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AME (Aviation Medical Examiner)
A physician designated by the FAA to perform medical examinations for pilot certificates. AMEs evaluate vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and general fitness to determine if applicants meet medical standards.
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- AMT (Aviation Maintenance Technician)A certified technician authorized to inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft. AMTs hold Airframe and/or Powerplant (A&P) certificates issued by the FAA after completing approved training and passing written, oral, and practical exams.
- Angle of Attack (AOA)The angle between the chord line of an airfoil (wing) and the relative wind. As angle of attack increases, lift increases up to the critical angle of attack, beyond which the wing stalls regardless of airspeed or attitude.
- ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service)A continuous broadcast of recorded aeronautical information at airports with control towers. ATIS provides current weather, active runways, NOTAMs, and other operational information, updated hourly or when conditions change significantly.
- Attitude IndicatorAlso known as the artificial horizon, this gyroscopic instrument displays the aircraft's pitch and bank attitude relative to the actual horizon. It is the primary instrument for maintaining aircraft control during instrument flight.