| Key Term | Definition |
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| Aviation Regulators |
| FAA | Federal Aviation Administration – The national aviation regulator of the United States of America. |
| EASA | European Aviation Safety Agency – The aviation regulator of the European Union and several non-European countries. |
| CAA | Civil Aviation Authority – The national aviation regulator of the United Kingdom. |
| CASA | Civil Aviation Safety Authority – The national aviation regulator of Australia. |
| TCCA | Transport Canada Civil Aviation – The national aviation regulator of Canada. |
| ANAC | National Civil Aviation Agency – The national aviation regulator of Brazil. |
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| General Features |
| ADs /SBs Complied | Airworthiness Directive – legally enforceable regulations issued by the relevant aviation regulator (i.e. FAA in the USA) to address an unsafe condition or characteristic of an aircraft product or component. Service Bulletin – a notice issued by the manufacturer of an aircraft, engine or component to communicate recommended modifications or maintenance items to be performed to an aircraft. SB’s can be mandatory or voluntary. |
| Complete Logs | Logs refer to the logbook history of an aircraft including all maintenance performed, component times and installation dates. |
| Always Hangared | Hangared describes the indoor storage of an aircraft throughout its life. |
| No Accident History | No Accident History – at no point in the aircrafts life has it been involved in any form of accident or experienced repairable damage to the fuselage. |
| RVSM Compliant | Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum – for aircraft (typically business jets and airliners) operating above FL290 reducing the minimum vertical separation between two aircraft from 2,000ft to 1,000ft. This increases airspace capacity and allows aircraft to operate more optimum flight profiles, thus reducing fuel burn. |
| EASA Compliant | An aircraft which meets the minimum safety standards to operate within EASA regulated airspace, being Europe and select non-European countries. |
| Part 135 Compliant | Part 135 outlines the requirements for Air Carrier and Operators which among other things, requires an aircraft to undergo additional maintenance requirements. |
| Dual Controls | The inclusion of both pilot and co-pilot flight controls, the latter of which may be removable or fixed. |
| Yaw Damper | A device that is attached to the rudder of an aircraft that is designed to reduce the yaw and roll effects (aka Dutch Roll) of an aircraft during flight. |
| Autopilot | Automatic pilot system that alleviates the need for a pilot to be hands on during flight. An autopilot may be single axis, two axis, three or four axis controlling respectively more axis of flight. Single axis autopilot controls only the roll axis of an aircraft. Two axis autopilot controls both pitch and roll axis and may be coupled to navigation systems. An autopilot system may also be referred to as an AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) or DFCS (Digital Flight Control System) or DFGS (Digital Flight Guidance System. |
| 3-Axis Autopilot | Three axis autopilot also controls the pitch, roll and yaw axis of an aircraft. |
| 4-Axis Autopilot | Four axis autopilot is limited to helicopters as they are able to control, pitch, roll, yaw and vertical axis of flight. |
| ForceTrim | ForceTrim is a feature linked to an autopilot allowing the pilot to intervene with flight controls setting an attitude or course without disengaging the autopilot. |
| SAS | Stability augmentation system can be applied to one or more flight controls to dampen buffeting or roll regardless of attitude or flight path. |
| FADEC | Full authority engine control controls elements of the aircraft engine performance powered by the EEC (Electronic Engine Control) or ECU (Engine Control Unit). |
| Dual FADEC | and aircraft with primary and redundant FADEC system. |
| Dual Hydraulics | Hydraulic assisted flight controls, alleviating the pressure required to move flight surfaces in flight. A dual hydraulic system contains a redundancy in the event the primary system fails rendering it too difficult to control flight surfaces. |
| Increased GW | Increased allowable gross weight certification of an aircraft can be achieved through various mechanisms generally relating to the installation of more robust landing gear, more efficient aerodynamic surfaces and / or increased power output of the aircraft engines. |
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| Avionics (Digital) |
| Dual FMS | Flight Management System is designed to reduce pilot workload by automating many in-flight tasks such as navigation, communication and engine monitoring. All modern airliners, business jets and heavy helicopters utilise electronic FMS and, in some cases, there are two FMS for redundancy and two crew operations. |
