Aeronautical Terms beginning with F
FA
Area Forecast (Discontinued, replaced by Graphical Forecasts for Aviation)
FAA
Federal Aviation Administration.
FAASTeam
Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team.
FAASTeam Program Manager
The person who designs, implements, and evaluates the FAASTeam within the FAA flight standards district office (FSDO) area of responsibility.
FAASTeam Representative
A volunteer within the aviation community who shares technical expertise and professional knowledge as a part of the FAASTeam.
FAF
Final Approach Fix.
Fahrenheit temperature scale (abbreviated F)
A temperature scale with 32 degrees as the melting point of pure ice and 212 degrees as the boiling point of pure water at standard sea level atmospheric pressure (29.92 inches or 1013.2 millibars).
Fall wind
A cold wind blowing downslope. Fall wind differs from foehn in that the air is initially cold enough to remain relatively cold despite compressional heating during descent.
False Alert
1. Alerts generated by one or more false surface-radar targets that the system has interpreted as real tracks and placed into safety logic. 2. Alerts in which the safety logic software did not perform correctly, based upon the design specifications and the current set of Safety Logic parameters. 3. The alert is generated by surface radar targets caused by moderate or greater precipitation.
False Horizon
An optical illusion where the pilot confuses a row of lights along a road or other straight line as the horizon.
False Start
Hung Start. In gas turbine engines, a condition of normal light off but with r.p.m. remaining at some low value rather than increasing to the normal idle r.p.m. This is often the result of insufficient power to the engine from the starter. In the event of a hung start, the engine should be shut down.
FAP
Final Approach Point
FAROS
Final Approach Runway Occupancy Signal
Fast File
A system whereby a pilot files a flight plan via telephone that is tape recorded and then transcribed for transmission to the appropriate air traffic facility. Locations having a fast file capability are contained in the Airport/Facility Directory. (Alaska only.)
FATO
Final Approach and Takeoff Area
FAWP
Final Approach Waypoint
FB
Fly-By
FBWP
Fly-By Waypoint
FCC
Federal Communications Commission
FCLT
Freeze Calculated Landing Time
FD
Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecast
FDC
Flight Data Center
FDC NOTAM
Flight Data Center Notice To Airmen
FDE
Fault Detection and Exclusion
FDI
Flight Director Indicator.
FDP
Flight Data Processing
FEA/FCA
Flow Evaluation Area (FEA) / Flow Constrained Area (FCA) - FEA/FCAs provide reroutes using the Create Reroute capability and are published through a reroute advisory with an optional flight list attached. Stakeholders can monitor FEA/FCAs through reroute monitor in traffic situation display (TSD), web situation display (WSD) or collaborative constraint situation display (CCSD).
Feathered Propeller
A propeller whose blades have been rotated so that the leading and trailing edges are nearly parallel with the aircraft flight path to stop or minimize drag and engine rotation. Normally used to indicate shutdown of a reciprocating or turboprop engine due to malfunction.
Feathering Propeller (Feathered)
A controllable pitch propeller with a pitch range sufficient to allow the blades to be turned parallel to the line of flight to reduce drag and prevent further damage to an engine that has been shut down after a malfunction.
Federal airways
Class E airspace areas that extend upward from 1,200 feet to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL, unless otherwise specified.
Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team (FAASTeam)
An organization promoting safety standards and the reduction of aircraft related accidents. Each of the eight FAA Flight Standards regions have a dedicated FAASTeam office.
Feeder facilities
Used by ATC to direct aircraft to intervening fixes between the en route structure and the initial approach fix.
Feeder Fix
The fix depicted on Instrument Approach Procedure Charts which establishes the starting point of the feeder route.
Feeder Route
A feeder route is a route depicted on IAP charts to designate courses for aircraft to proceed from the en route structure to the IAF. Feeder routes, also referred to as approach transitions, technically are not considered approach segments but are an integral part of many IAPs.
Ferry Flight
A flight for the purpose of: a. Returning an aircraft to base. b. Delivering an aircraft from one location to another. c. Moving an aircraft to and from a maintenance base. Ferry flights, under certain conditions, may be conducted under terms of a special flight permit.
FFS
Full Flight Simulator.
Field
See Database Field
Field Elevation
Airport Elevation. The highest point of an airport’s usable runways measured in feet from mean sea level.
