F

A surface of constant atmospheric pressure which is related to a specific pressure datum, 1013.2 hectopascals (hPa), and is separated from other such surfaces by specific pressure intervals.

The line or course along which an aircraft is flying or intends to fly.

A dynamic instability of an elastic body in an airstream, caused by the aerodynamic forces coupling with the structure’s natural modes of vibration.

A method of defining periodic waveforms in terms of trigonometric functions, often used in analyzing aircraft vibrations.

The main body of an aircraft.

A voluntary safety program designed to improve aviation safety through the proactive use of flight recorded data.

Movable surfaces on the wings that increase lift and drag, typically used during takeoff and landing.

The final portion of the landing approach, when the pilot reduces power and raises the nose of the aircraft, gradually decreasing the rate of descent before touchdown.

A device used to record specific aircraft performance parameters for accidents and incident investigation.

The capabilities of an aircraft in terms of airspeed and load factor.