Aeronautical Knowledge: Initial New Hire Training

Aeronautical Knowledge

• The four aerodynamic forces are: lift, weight, thrust, and drag, which are in equilibrium during straight and level flight.
• Lift is the upward force created by airflow over and under the wings, supporting the airplane in flight.
• Weight opposes lift, caused by the downward pull of gravity.
• Thrust is the forward force propelling the airplane through the air.

Airline Jargon

• Cabin: section of the aircraft for passenger seating.
• Cabin Crew: crew members working in the passenger cabin, responsible for passenger safety and welfare.
• Cabin Service: department responsible for the quality and type of care administered to passengers on board.
• Cargo: goods or merchandise carried in the aircraft, stored in the cargo compartment below the passenger cabin.
• Check-in: scheduled report time prior to departure of a flight.

Time Zone

• 24-hour clock: used to measure time.
• International Date Line: separates two consecutive calendar days.
• Local Time Difference from GMT: difference between local time and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Airline Terminology

• CASSEROLE: container used for heating and cooking the main meal.
• CHECKED BAGGAGE: baggage taken into sole custody by the carrier, stored in the cargo compartment, and issued a baggage check.
• COAT TAG: small tag used for checking passengers' coats and garment bags, with seat number and destination written on it.
• CODES: three-letter abbreviations for airports and cities served by airlines, and two-letter abbreviations for airline companies.
• CONFIGURATION: arrangement of seats and other cabin features of an aircraft's interior.
• CREW (MEMBER): person designated to perform specialized duties on board an aircraft, e.g., cockpit and cabin attendants.

Aviation Operations

• CRUISING SPEED: speed at which the aircraft operates most efficiently, calibrated in knots (1 knot = 1.15 miles).
• CUSTOMS: federal agency responsible for levying taxes against imported and exported items.
• DEADHEADING: crew member riding on the aircraft as a passenger, positioned to or from flying.
• DECLARATION: formal statement made to customs regarding imported or exported items liable to be taxed.
• DEMONSTRATION: showing passengers how to use various types of emergency equipment, required by FAA regulation.
• DEPARTURE: commencement of a flight, when the plane taxis from the terminal facilities.
• DESTINATION: predetermined arrival point.
• ETD: estimated time of departure.
• FLIGHT NUMBER: numerical designation of a flight.

Aviation Safety

• EMERGENCY: unexpected situation that poses a potential threat to health and safety.
• EVACUATION: process of leaving an aircraft immediately under emergency conditions.
• DITCHING: emergency landing on water.
• EICAS: Engine Indication & Crew Alerting System.
• ETA: estimated time of arrival.
• FAA: Federal Aviation Administration, responsible for the safety and emergency procedures of the U.S. air transportation system.
• FAR: Federal Aviation Regulations, rules established by the FAA to guard against potential safety hazards.

Aviation Miscellaneous

• DUTY TIME: time in which crew members are responsible to the company and are paid, not necessarily flight time.
• ECONOMY: standard class of service offered at a reduced fare.
• FIRST CLASS: deluxe standard of service available to a small percentage of passengers on a given flight.
• FERRY FLIGHT: flight positioning an aircraft in another city, with no passengers, only crew members.
• FIRST AID: immediate care.
• PILOT IN COMMAND: captain responsible for the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft.
• FIRST OFFICER: pilot who is second in command and sits to the right of the captain.
• SECOND OFFICER: person who assists the captain and co-pilot during the flight.
• FLIGHT OPERATION: center of activity for the assignment and monitoring of the cockpit crew.
• THROUGH FLIGHT: flight which is coming from some other station or city and then continues on to another city.
• TIME TABLE: table listing flight numbers, departure and arrival times, aircraft type, and meal type.
• TURBULENCE: bumpy air causing the aircraft to move up or down or sideways in short, jerky motion.
• TURN-AROUND: flight in which you leave and return to your home without a layover.
• VISA: endorsement on a passport that entry to a country is authorized.