly referred to as a cargo bin, is the part of the aircraft where customer baggage and cargo is stored.

Question 7

Minimum limits

Answer 7

Minimum limits, i.e., ceiling (lowest layer of cloud cover) and visibility, have been established by the FAA for all airports. Aircraft are not permitted to take off or land if the weather is below these limits.

Question 8

Visibility

Answer 8

Visibility measures the horizontal distance at which ground objects can be seen and measured. Visibility can often be the main ingredient in determining weather minimums. Smoke and precipitation hinder visibility.

Question 9

Turbulence

Answer 9

Turbulence, or rough air, is caused by currents of warm air rising and cold air descending.

Question 10

Crosswind

Answer 10

Crosswind is wind blowing at an angle to the line of flight of an aircraft from any given direction. Severe crosswinds make it difficult for an aircraft to take off or land.

Question 11

Wind

Answer 11

Wind is air in motion, important to aviation because it influences flight to a certain degree.

Question 12

Headwind

Answer 12

Headwind is wind blowing in a direction opposite to the line of flight of an aircraft. Headwinds, depending on velocity (speed), can slow down an aircraft.

Question 13

Tailwind

Answer 13

Tailwind is wind blowing from behind the aircraft increasing its speed. Often, when a flight has departed late, a tailwind can help gain lost time.