American Terminology

Question 1

Wide body

Answer 1

An aircraft with two aisles

Question 2

WBT

Answer 2

WBT Web-based Training. A method used at American to allow employees to train outside of a
traditional classroom setting. May also be referred to as online training or distance learning

Question 3

Turn

Answer 3

When an aircraft has arrived from a flight, the turn involves deplaning, servicing the air-
craft and boarding for the next flight. Flight attendants may also note they are “working a
turn” meaning leaving base to another city and then returning back to base.

Question 4

TSA

Answer 4

Transportation Security Administration. A government agency with responsibility for safe-
guarding the U.S. transportation system, including airlines, from security threats.

Question 5

Through flight

Answer 5

A single flight from origin to destination with one or more intermediate stops.

Question 6

Taxiway

Answer 6

The roadway that connects runways with ramps, hangars and terminals.

Question 7

Taxi

Answer 7

When the aircraft moves on the ground under its own power.

Question 8

Sterile flight deck

Answer 8

A time period when no communication between the FA and flight deck crew is permitted
except in an emergency. It takes place during critical phases of flight, including pushback
through takeoff until the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet as well as the landing phase of flight
from descending through 10,000 feet until parked at the gate.

Question 9

Stow

Answer 9

To put away.

Question 10

S.O.P.

Answer 10

Standard Operating Procedure. A set of step-by-step instructions compiled to help crew-
members carry out complex routine operations. SOPs aim to achieve efficiency and uni-
formity while reducing miscommunication and errors.

Question 11

Slide / Evacuation Slide

Answer 11

An inflatable slide used to quickly evacuate passengers from an aircraft in an emergency Situation

Question 12

Runway

Answer 12

The roadway on which aircraft take off and land.

Question 13

Ramp stand

Answer 13

Movable stairway positioned at the aircraft door to allow customers to board and deplane. Another option for accessing the aircraft versus the jet bridge

Question 14

Ramp

Answer 14

The paved area around the terminal, hangars and other areas where aircraft are parked,
loaded and unloaded.

Question 15

Push-back

Answer 15

When the aircraft is pushed backwards, away from the gate.

Question 16

Purser

Answer 16

The specially trained lead flight attendant on select international and domestic flights
where premium services are offered.

Question 17

PSU

Answer 17

Passenger Service Unit. The area located directly above customers’ seats that contains
the ventilation system, light controls, FA call button and passenger information signs.

Question 18

Pre Departure Beverage PDB

Answer 18

A beverage service that’s provided during customer boarding in premium seating areas.

Question 19

P. E. D

Answer 19

Portable Electronic Device. A battery-powered device used by a customer onboard the
aircraft. Examples include laptops, tablets and phones.

Question 20

P.A.

Answer 20

Public Address. A PA is an announcement to the passengers onboard the aircraft.

Question 21

O.H.B

Answer 21

Overhead Bin. A location where passengers may stow carry-on luggage. In addition,
some overhead bins contain emergency equipment.

Question 22

O.E

Answer 22

Operating Experience. An FAA-required trip where you complete flight attendant duties
on an actual flight with other current flight attendants.

Question 23

Non-Rev

Answer 23

Non-Revenue. An employee using personal travel benefits at no charge or reduced fee.
Includes commuting crewmembers flying space available and family.

Question 24

Narrowbody

Answer 24

An aircraft with a single aisle.

Question 25

M.O.G.T.

Answer 25

Minimum On-Ground Time. The minimum time it takes for an arriving aircraft to deplane,
be serviced, board and depart. This minimum time is used when a prior flight has been
delayed in an attempt to make up time during the turn.

Question 26

M.C.

Answer 26

Main Cabin. The aft portion of the aircraft, behind any premium cabin, and usually the
largest cabin onboard.

Question 27

Lavatory or Lav

Answer 27

Restroom facilities onboard an aircraft.

Question 28

J.S.

Answer 28

Jumpseat. Retractable seat occupied by a crewmember for taxi, takeoff, landing and turbulence

Question 29

Jetbridge

Answer 29

An extendable bridge that provides customers and crew protected access from the gate
area to the aircraft.

Question 30

I.F.M.

Answer 30

Inflight Manual. The primary reference to company policies and procedures used by flight
attendants. Each FA must have a current IFM accessible during all flight operations.

Question 31

I.F.E.

Answer 31

Inflight Entertainment. An onboard entertainment system that provides audio and video
for customers. The IFE system may also be used for customer information in some con-
figurations.

Question 32

Galley

Answer 32

Area on the aircraft where food/beverage is stowed and prepared.

Question 33

Forward

Answer 33

Forward. The front portion of the aircraft.
Ga

Question 34

F.S.B.

Answer 34

Fasten Seatbelt Sign. A sign that illuminates when passengers must fasten their seat-
belts.

Question 35

F.O.

Answer 35

First Officer. The 2nd in command of the aircraft after the captain. Sits in the aircraft right
flight deck seat. Uniform has three stripes.

Question 36

Flight Deck

Answer 36

The forward portion of the aircraft where the pilots sit when flying the aircraft. Passengers
commonly call this area the “cockpit.”

Question 37

FC or F/C

Answer 37

First Class. Premium seating located near the front of the aircraft, just behind the flight deck.

Question 38

FAA Minimum Crew

Answer 38

The minimum number of FA crewmembers required by the FAA to board and operate a
flight. In general, one FA is required per every 50 passenger seats.
FC

Question 39

FAR

Answer 39

Federal Aviation Regulations. Federal laws administered by the FAA which an air carrier
must follow.

Question 40

FAA

Answer 40

Federal Aviation Administration. A U.S. government agency that sets standards for air-
craft and people working in the aviation field. Monitors the performance of air carriers.