| Triple FMS | Three FMS for redundancy and two crew operations. |
| PFD/MFD | Primary Flight Display and Multi-Function Display are common place in modern aircraft allowing the flight crew to manage many systems and tasks via a centralised avionics suite including GPS, navigation and communications. |
| Dual PFD/MFD | Two or more PFD/MFD may be found in a modern cockpit. |
| Datalink | Datalink typically consists of AFIS (Aerodrome Flight Information Service)/ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) which includes Text Messages, ATIS/TWIP, Flight Planning, D-ATIS (Digital ATIS), Flight Plan Winds Update, Graphical and Textural Weather, OOOI (Out, Off, On, In) Reports, Pre-Departure Clearance & Oceanic Clearance. The newest service available through Datalink using the ACARS communications medium is FANS 1/A or CNS/ATM. Other services available through Datalink are EFB Messaging, Flight Following and connection to flight support services. |
| Weather Radar | Aircraft weather radar display the intensity and location of weather relative to the aircraft flight path. Traditional technology uses doppler radars in the nose cone of the aircraft, although new technologies are emerging that utilise data provided to the aircraft via various datalink technologies. |
| Stormscope | An aircraft system tracking real time lightning strikes relative to the aircraft position and flight path. Latest versions also identify the risk of other associated weather risks such as turbulence and wind shear. |
| TAS | Traffic advisory system allowing pilots to monitor local aircraft traffic, their altitude direction and speed of travel within a given range. |
| TCAS | Traffic collision avoidance system designed to reduce mid-air collisions between aircraft. The system tracks aircraft that are equipped with ADS-B equipment. TCAS I is mandated for aircraft operating under Part 135 with 10+ passengers. |
| TCAS II | TCAS II provides pilots with a three-step avoidance process, TA (Traffic Advisory), RA (Resolution Advisory) and CC (Clear of Conflict). Aircraft operating under Part 135 with 30+ passengers are mandated to operate with TCAS II. |
| TCAS II – 7 | TCAS II – 7 is able to calculate and direct a reversal of the resolution advisory if the other aircraft does not comply with the RA instructions. |
| TAWS | Terrain awareness and warning system is an onboard system that is designed to reduce incidents of controlled flight into terrain. TAWS is the generic term for GPWS and EGPWS systems. |
| GPWS | Ground proximity warning system is an onboard system alerting pilots to imminent danger related to terrain or other obstacles. |
| EGPWS | Enhanced ground proximity warning system has several enhancements to the GPWS, including the terrain clearance floor which provides GPWS notifications in the landing configuration. |
| AHRS | Attitude heading and reference system is a digital measurement and display of an aircraft attitude, rate of turn, slip and skip. |
| GPS | Global positioning system uses satellite technology to provide an aircraft’s position during flight. |
| Dual GPS | The installation of two GPS systems. |
| Flight Director | A flight director is avionic tool that overlays the aircrafts altitude with an indicator demonstrating to the pilot the required attitude and angle of turn to maintain the planned trajectory. |
| Synthetic Vision/HUD | Synthetic vision projects 3D terrain and obstacle improving pilot situational awareness. Heads up display projects flight data information on a transparent display in front of a pilot so they can maintain their view outside the cockpit. |
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| Avionics (Analog) |
| ADF | Automatic directional finder identifies the signal relating to a non-directional beacon being used as a navigational aid for the pilot. |
| VOR | VHF omnidirectional is a short-range radio navigational aid that also provides directional information unlike the NDB. |
| DME | Distance measuring equipment combining the transponder position relative to VHF / UHF radio signals. |
| ILS | Instrument landing system allowing pilots to make approaches to a runway even where there is no visual reference. |
| HSI | Horizontal situation indicator combines a heading indicator with a VOR / ILS to reduce pilot workload. |
| RMI | Radio magnetic indicator is formed by combines a compass to display the aircraft ‘magnetic heading’ to avoid the need of making a manual calculation. |
| Gyro – Horizon | Otherwise known as an artificial horizon or an attitude indicator, the gyro horizon demonstrates to the pilot the aircraft attitude relative to earths horizon. |
| Gyro – Directional | Otherwise known as a heading indicator or directional indicator informs the pilot of an aircraft’s heading. |
