Flight Schools Industry Terminology
100-hour Inspection
A required inspection for aircraft used to carry passengers for hire or provide flight instruction for hire. Similar in scope to an annual inspection; can be exceeded by up to 10 hours only to reach a place where the inspection can be performed, and that time counts toward the next 100 hours.
-This Cessna 172 is due for its 100-hour in 3.6 hours—let’s plan a reposition flight to the maintenance shop. -We can exceed the 100 hours only to reach a place where the inspection can be done, and that time counts toward the next 100 hours. -The airplane had an annual last month, but because it’s used for hire, it still needs a 100-hour.
AATD (Advanced Aviation Training Device)
An FAA-authorized flight training device that can credit a defined number of hours toward certificates/ratings under Parts 61 and 141. More capable than a BATD, often with wraparound visuals and realistic avionics.
-We’ll log AATD time toward your instrument rating under Part 61—up to the allowed credit. -The AATD’s wraparound visuals and G1000 panel make holds and approaches very realistic. -Let’s practice the missed approach and holds in the AATD before we fly it tomorrow.
ACS (Airman Certification Standards)
The FAA’s testing standards that integrate aeronautical knowledge, risk management, and skills for knowledge tests and practical tests (checkrides).
-Review the ACS to see the exact completion standards and tolerances for your checkride tasks. -The DPE evaluates knowledge, risk management, and skill to the ACS. -Make sure your lesson objectives map to the ACS elements for each task.
ADM (Aeronautical Decision-Making)
A systematic approach to risk management and decision-making in aviation, leveraging models like PAVE, 5P, and DECIDE.
-Use the PAVE checklist during preflight to support ADM. -We’ll run a 5P check at each waypoint to reassess risks as conditions change. -Apply the DECIDE model to manage that alternator failure scenario.
AD (Airworthiness Directive)
A legally enforceable rule issued by the FAA to correct an unsafe condition on an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance.
-There’s a new AD on the seat rails for our 172s—we must comply before further flight. -Check the maintenance logs to verify recurring AD compliance. -The mechanic signed off the AD with the method of compliance and next due date.
AFSP (TSA Alien Flight Student Program)
TSA security threat assessment and approval process for non-U.S. citizens seeking certain types of flight training (e.g., initial certificates, instrument, multi-engine).
-International students need AFSP approval before starting instrument training. -Your AFSP fingerprints and approval must clear before we can schedule the intake flight. -The school received your AFSP ‘Permission to Initiate Training’—we can begin next week.
ATP (Airline Transport Pilot)
The highest level of pilot certification, required to act as PIC for U.S. airlines; minimum age 23 (or 21 for restricted ATP) with experience and knowledge requirements.
-She earned a restricted ATP at age 21 through a Part 141 program. -You’ll need 1,500 hours for an unrestricted ATP under Part 61. -An ATP is required to serve as PIC for most U.S. airline operations.
Avgas 100LL
Blue-colored, leaded aviation gasoline widely used in piston training aircraft. Some fleets also use unleaded alternatives where approved.
-The fuel is blue—100LL—so we’re good for this Lycoming engine. -We’ll top off with 100LL at the self-serve pump after the flight. -Where approved, we can use UL94 as an unleaded alternative.
CFI (Certified Flight Instructor)
An instructor authorized to provide flight and ground training and endorse students for solo, knowledge tests, and practical tests.
-My CFI endorsed me for my first solo today. -Ask your CFI for a 61.39 endorsement before scheduling the checkride. -The CFI will provide both ground and flight training and log each lesson.
CFII (Instrument Instructor)
A flight instructor with instrument privileges who can teach and endorse instrument students for the instrument rating and IPCs.
-My CFII signed me off for the instrument rating practical test. -We’ll complete an IPC with a CFII next week. -The CFII taught holding entries and partial-panel approaches today.
Checkride (Practical Test)
The FAA practical test conducted by a DPE or FAA inspector, including an oral exam and flight portion to evaluate ACS standards.
