Aviation English

Question 1

Intersection :

Answer 1

Intersections:
(noun) These are where either two taxiways or a taxiway and a runway cross/intersect or join. Markings, signs and (at night) lights give information to the pilot what they do at these intersections

Question 2

Markings:

Answer 2

Markings:
(noun) These are words, numbers, symbols and lines which are painted on the tarmac (on the taxiways, runways, the ramp etc…). These are used to provide locational (e.g. on what taxiway they are on etc…), directional (e.g. give directions to go to a terminal, runway or taxiway) and instructional (e.g. where to stop (holding positions), the edges of taxiway etc…) information.

Question 3

Signs:

Answer 3

Signs:
(noun) These are metal objects which are used to give pilots information when taxiing/moving their aircraft around the airport. This information could be locational (i.e. where they are), directional (e.g. give directions to go to a terminal, runway or taxiway) or instructional (e.g. a place where to stop the plane or where access is prohibited)

Question 4

Baggage hold:

Answer 4

Baggage hold:
(noun) Also called the ‘hold’. On medium to large aircraft which transport people, this is the part of the ‘fuselage’ under the ‘cabin’ section which is used to transport baggage (e.g. suitcases, bags etc…) and cargo (e.g. packages, goods etc…). In some small aircraft, the ‘baggage hold’ is at the back of the aircraft.

Question 5

Fin:

Answer 5

Fin:
(noun) Also called a ‘vertical stabilizer’ or a ‘tail fin’. This is the fixed vertical wing (it doesn’t move) at the tail of the aircraft. Like the ‘tailplanes’, it is used to stabilise the aircraft in flight. In addition to this, it contains the ‘rudder’ which is used when changing the horizontal direction of the plane (i.e. left or right).

Question 6

Tailplanes:

Answer 6

Tailplanes:
(noun) Also called the ‘horizontal stabilizers’. They are the fixed horizontal short wings (they don’t move) at the back (tail) of a plane. Like the ‘fin’, they are used to stabilise the aircraft in flight.

In addition to this, they contain the ‘elevators’ on them. These are used to change the pitch of the aircraft (i.e. make the nose point upwards and downwards).

Question 7

Slow to:

Answer 7

Slow to:
(verb) This is the common way used to instruct pilots to decrease/reduce the speed they are flying at. After ‘slow to’, the controller will say the new speed the pilot should be traveling at. For example, ‘Iberia 3427, slow to 230 knots

Question 8

Join

Answer 8

Join:
(verb) This is an instruction given by the controller to a pilot. It is basically an instruction to leave the taxiway they are currently on and take another one (which the controller will specify).

Normally, ‘join’ is used when a taxiway doesn’t cross the taxiway the pilot’s plane is traveling on, but it joins the taxiway on one of the two sides (either the left or right side).

Question 9

Queue

Answer 9

A waiting Line of persons or vehicles