Filed
Normally used in conjunction with flight plans, meaning a flight plan has been submitted to ATC.
Filed En Route Delay
Any of the following preplanned delays at points/areas along the route of flight which require special flight plan filing and handling techniques. a. Terminal Area Delay. A delay within a terminal area for touch-and-go, low approach, or other terminal area activity. b. Special Use Airspace Delay. A delay within a Military Operations Area, Restricted Area, Warning Area, or ATC Assigned Airspace. c. Aerial Refueling Delay. A delay within an Aerial Refueling Track or Anchor.
Filed Flight Plan
The flight plan as filed with an ATS unit by the pilot or his/her designated representative without any subsequent changes or clearances.
Filling
An increase in the central pressure of a pressure system; opposite of deepening; more commonly applied to a low rather than a high.
Final
Commonly used to mean that an aircraft is on the final approach course or is aligned with a landing area.
Final approach
Part of an instrument approach procedure in which alignment and descent for landing are accomplished.
Final Approach and Takeoff Area (FATO)
The FATO is a defined heliport area over which the final approach to a hover or a departure is made. The touchdown and lift-off area (TLOF) where the helicopter is permitted to land is normally centered in the FATO. A safety area is provided around the FATO.
Final Approach Course
A bearing/radial/track of an instrument approach leading to a runway or an extended runway centerline all without regard to distance.
Final Approach Fix
The fix from which the final approach (IFR) to an airport is executed and which identifies the beginning of the final approach segment. It is designated on Government charts by the Maltese Cross symbol for nonprecision approaches and the lightning bolt symbol for precision approaches; or when ATC directs a lower-than-published glideslope/path intercept altitude, it is the resultant actual point of the glideslope/path intercept.
Final approach fix (FAF)
The fix from which the IFR final approach to an airport is executed, and which identifies the beginning of the final approach segment. An FAF is designated on government charts by a Maltese cross symbol for nonprecision approaches, and a lightning bolt symbol for precision approaches.
Final Approach Point
The point, applicable only to a nonprecision approach with no depicted FAF (such as an on airport VOR), where the aircraft is established inbound on the final approach course from the procedure turn and where the final approach descent may be commenced. The FAP serves as the FAF and identifies the beginning of the final approach segment.
Final Approach Runway Occupancy Signal (FAROS)
The Final Approach Runway Occupancy Signal (FAROS) is an automated safety system designed to notify pilots on approach to land that the runway is occupied or otherwise unsafe for landing. This pilot notification system is an FAA sponsored research and development effort that addresses the high priority safety hazards of runway incursions.
Final Approach Segment
Segments Of An Instrument Approach Procedure.
Final Approach Segment [ICAO]
That segment of an instrument approach procedure in which alignment and descent for landing are accomplished.
Final Approach [ICAO]
That part of an instrument approach procedure which commences at the specified final approach fix or point, or where such a fix or point is not specified. a. At the end of the last procedure turn, base turn or inbound turn of a racetrack procedure, if specified; or b. At the point of interception of the last track specified in the approach procedure; and ends at a point in the vicinity of an aerodrome from which: 1. A landing can be made; or 2. A missed approach procedure is initiated.
Final Approach-IFR
The flight path of an aircraft which is inbound to an airport on a final instrument approach course, beginning at the final approach fix or point and extending to the airport or the point where a circle-to-land maneuver or a missed approach is executed.
Final Controller
The controller providing information and final approach guidance during PAR and ASR approaches utilizing radar equipment.
Final Guard Service
A value added service provided in conjunction with LAA/RAA only during periods of significant and fast changing weather conditions that may affect landing and takeoff operations.
Final Monitor Aid
A high resolution color display that is equipped with the controller alert system hardware/software which is used in the precision runway monitor (PRM) system. The display includes alert algorithms providing the target predictors, a color change alert when a target penetrates or is predicted to penetrate the no transgression zone (NTZ), a color change alert if the aircraft transponder becomes inoperative, synthesized voice alerts, digital mapping, and like features contained in the PRM system.
Final Monitor Controller
Air Traffic Control Specialist assigned to radar monitor the flight path of aircraft during simultaneous parallel and simultaneous close parallel ILS approach operations. Each runway is assigned a final monitor controller during simultaneous parallel and simultaneous close parallel ILS approaches. Final monitor controllers shall utilize the Precision Runway Monitor (PRM) system during simultaneous close parallel ILS approaches.