-The checkride includes an oral exam followed by a flight to ACS standards. -Our DPE can conduct your private pilot checkride next Tuesday. -Bring your IACRA application and logbook endorsements to the checkride.
CPL (Commercial Pilot Certificate)
Certificate that allows a pilot to be compensated for certain flying; includes advanced maneuvers, complex/high-performance experience, and cross-country requirements.
-Commercial training covers maneuvers like chandelles and lazy eights. -You’ll need complex or TAA time for the CPL requirements. -The 300 NM cross-country is a key CPL requirement under Part 61.
CRM (Crew Resource Management)
Effective use of all available resources—people, equipment, and information—to achieve safe flight operations. Adapted for two-pilot training and relevant concepts for single-pilot operations.
-Establish roles, callouts, and communication standards as part of CRM. -Good CRM helped us manage workload during the approach and briefing. -We adapt CRM techniques for two-pilot training and relevant single-pilot operations.
CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency)
The frequency used for self-announcing position and intentions at nontowered airports; often the UNICOM frequency.
-Announce taxi, departure, and pattern legs on CTAF at nontowered fields. -Use 122.8 as CTAF here per the Chart Supplement. -Make position reports and monitor CTAF when entering the pattern.
DA (Density Altitude)
Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature; a performance-critical factor that affects takeoff distance, climb rate, and engine power.
-High density altitude today means a longer takeoff roll and reduced climb. -Let’s calculate DA from pressure altitude and temperature. -At KAPA on a hot day, DA can exceed 9,000 feet—plan performance carefully.
DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner)
An FAA-authorized examiner who conducts practical tests and issues temporary airman certificates upon successful completion.
-The DPE will issue a temporary airman certificate if you pass. -We found an available DPE through the local FSDO list. -Confirm the DPE’s fee and required documents before test day.
EFB (Electronic Flight Bag)
Tablet or app-based system (e.g., ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot) that replaces paper charts and supports planning, weather, performance, and logs.
-We use ForeFlight as our EFB for charts and performance planning. -Keep your EFB databases current before each flight. -Export your track logs and file flight plans from the EFB.
Endorsement (Instructor Endorsement)
A CFI’s written authorization in a logbook or training record granting privileges (e.g., solo, cross-country) or certifying readiness for tests.
-Your instructor added the 61.39 endorsement for checkride readiness. -A 90-day solo endorsement is required to continue solo flights. -The CFI provided a make/model-specific solo endorsement.
FAR/AIM
Combined reference of Federal Aviation Regulations and the Aeronautical Information Manual; standard source for rules and procedures.
-Look up 14 CFR 91.205 equipment requirements in the FAR/AIM. -The AIM chapter on airport operations covers nontowered procedures. -Carry a current FAR/AIM or access it through your EFB.
Fleet Utilization Rate
A measure of how effectively a school uses its aircraft (e.g., flight hours per aircraft per day or percent of available hours flown). Key to profitability and scheduling.
-Our target is 4.0 flight hours per aircraft per day. -Weather cancellations dropped utilization by 20% this week. -We track utilization to optimize scheduling and maintenance availability.
FOI (Fundamentals of Instruction)
Core knowledge for instructors on human behavior, learning, lesson planning, assessments, and risk management.
-Study FOI topics for the CFI knowledge test, like human behavior and learning. -Use primacy and recency principles when structuring lessons. -Incorporate scenario-based training and proper assessments per FOI guidance.
FSDO (Flight Standards District Office)
The FAA’s local safety oversight office handling certification, enforcement, and examiner/instructor oversight.
-Contact the FSDO for questions about DPE availability or oversight. -The FSDO handles enforcement actions and certificate issues locally. -Our new instructor will coordinate with the FSDO for CFI certificate processing.
FTD (Flight Training Device)
A fixed-base simulator with FAA levels (e.g., 5, 6) providing high-fidelity systems and procedures training with loggable credit.
-We’ll practice systems failures in the Level 5 FTD. -Under Part 61, you can credit FTD time toward the instrument rating. -Use the FTD to rehearse flows and checklists before the flight.
