← Back to Aviation Glossary
Aileron
A hinged flight control surface on the trailing edge of each wing that controls the aircraft's roll about its longitudinal axis. Moving the control yoke or stick left or right deflects the ailerons in opposite directions.
Want to go beyond the definition? This term is covered in depth in AviatorPro's Private Pilot License ground school.
Learn more in Private Pilot License →Related Terms
- AIRMET (Airmen's Meteorological Information)An in-flight weather advisory for conditions that may affect aircraft operations but are less severe than SIGMET criteria, such as moderate icing or turbulence, mountain obscuration, or widespread IFR. Modern briefings commonly present these as G-AIRMETs (graphical AIRMETs).
- AirspaceDefined areas of the atmosphere designated by the FAA with specific rules and requirements for aircraft operations. U.S. airspace is classified into Classes A, B, C, D, E, and G, each with different visibility, cloud clearance, and communication requirements.
- Airspeed IndicatorA flight instrument that displays the aircraft's speed through the air, typically in knots. It works by measuring the difference between pitot (ram air) pressure and static pressure. The indicator features colored arcs showing operating speed ranges.
- AirworthinessThe condition in which an aircraft conforms to its type design and is in a condition for safe flight. Under 14 CFR 91.7, no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is airworthy, and the pilot in command is responsible for that determination before each flight.