Knowledge
Aviation glossary
The terms that come up when you buy, own or operate an aircraft — explained clearly and without jargon. 41 definitions, grouped by topic.
Performance & specs
Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW)The heaviest an aircraft is certified to weigh at the start of the take-off roll.Useful LoadEverything you can add to the empty aircraft — fuel, people and cargo.PayloadThe revenue or mission load — passengers and cargo — an aircraft can carry.RangeHow far an aircraft can fly on a full tank under stated conditions.Service CeilingThe maximum altitude at which an aircraft can still climb at a minimal rate.Hot and HighHigh-elevation, high-temperature conditions that degrade aircraft performance.High-Speed CruiseThe faster cruise setting that trades fuel efficiency for speed.Long-Range CruiseThe efficient cruise setting that maximises distance per unit of fuel.Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW)The aircraft's weight with full payload but no usable fuel.
Operations & regulatory
Fixed-Base Operator (FBO)The private-aviation terminal that handles fuel, parking and passenger services at an airport.Part 91The US rules governing general (private, non-commercial) aircraft operations.Part 135The US rules for on-demand commercial charter operations.Part 145 Repair StationA certified maintenance organisation approved to work on aircraft.Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO)The organisation that manages an aircraft's ongoing airworthiness under EASA rules.Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP)An Indian DGCA permit to run non-scheduled commercial charter flights.Empty LegA repositioning flight flown with no passengers, often sold at a discount.Positioning (Ferry) FlightFlying an empty aircraft to where the trip actually begins or ends.Block HourTime from first movement off the gate to arrival at the destination gate.Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM)Airspace where aircraft fly 1,000 ft apart vertically at high altitude.
Buying & ownership
Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)The independent technical inspection of an aircraft before you buy it.Airworthiness Directive (AD)A mandatory regulator-issued fix for an unsafe condition on an aircraft type.Service Bulletin (SB)A manufacturer's recommended (usually optional) modification or inspection.Logbooks & RecordsThe complete maintenance history that proves an aircraft's airworthiness and value.Damage HistoryA record of prior damage and repair that affects value and saleability.Time Between Overhauls (TBO)The manufacturer-recommended running time before an engine overhaul.Hot Section Inspection (HSI)A scheduled inspection of a turbine engine's hottest, most stressed section.Residual ValueWhat an aircraft is expected to be worth at a future point in time.Fractional OwnershipOwning a share of a specific aircraft with managed access to it.Jet CardPrepaid private-flight hours at a fixed, capped hourly rate.
Avionics & systems
Vertical Navigation (VNAV)Automatic guidance in the vertical plane — climbs, descents and altitudes.Lateral Navigation (LNAV)Automatic guidance along a programmed horizontal flight path.Glass CockpitA flight deck built around digital displays instead of mechanical instruments.Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B)A surveillance technology where aircraft broadcast their GPS position.Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)A small onboard turbine providing power and air on the ground.
Insurance & finance
Hull InsuranceCover for physical loss or damage to the aircraft itself.Liability InsuranceCover for injury or damage the aircraft causes to others.Direct Operating Cost (DOC)The variable, per-hour cost of flying an aircraft.DepreciationThe decline in an aircraft's value over time — and a potential tax deduction.EscrowA neutral third party holding funds and documents until closing conditions are met.Letter of Intent (LOI)The document that sets the price and terms to move a purchase forward.Bill of SaleThe document that legally transfers aircraft ownership.