G1000 (Garmin)
A popular integrated glass cockpit suite with PFD/MFD, GPS, autopilot, and engine monitoring common in modern trainers.
-Load and brief the RNAV approach using the G1000. -Use the PFD for primary flight data and the MFD for engine and map. -The G1000 paired with the GFC 700 autopilot simplifies IFR workload.
Ground School
Structured classroom or online instruction covering aeronautical knowledge needed for certificates, ratings, and checkrides.
-Our Part 141 ground school meets three nights a week. -Complete ground school before scheduling the knowledge test. -The online ground school tracks your quiz scores and progress.
Hobbs Time
Time recorded from an electrical hour meter (often tied to master switch or oil pressure) used for billing, maintenance intervals, and logbooks.
-Billing is based on Hobbs time, which starts with oil pressure in this airplane. -Log your dual received using the Hobbs start/stop times. -The maintenance shop uses Hobbs for inspection intervals.
I-20 (SEVIS Form)
Certificate of eligibility issued by a SEVP-certified school that allows international students to apply for an M-1/F-1 visa for flight training.
-The school issued my I-20 so I can apply for an M-1 visa. -Bring your I-20 to the visa interview and keep it current during training. -SEVIS updates are required if your training timeline changes.
IACRA
The FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application system used to submit pilot applications and endorsements electronically.
-Submit your pilot application in IACRA before the checkride. -Your CFI will review and sign your IACRA application electronically. -The DPE will pull your IACRA file on test day to issue a temporary certificate.
IMSAFE
A personal checklist for pilot fitness: Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion/Eating.
-Run IMSAFE before every flight to self-assess fitness. -I’m not flying today—fatigue and medication fail IMSAFE. -IMSAFE is part of our preflight risk briefing.
IR (Instrument Rating)
An additional rating permitting flight under IFR and in IMC, with training in procedures, navigation, and instrument approaches.
-We’ll train holds, approaches, and IFR procedures for your IR. -Pass the instrument knowledge test before scheduling the IR checkride. -An IR allows flight in IMC under IFR.
Knowledge Test (FAA Written Exam)
Computer-based exam covering aeronautical knowledge for certificates/ratings; required prior to the practical test.
-Schedule your knowledge test at an authorized PSI testing center. -You need an instructor endorsement before taking the written. -Passing the knowledge test is required prior to the practical test.
LMS (Learning Management System)
Software platform that delivers, tracks, and assesses training content, progress, and records for students and instructors.
-The LMS shows your lesson status and upcoming assignments. -Instructors record grades and notes in the LMS after each flight. -Our LMS integrates videos, quizzes, and stage checks.
Logbook
Official record of flight time, training, endorsements, and experience; may be paper or electronic.
-Update your electronic logbook right after the flight. -The DPE will verify endorsements and aeronautical experience in your logbook. -Record simulator time and dual received accurately in the logbook.
MEI (Multiengine Instructor)
A CFI authorized to provide instruction in multiengine aircraft and endorse multiengine applicants.
-The MEI demonstrated the Vmc demo and engine-out procedures. -I received my multiengine checkride signoff from the MEI. -You need an MEI to provide multiengine instruction and endorsements.
METAR
Aviation routine weather report issued at least hourly describing current surface conditions at an airport.
-The METAR shows winds 23012G18KT with 5SM and -RA. -Check METARs along the route for current ceilings and visibility. -An updated METAR just went IFR—let’s reassess our plan.
NOTAM
Notice to Air Missions; time-critical information affecting flight operations (e.g., runways closed, navaid outages, TFRs).
-Check NOTAMs for runway closures before we depart. -There’s a GPS NOTAM that could affect our RNAV approach. -A TFR NOTAM popped up near our practice area—avoid that airspace.
PAVE
Preflight risk management framework: Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures.
-Use PAVE during preflight to evaluate Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, and External pressures. -External pressures are high today—let’s slow down and consider options. -The environment leg of PAVE flags density altitude as a key risk.