Final takeoff speed
The speed of the airplane that exists at the end of the takeoff path in the en route configuration with one engine inoperative.
FIR
Flight Information Region
Fire resistant
(1) With respect to sheet or structural members, the capacity to withstand the heat associated with fire at least as well as aluminum alloy in dimensions appropriate for the purpose for which they are used; and
(2) With respect to fluid-carrying lines, fluid system parts, wiring, air ducts, fittings, and powerplant controls, the capacity to perform the intended functions under the heat and other conditions likely to occur when there is a fire at the place concerned.
Fireproof
(1) With respect to materials and parts used to confine fire in a designated fire zone, the capacity to withstand at least as well as steel in dimensions appropriate for the purpose for which they are used, the heat produced when there is a severe fire of extended duration in that zone; and
(2) With respect to other materials and parts, the capacity to withstand the heat associated with fire at least as well as steel in dimensions appropriate for the purpose for which they are used.
First gust
The leading edge of the spreading downdraft, plow wind, from an approaching thunderstorm.
First Tier Center
The ARTCC immediately adjacent to the impacted center.
FIS
Flight Information System
FIS-B
Flight Information Service-Broadcast
FISDL
Flight Information Services-Data Link
Fix
A geographical position determined by visual reference to the surface, by reference to one or more radio NAVAIDs, by celestial plotting, or by another navigational device. Note:Fix is a generic name for a geographical position and is referred to as a fix, waypoint, intersection, reporting point, etc.
Fix Balancing
A process whereby aircraft are evenly distributed over several available arrival fixes reducing delays and controller workload.
Fixating
Staring at a single instrument, thereby interrupting the cross-check process.
Fixation
A psychological condition where the pilot fixes attention on a single source of information and ignores all other sources.
Fixed Shaft Turboprop Engine
A turboprop engine where the gas producer spool is directly connected to the output shaft.
Fixed slot
A fixed, nozzle shaped opening near the leading edge of a wing that ducts air onto the top surface of the wing. Its purpose is to increase lift at higher angles of attack.
Fixed-Pitch Propellers
Propellers with fixed blade angles. Fixed-pitch propellers are designed as climb propellers, cruise propellers, or standard propellers.
FL
Flight Level.
Flag
A warning device incorporated in certain airborne navigation and flight instruments indicating that: a. Instruments are inoperative or otherwise not operating satisfactorily, or b. Signal strength or quality of the received signal falls below acceptable values.
Flag Alarm
Flag.
Flame resistant
Not susceptible to combustion to the point of propagating a flame, beyond safe limits, after the ignition source is removed.
Flameout
A condition in the operation of a gas turbine engine in which the fire in the engine goes out due to either too much or too little fuel sprayed into the combustors.
Flameout Pattern
An approach normally conducted by a single-engine military aircraft experiencing loss or anticipating loss of engine power or control. The standard overhead approach starts at a relatively high altitude over a runway (“high key”) followed by a continuous 180 degree turn to a high, wide position (“low key”) followed by a continuous 180 degree turn final. The standard straight-in pattern starts at a point that results in a straight-in approach with a high rate of descent to the runway. Flameout approaches terminate in the type approach requested by the pilot (normally fullstop).
Flammable
With respect to a fluid or gas, susceptible to igniting readily or to exploding.
Flap extended speed
The highest speed permissible with wing flaps in a prescribed extended position.
Flaps
Hinged portion of the trailing edge between the ailerons and fuselage. In some aircraft, ailerons and flaps are interconnected to produce full-span “flaperons.” In either case, flaps change the lift and drag on the wing.
Flash resistant
Not susceptible to burning violently when ignited.
Flat Pitch
A propeller configuration when the blade chord is aligned with the direction of rotation.
Fleet Weight
An average weight accepted by the FAA for aircraft of identical make and model that have the same equipment installed. When a fleet weight control program is in effect, the fleet weight of the aircraft can be used rather than every individual aircraft having to be weighed.
Flicker Vertigo
A disorientating condition caused from flickering light off the blades of the propeller.
Flight Check
A call-sign prefix used by FAA aircraft engaged in flight inspection/certification of navigational aids and flight procedures. The word “recorded” may be added as a suffix; e.g., “Flight Check 320 recorded” to indicate that an automated flight inspection is in progress in terminal areas.