| Turn & Bank | The turn and bank indicator and the turn coordinator show the angle of bank during a turn as well as the aircraft balance showing slip or skid in a turn. |
| Radio Altimeter | Measures the distance below the antenna and the ground as a distinct difference to the barometric pressure altimeter which measures the distance above the defined point of sea level. Reduces the risk of CFIT as it provides warning of ground proximity. |
| Radar Altimeter | Measures the distance below the antenna and the ground as a distinct difference to the barometric pressure altimeter which measures the distance above the defined point of sea level. Reduces the risk of CFIT as it provides warning of ground proximity. |
| Digital Altimeter | Measures the distance below the antenna and the ground as a distinct difference to the barometric pressure altimeter which measures the distance above the defined point of sea level. Reduces the risk of CFIT as it provides warning of ground proximity. |
| TAS Indicator | True airspeed indicator, as opposed to indicated airspeed and ground speed. |
| Wind Indicator | On-board wind direction and strength indicator. |
| Fuel Flow Gauge | On-board computer indicating fuel flow, totalisation and endurance. Most common example produced by Shadin Avionics. |
| Enhanced Vision | Advanced avionics providing pilots with enhanced situational awareness by providing vision in limited visibility conditions. It does this via installed infrared sensors on the aircraft. |
| Co-Pilot Instruments | Complete second set of required avionics on the rights side of the cockpit (co-pilot side). |
| NVG Cockpit | Cockpit configured to be compatible with night vision goggles, common in EMS, air ambulance helicopters. |
| FDR/CVR | The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorders are commonplace in commercial and passenger transport aircraft ad increasingly in smaller private aircraft. |
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| Avionics (Comms) |
| VHF | Very High Frequency radio transceiver, common platform to two-way communications with other aircraft and air traffic control. |
| Dual VHF | Two installed VHF radios. |
| NAV/COM | Navigation and Communication VHF transceivers. |
| Dual NAV/COM | Two installed VHF NAV/COMM’s |
| UHF | Ultra-High Frequency radio, typical used for two-way communications with ground transport in close proximity. |
| HF | High Frequency radio, typically used for long-range two-way communications in remote locations, or where there are large natural formations blocking short wave transmissions. |
| VHF Marine | VHF radio with frequencies ranging from 156 to 174 MHz, typically used in two-way communications with maritime transport. |
| VHF FM | VHF radio typically used in two-way communications with military or emergency services ground transport. |
| Satellite Phone | Mobile phone device that transmits and receives via various satellite telecom providers such as Iridium. |
| Intercom | In-flight communications between crew and passengers over either a voice activated or push to talk system. |
| Mobile / GSM Phone | Mobile phone functionality for inflight use, generally by direct input or Bluetooth connectivity. |
| Transponder | A transmitting device that sends a “squawk code” to ATC to allow them to identify an aircraft on their radar based on the unit code requested. |
| Mode-S Transponder | Mode ‘Select’ transponder, requires for ADS-B compliance, helps aid collision avoidance with real time radar location and altitude reference. |
| Mode-C Transponder | A Mode A transponder with altitude encoder providing ATC operators an altitude reference based on the pressure altitude of the aircraft. |
| ADS-B | The Automated Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast, satellite-based technology that allows an aircraft position to be broadcast without being interrogated from a ground station. The position can be received by ATC and other aircraft to improve traffic avoidance. |
| ADS-B In | ADS-B aircraft position signal received allowing for improved accident avoidance. |
| ADS-B Out | ADS-B aircraft position signal transmitted out to other aircraft and ATC. |
| Satellite Tracking | Aircraft position tracking system, periodically transmitting location. |
| ELT | Emergency Locater Transmitter triggered either manually or automatically in the event of an accident or other emergency. |
| SATCOM | Satellite communication synconizing your flight operations including dynamic route planning and in-flight weather. |
| SELCAL | Selective calling radio that signals the aircraft that a ground calling station would like to make contact. SelCal allows the aircraft to be notified that the station would like to make contact even if the radio has been muted, to reduce the need for crew to continually monitor that station. |
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| Cabin | |