Part 141
FAA-approved, syllabus-driven flight school regulation with structured stages, TCO, stage checks, and possible reduced hour requirements.
-Our Part 141 syllabus includes stage checks and TCO compliance. -You may qualify for reduced hour minimums under Part 141. -Schedule your stage check to progress to the next phase.
Part 61
Flexible training regulation allowing individualized pacing and less formal structure than Part 141, but typically with higher minimum hour requirements.
-Training under Part 61 offers flexibility in scheduling and pacing. -There are typically higher minimum hours under Part 61 than Part 141. -We’ll tailor your lessons under Part 61 to your progress.
PPL (Private Pilot Certificate)
Entry-level pilot certificate allowing noncommercial flight, typically with day/night, VFR privileges, and passengers (no compensation).
-With a PPL, you can carry passengers but not for compensation or hire. -You can share direct operating costs with passengers under pro-rata rules. -Night VFR is permitted after training and endorsement requirements are met.
SMS (Safety Management System)
A formal, enterprise-wide framework for managing safety risk, including policies, hazard reporting, risk analysis, and safety assurance.
-Submit hazards through the SMS reporting system. -We perform safety risk assessments on new training procedures. -Quarterly safety assurance audits are part of our SMS.
Solo Endorsement
A CFI authorization permitting a student pilot to act as PIC under restrictions (e.g., 90-day validity, specific make/model, routes).
-Your 61.87 solo endorsement is valid for 90 days. -The CFI issued a cross-country solo endorsement listing specific airports. -No solo flight until your make/model endorsement is current.
Squawk (Maintenance Discrepancy)
A reported defect or issue noted by pilots or mechanics for maintenance corrective action; recorded in the log or squawk list.
-Please squawk the inoperative landing light in the app after the flight. -The mechanic cleared yesterday’s transponder squawk. -We can’t dispatch the airplane with that open squawk—minimum equipment not met.
SRM (Single-Pilot Resource Management)
Adapting CRM concepts to single-pilot operations, focusing on managing automation, tasks, situational awareness, and risk.
-Use 5P checks to maintain SRM throughout the flight. -Manage automation modes carefully to avoid mode confusion. -Prioritize tasks to maintain situational awareness in single-pilot IFR.
Stage Check
An evaluation at key points in a 141 (and some 61) syllabi to assess proficiency and readiness to advance to the next stage.
-You’ll take a stage check before your first solo cross-country. -An independent instructor will conduct your stage check. -The stage check report outlines proficiency and areas for improvement.
Syllabus
Structured sequence of lessons and objectives guiding ground, simulator, and flight training; required and FAA-approved under Part 141.
-Follow the lesson objectives and completion standards in the syllabus. -Our Part 141 syllabus integrates sim and flight lessons. -Today’s flight covers the next two objectives on the syllabus.
TAF
Terminal Aerodrome Forecast providing expected weather conditions, typically valid for 24–30 hours, issued four times daily.
-The TAF shows TEMPO thunderstorms this afternoon. -This TAF is valid from 18Z to 18Z tomorrow. -Use TAFs to plan alternates and fuel for potential delays.
TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction)
Restriction of airspace for safety/security (e.g., VIP movement, wildfires, space launches); violation can lead to enforcement.
-A presidential TFR closes our practice area this weekend—plan around it. -Always check graphical TFRs before departure. -Violating a TFR can result in enforcement and interception.
Weight and Balance
Calculations ensuring aircraft loading stays within weight and CG limits for safety and performance.
-Compute weight and balance before every flight to verify limits. -We’re near forward CG—expect heavier control forces. -Removing a rear-seat passenger moved CG forward but still within limits.
Wet Rate
An aircraft rental price that includes fuel and oil (as opposed to a dry rate without fuel). Common in flight school pricing.
-The C172 rents for $165 per hour wet, including fuel and oil. -Cross-country fuel purchases are reimbursed under our wet rate policy. -Ask whether the price is wet or dry before booking the airplane.
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