Aeronautical Terms beginning with K

Katabatic wind

Any wind blowing downslope. For example: fall wind, foehn.

Kelvin temperature scale (abbreviated K)

A temperature scale with zero degrees equal to the temperature at which all molecular motion ceases, i.e., absolute zero (0° K = -273° C); the Kelvin degree is identical to the Celsius degree; hence at standard sea level pressure, the melting point is 273° K and the boiling point 373° K.

Known, Observed, or Detected Ice Accretion

Actual ice that is observed visually to be on the aircraft by the flightcrew or identified by onboard sensors.