| Air Conditioning | On-board air-conditioning unit. |
| Cabin Heat | Cabin heating system, typically driven from directing air heated by the exhaust shroud. |
| Soundproofing | The aircraft fuselage has additional soundproofing in the interior, quieter travel experience. |
| Headsets | Aircraft offered with the inclusion of headset other than Bose brand. |
| BOSE Headsets | Aircraft offered with BOSE active noise cancelling headset. |
| Shoulder Harness | Aircraft crew and cabin seats fitted with 3, 4 or 5-point harness. |
| Inflatable Seatbelt | Seat belts fitted with airbags. |
| Fire Extinguisher | On-board fire extinguisher. |
| Life Vests | On-board life crew and passenger life vests. |
| First Aid Kit | On-board first aid kit. |
| Tinted Windows | Cabin windows solar window tints. |
| 12v Power | Power outlets in cockpit and cabin for charging electronic devices. |
| AC Power | Alternating current power outlets for powering larger electronic devices. |
| DC Power | Direct current power supply from aircraft batter for charging specialist electronic devices. |
| CD/DVD | CD/DVD input for entertainment system. |
| AUX Stereo Input | Auxiliary stereo sound input from music device. |
| Entertainment System | Music and video entertainment system including screens and speakers. |
| Wi-Fi / Broadband | On-board internet either direct or via Wi-Fi. |
| Oxygen | On-board oxygen system. |
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| Additional Equip |
| FIKI | Certified for flight into known icing conditions. |
| De-Ice Equipment | De-ice equipment on flight control surfaces. |
| Heated Windshield | Heated windshield for de-icing and de-frosting. |
| Pitot Heat | Heated pitot tube for icing conditions. |
| Engine Pre-Heat | Heating for the engine prior to start. |
| Extended Range Tanks | Auxiliary or additional fuel capacity for long-range operations. |
| Cargo Pod | Additional cargo / baggage storage in wing lockers, underbelly or skid mounted pods for helicopters |
| Baggage Extender | Extended baggage compartment for sporting equipment. |
| Sun Visors | Cockpit sun visors commonly produced by Rosen. |
| Windshield Wipers | Cockpit windshield wipers. |
| Ground Handling Equip | Tow bars, skid wheels, tie-downs etc. |
| Electric Dolly / TUG | Either remote or direct control dolly or TUG to manoeuvre aircraft on the ground. |
| Dual Batteries | Two battery system to providing back-up power for avionics or slow starts. |
| NiCad Battery | Nickel-Cadmium batteries, providing long life and high performance particularly in cold conditions. |
| Overhead Light | Overhead cockpit light for flight planning at night. |
| Spray Computer | Tracking computer typically used in agriculture for spraying fields. |
| SAR Computer | Search and Rescue tracking computer for systematic search criteria. |
| Engine Hobbs | Engine hour meter. |
| Collective Hobbs | Collective hour meter for helicopters. |
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| Helicopter Equip |
| Rotorbrake | Brake to slow the rotation of wings in shutdown and hold them in position when stationary. |
| Bubble Windows | Wedge or bubble windows for improved helicopter visibility in flight. |
| Sliding Pax Door | Sliding as opposed to hinged passenger door for improve ingress and egress. |
| Barrier Filter | Inlet barrier filter capturing dust and snow in front of the compressor air intake. |
| Particle Separator | A sand and dust filter utilising a series of mini turbines that spin the air ahead of the intake separating the foreign particles in the air. |
| Wire Strike Kit | Wire cutter above and below the nose of the aircraft designed to cut though power or phone lines in the event of a strike. |
| Cargo Hook | Belly mounted hook for lifting external loads. |
| Hook Provisions | The provisions for but without the fixed equipment required for a cargo hook |
| Cargo Mirror | A floor mounted mirror visible form the cockpit to view the connection of a load to the hook. |
| Vertical Ref Window | Oversized bubble window for the pilot and crew of a helicopter to view the aircraft position relative to a load. |
| Hook Load Meter | A device fitted to the cargo hook to give approximate weight of the load. |
| Longline Kit | The long-line lifting kit for sling loads. |
| Bambi Bucket | Water bombing bucket for fire services. |
| Bear Paws | Broad pads fitted to the skids for landing in soft surfaces such as snow. |
| Maintenance Step | Steps fitted to the fuselage of the aircraft for pre-flight and maintenance inspections. |
| Flight Step | A horizontal step fitted to high-skid gear to aid the ingress and egress of the helicopter. |
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| Helicopter Equip |
| Hoist | Externally mounting winch utilised in EMS services to retrieve patients from water or steep slopes. |