Flight configurations
Adjusting the aircraft control surfaces (including flaps and landing gear) in a manner that will achieve a specified attitude.
Flight Director
An automatic flight control system in which the commands needed to fly the airplane are electronically computed and displayed on a flight instrument. The commands are followed by the human pilot with manual control inputs or, in the case of an autopilot system, sent to servos that move the flight controls.
Flight director indicator (FDI)
One of the major components of a flight director system, it provides steering commands that the pilot (or the autopilot, if coupled) follows.
Flight director indicator(FDI)
One of the major components of a flight director system, it provides steering commands that the pilot (or the autopilot, if coupled) follows.
Flight Following
Traffic Advisories.
Flight Idle
Engine speed, usually in the 70-80 percent range, for minimum flight thrust.
Flight Information Region
An airspace of defined dimensions within which Flight Information Service and Alerting Service are provided. a. Flight Information Service. A service provided for the purpose of giving advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights. b. Alerting Service. A service provided to notify appropriate organizations regarding aircraft in need of search and rescue aid and to assist such organizations as required.
Flight Information Region (FIR)
A FIR is an airspace of defined dimensions within which Flight Information Service and Alerting Service are provided. Flight Information Service (FIS) is a service provided for the purpose of giving advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights. Alerting Service is a service provided to notify appropriate organizations regarding aircraft in need of search and rescue aid, and assist such organizations as required.
Flight Information Service
A service provided for the purpose of giving advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights.
Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B)
A ground broadcast service provided through the ADS-B Broadcast Services network over the UAT data link that operates on 978 MHz. The FIS-B system provides pilots and flight crews of properly equipped aircraft with a cockpit display of certain aviation weather and aeronautical information.
Flight Inspection
Inflight investigation and evaluation of a navigational aid to determine whether it meets established tolerances.
Flight level
A level of constant atmospheric pressure related to a reference datum of 29.92 inches of mercury. Each is stated in three digits that represent hundreds of feet. For example, flight level 250 represents a barometric altimeter indication of 25,000 feet; flight level 255, an indication of 25,500 feet.
Flight Level (FL)
A flight level is a level of constant atmospheric pressure related to a reference datum of 29.92 in.Hg. Each flight level is stated in three digits that represents hundreds of feet. For example, FL 250 represents an altimeter indication of 25,000 feet.
Flight Level [ICAO]
A surface of constant atmospheric pressure which is related to a specific pressure datum, 1013.2 hPa (1013.2 mb), and is separated from other such surfaces by specific pressure intervals. Note 1: A pressure type altimeter calibrated in accordance with the standard atmosphere. a. When set to a QNH altimeter setting, will indicate altitude; b. When set to a QFE altimeter setting, will indicate height above the QFE reference datum; and c. When set to a pressure of 1013.2 hPa (1013.2 mb), may be used to indicate flight levels. Note 2: The terms `height’ and `altitude,’ used in Note 1 above, indicate altimetric rather than geometric heights and altitudes.
Flight Line
A term used to describe the precise movement of a civil photogrammetric aircraft along a predetermined course(s) at a predetermined altitude during the actual photographic run.
Flight management system (FMS)
Provides pilot and crew with highly accurate and automatic long-range navigation capability, blending available inputs from long- and short- range sensors.
Flight Management System Procedure
An arrival, departure, or approach procedure developed for use by aircraft with a slant (/) E or slant (/) F equipment suffix.
Flight Management Systems
A computer system that uses a large data base to allow routes to be preprogrammed and fed into the system by means of a data loader. The system is constantly updated with respect to position accuracy by reference to conventional navigation aids. The sophisticated program and its associated data base insures that the most appropriate aids are automatically selected during the information update cycle.
Flight path
The line, course, or track along which an aircraft is flying or is intended to be flown.
Flight patterns
Basic maneuvers, flown by reference to the instruments rather than outside visual cues, for the purpose of practicing basic attitude flying. The patterns simulate maneuvers encountered on instrument flights such as holding patterns, procedure turns, and approaches.
Flight plan
Specified information, relating to the intended flight of an aircraft, that is filed orally or in writing with air traffic control.
