The world of aviation has a language within itself. This language was developed to ensure fast and effective communication between both pilots and air traffic controllers. However, this jargon can be complex and confusing to an outsider. Here are the meanings and usage patterns of some frequently used flight terms:
Meaning: The word “Mayday” is an aviation emergency call. It is used when an aircraft or ship faces serious danger.
Usage: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, Flight 123, engine failure.”
- Pan-Pan
Meaning: The “Pan-Pan” call is used when there is an emergency but the danger is not fatal.
Usage: “Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Flight 456, medical emergency on board.”
- Squawk
Meaning: The term “Squawk” refers to the four-digit code sent by the transponder device on the aircraft. This code allows the flight to be tracked by radar.
Usage: “Squawk 7500” (plane hijacked signal), “Squawk 7600” (communication loss signal), “Squawk 7700” (general emergency signal).
- Roger
Meaning: The word “Roger” is used to indicate that a received message has been understood. This term was previously used as the equivalent of the letter “R” in the phonetic alphabet.
Usage: “Roger, we’ll descend to 3000 feet.”
- Wilco
Meaning: “Wilco” is an abbreviation for “will comply.” The pilot states that he will follow the instructions given.
Usage: “Climb to 5000 feet, Wilco.”
- Affirmative and Negative
Meaning: The words “Affirmative” and “Negative” are used to mean “yes” and “no” respectively. These terms are preferred to provide clear answers to avoid confusion.
Usage: “Affirmative, we have visual on the runway.” “Negative, we do not have the traffic in sight.”
- ATC (Air Traffic Control)
Meaning: Air Traffic Control ensures the safe and orderly movement of aircraft in the airspace.
Usage: “Contact ATC for clearance to enter controlled airspace.”
- FBO (Fixed-Base Operator)
Meaning: A Fixed Base Operator is an airport facility that provides services for private aircraft. These facilities provide refueling, maintenance and other support services.
Usage: “We’ll refuel at the FBO before our next leg.”
- Final Approach
Meaning: “Final approach” is the stage where the descending aircraft aligns with the runway and enters the final descent phase.
Usage: “We’re on final approach to runway 27.”
- Holding Pattern
Meaning: “Holding pattern” is the circular route an aircraft follows when it has to hold at a particular point. It is often used due to traffic congestion or weather conditions.
Usage: “We’ve been instructed to enter a holding pattern at 5000 feet.”
These terms are very important to understand the complexity of the aviation world and to understand what happens during flight. Learning aviation jargon is useful not only for pilots and air traffic controllers, but also for anyone interested in aviation. Knowing flight terms will help you become more familiar with the world of aviation and better understand this fascinating world.