| Emergency Floats | Pop-out floats mounted to the skids or fuselage for emergency water landings. |
| Hoist Provisions | The fixed provisions to mount a hoist. |
| Float Provisions | The fixed provisions to mount emergency floats. |
| External Life Raft | Externally mounted life raft typically installed on offshore oil & gas commuter helicopters. |
| Internal Life Raft | Internally mounted life raft typically installed on offshore oil & gas commuter helicopters. |
| Jettisonable Doors | Cabin doors that can mechanically eject for emergency egress, typically installed on offshore oil & gas commuter helicopters. |
| Pop-out Windows | Cabin windows that can mechanically eject for emergency egress, typically installed on offshore oil & gas commuter helicopters. |
| Cabin PA System | In-flight passenger address system for communicating with passengers. |
| HEEL | Helicopter Emergency Egress Lighting system. |
| HISL | High intensity strobe light for improved visibility and identification of helicopters in low visibility conditions. |
| HUMS | Health and usage monitoring system typically backed to base performance monitoring of an aircraft for early identification and resolution of maintenance requirements. |
| Searchlight | Static or swivelling searchlight typically used in EMS and law enforcement operations. |
| EMS Kit | Cabin fitted with emergency medical equipment, centred around a patient stretcher system. |
| Litter Kit | Cabin deployable or skid mounted litter for the retrieval of patients or transporting equipment externally. |
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| Business Jet Equip |
| Lavatory | Onboard toilet facility. |
| Belted Lavatory | Onboard, belted toilet facility. |
| Vanity Cabinet | Sink and cabinetry facilities in enclosed lavatory room. |
| Hot / Cold Galley | A kitchen area with facilities for hot/ cold meal and beverage preparation. |
| 2 Place Divan | Two-placed side facing passenger seats. |
| 3 Place Divan | Three-placed side facing passenger seats. |
| Bedroom | A room with a bed, intended primarily for sleeping. |
| Shower | An enclosure with running water to bathe in. |
| Crew Rest | A separated compartment in the aircraft for flight and cabin crew to rest during long haul operations. |
| Thrust Reverser | The temporary diversion of an aircraft engine’s thrust so that it is directed forward, in order to slow the aircraft on landing for short field operations. |
| Airstair | Built-in or movable set of stairs used to allow passengers to enter and exit aircraft. |
| Pressurized Luggage | Luggage compartment situated within the pressurized cabin area in order to maintain the same atmospheric pressure as the rest of the cabin. |
| Single Point Fuel | Typically over wing or pressurized refuelling capable of filling all fuel tanks from a single point on the fuselage. |
| Wing-Tips | The outer edge of an airplane wing designed to reduce drag which improves fuel efficiency and range. |
| Vortex Generators | An aerodynamic device, typically a small vane attached to lifting surfaces, improving airflow over the wing and subsequent lift. |
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| Fixed Wing Equip |
| FIKI | Certified for flight into known icing conditions. |
| Hot Prop | De-ice equipped propeller. |
| STOL Kit | Equipment mounted to lifting surfaces to improves the aircrafts short take-off and landing capabilities. |
| Float Kit | Aircraft offered with amphibious or straight floats equipment. |
| Ski Kit | Aircraft offered with the equipment required to land on snow or ice surfaces. |
| Bush wheel Kit | Aircraft offered with equipment required to land on rough or rugged terrain. |
| Cargo Door | Oversized door in the aircraft fuselage for the ingress and egress of cargo. |
| Speed Brakes | The flap on an aircraft wing intended to decrease speed in flight to prepare for landing. |
| Oil Pre-Heat | A device that heats engine oil prior to start, typically used in cold climates. |
| Wing-Tips | The outer edge of an airplane wing designed to reduce drag which improves fuel efficiency and range. |
| Vortex Generators | An aerodynamic device, typically a small vane attached to lifting surfaces, improving airflow over the wing and subsequent lift. |
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| Float / Amphib Equip |
| Freshwater Only | Float planes operated solely in freshwater |
| Wheel Gear Kit | Aircraft offered with wheel gear. |
| Ski Kit | Aircraft offered with the equipment required to land on snow or ice surfaces. |
| Bush wheel Kit | Aircraft offered with equipment required to land on rough or rugged terrain. |
| Depth Sounder | Instrument used to measure the depth beneath the water’s surface. |
| Float Storage | Storage compartment in the floats. |
| Anchor | A heavy object attached to a chain or rope intended to secure a vessel to a body of water’s bottom. |