Flight Plan Area
The geographical area assigned by regional air traffic divisions to a flight service station for the purpose of search and rescue for VFR aircraft, issuance of NOTAMs, pilot briefing, in-flight services, broadcast, emergency services, flight data processing, international operations, and aviation weather services. Three letter identifiers are assigned to every flight service station and are annotated in AFDs and FAAO JO 7350.8, LOCATION IDENTIFIERS, as tie-in facilities.
Flight Recorder
A general term applied to any instrument or device that records information about the performance of an aircraft in flight or about conditions encountered in flight. Flight recorders may make records of airspeed, outside air temperature, vertical acceleration, engine RPM, manifold pressure, and other pertinent variables for a given flight.
Flight Recorder [ICAO]
Any type of recorder installed in the aircraft for the purpose of complementing accident/incident investigation. Note: See Annex 6 Part I, for specifications relating to flight recorders.
Flight review
A 14 CFR 61.56 requirement designed to assess and update a pilot’s knowledge and skills.
Flight Service Station (FSS)
An air traffic facility which provides pilot briefings, flight plan processing, en route radio communications, search and rescue services, and assistance to lost aircraft and aircraft in emergency situations. FSSs also relay ATC clearances, process Notices to Airmen, broadcast aviation weather and aeronautical information, and notify Customs and Border Protection of transborder flights. In addition, at selected locations, FSSs provide En Route Flight Advisory Service (Flight Watch) and Airport Advisory Service (AAS). In Alaska, designated FSSs also provide TWEB recordings and take weather observations.
Flight simulation training device (FSTD)
A flight simulator or a flight training device.
Flight Standards District Office
An FAA field office serving an assigned geographical area and staffed with Flight Standards personnel who serve the aviation industry and the general public on matters relating to the certification and operation of air carrier and general aviation aircraft. Activities include general surveillance of operational safety, certification of airmen and aircraft, accident prevention, investigation, enforcement, etc.
Flight strips
Paper strips containing instrument flight information, used by ATC when processing flight plans.
Flight Test
A flight for the purpose of: a. Investigating the operation/flight characteristics of an aircraft or aircraft component. b. Evaluating an applicant for a pilot certificate or rating.
Flight time
(1) Pilot time that commences when an aircraft moves under its own power for the purpose of flight and ends when the aircraft comes to rest after landing; or
(2) For a glider without self-launch capability, pilot time that commences when the glider is towed for the purpose of flight and ends when the glider comes to rest after landing.
Flight training device (FTD)
A replica of aircraft instruments, equipment, panels, and controls in an open flight deck area or an enclosed aircraft cockpit replica. It includes the equipment and computer programs necessary to represent aircraft (or set of aircraft) operations in ground and flight conditions having the full range of capabilities of the systems installed in the device as described in part 60 of this chapter and the qualification performance standard (QPS) for a specific FTD qualification level.
Flight training devices (FTDs)
A full-size replica of the instruments, equipment, panels, and controls of an aircraft, or set of aircraft, in an open flight deck area or in an enclosed cockpit. A force (motion) cueing system or visual system is not required.
Flight visibility
The average forward horizontal distance, from the cockpit of an aircraft in flight, at which prominent unlighted objects may be seen and identified by day and prominent lighted objects may be seen and identified by night.
Flight Visibility [ICAO]
The visibility forward from the cockpit of an aircraft in flight.
Flight Watch
A shortened term for use in air-ground contacts to identify the flight service station providing En Route Flight Advisory Service; e.g., “Oakland Flight Watch.”
Flightcrew member
A pilot, flight engineer, or flight navigator assigned to duty in an aircraft during flight time.
FLIP
Flight Information Publication
Floating
A condition when landing where the airplane does not settle to the runway due to excessive airspeed.
Floating Waypoints
Floating waypoints represent airspace fixes at a point in space not directly associated with a conventional airway. In many cases they may be established for such purposes as ATC metering fixes, holding points, RNAV-direct routing, gateway waypoints, STAR origination points leaving the en route structure, and SID terminating points joining the en route structure.
Floor load limit
The maximum weight the floor can sustain per square inch/foot as provided by the manufacturer.
Flow line
A streamline.
Fly Heading (Degrees)
Informs the pilot of the heading he/she should fly. The pilot may have to turn to, or continue on, a specific compass direction in order to comply with the instructions. The pilot is expected to turn in the shorter direction to the heading unless otherwise instructed by ATC.
