Aviation Glossary
12A comprehensive glossary of aviation terms, acronyms, and technical jargon explained in plain language.
Airworthiness
The state of an aircraft meeting all design, maintenance, and operational requirements set by aviation authorities, confirming it is safe for flight.
Safety & RegulationsBird Strike
A collision between an aircraft and one or more birds, posing particular hazard to jet engines and windscreens, and one of the most common wildlife hazards in aviation.
Safety & RegulationsBlack Box (FDR/CVR)
Crash-survivable flight recorders — the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) — that capture aircraft performance data and crew communications for accident investigation.
Safety & RegulationsCrew Rest Compartment
A dedicated sleeping and rest area — typically hidden above or below the main cabin — that allows pilots and cabin crew to take controlled rest periods during ultra-long-haul flights.
Safety & RegulationsEuropean Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
The European Union's agency responsible for civil aviation safety regulation, aircraft certification, and safety oversight across EU member states and partner countries.
Safety & RegulationsEvacuation Slide
An inflatable slide deployed from aircraft exit doors to enable rapid passenger evacuation during ground emergencies, required to evacuate all passengers within 90 seconds.
Safety & RegulationsExtended-range Twin-engine Operations (ETOPS)
A regulatory certification that allows twin-engine commercial aircraft to fly routes over remote areas — including oceans and polar regions — far from diversion airports.
Safety & RegulationsFederal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation, including aircraft certification, pilot licensing, and airspace management.
Safety & RegulationsFire Suppression System
Onboard aircraft systems that detect smoke or fire in cargo holds, lavatories, engines, and wheel wells, and automatically or manually discharge fire-extinguishing agents to contain and suppress the fire.
Safety & RegulationsMinimum Equipment List
MELA regulatory document specifying which aircraft systems and equipment may be inoperative while still permitting safe dispatch, with defined operational or maintenance procedures.
Safety & RegulationsNotice to Air Missions
NOTAMAn official notice distributed by aviation authorities containing information essential for flight safety that is not known sufficiently in advance to be published by other means.
Safety & RegulationsType Certificate (TC)
An official document issued by a national aviation authority confirming that an aircraft design — including its structure, systems, and powerplant — meets all applicable airworthiness standards.
Safety & Regulations