Fly Visual To Airport
Published Instrument Approach Procedure Visual Segment.
Fly-By (FB) Waypoint
A waypoint that requires the use of turn anticipation to avoid overshooting the next flight segment.
Fly-By Waypoint
A fly-by waypoint requires the use of turn anticipation to avoid overshoot of the next flight segment.
Fly-Over (FO) Waypoint
A waypoint that precludes any turn until the waypoint is overflown, and is followed by either an intercept maneuver of the next flight segment or direct flight to the next waypoint.
Fly-Over Waypoint
A fly-over waypoint precludes any turn until the waypoint is overflown and is followed by an intercept maneuver of the next flight segment.
FM
Fan Marker.
FMA
Final Monitor Aid
FMC
Flight Management Computer
FMS
Flight Management System.
FMSP
Flight Management System Procedure
FO
Fly-Over
FOD
Foreign Object Damage.
Foehn
A warm, dry downslope wind; the warmness and dryness being due to adiabatic compression upon descent; characteristic of mountainous regions. Also known as a Chinook in the Rockies and Santa Ana winds in Southern California and Northern Baja.
Fog
A hydrometeor consisting of numerous minute water droplets and based at the surface; droplets are small enough to be suspended in the earth’s atmosphere indefinitely. (Unlike driv:.le, it does not fall to the surface; differs from cloud only in that a cloud is not based at the surface; distinguished from haze by its wetness and gray color.)
Follow-up question
In the guided discussion method, a question used by an instructor to get the discussion back on track or to get the students to explain something more thoroughly.
FOM
Flight Operations Manual
Force (F)
The energy applied to an object that attempts to cause the object to change its direction, speed, or motion. In aerodynamics, it is expressed as F, T (thrust), L (lift), W (weight), or D (drag), usually in pounds.
Forecast Icing Conditions
Environmental conditions expected by an NWS or an FAA-approved weather provider to be conducive to the formation of in-flight icing on aircraft.
Forecast Icing Product (FIP)
The FIP examines numerical weather prediction model output to calculate the probability and severity of icing conditions, plus SLD potential. This product is automatically produced with no human modification. More information can be found on the AWC ADDS Web site.
Foreign air carrier
Any person other than a citizen of the United States, who undertakes directly, by lease or other arrangement, to engage in air transportation.
Foreign air commerce
The carriage by aircraft of persons or property for compensation or hire, or the carriage of mail by aircraft, or the operation or navigation of aircraft in the conduct or furtherance of a business or vocation, in commerce between a place in the United States and any place outside thereof; whether such commerce moves wholly by aircraft or partly by aircraft and partly by other forms of transportation.
Foreign air transportation
The carriage by aircraft of persons or property as a common carrier for compensation or hire, or the carriage of mail by aircraft, in commerce between a place in the United States and any place outside of the United States, whether that commerce moves wholly by aircraft or partly by aircraft and partly by other forms of transportation.
Foreign object damage (FOD)
Damage to a gas turbine engine caused by some object being sucked into the engine while it is running. Debris from runways or taxiways can cause foreign object damage during ground operations, and the ingestion of ice and birds can cause FOD in flight.
Form Drag
The part of parasite drag on a body resulting from the integrated effect of the static pressure acting normal to its surface resolved in the drag direction.
Formal lecture
An oral presentation where the purpose is to inform, persuade, or entertain with little or no verbal participation by the listeners.
Formal Runway Use Program
An approved noise abatement program which is defined and acknowledged in a Letter of Understanding between Flight Operations, Air Traffic Service, the airport proprietor, and the users. Once established, participation in the program is mandatory for aircraft operators and pilots as provided for in 14 CFR Section 91.129.
Formation Flight
More than one aircraft which, by prior arrangement between the pilots, operate as a single aircraft with regard to navigation and position reporting. Separation between aircraft within the formation is the responsibility of the flight leader and the pilots of the other aircraft in the flight. This includes transition periods when aircraft within the formation are maneuvering to attain separation from each other to effect individual control and during join-up and breakaway. a. A standard formation is one in which a proximity of no more than 1 mile laterally or longitudinally and within 100 feet vertically from the flight leader is maintained by each wingman. b. Nonstandard formations are those operating under any of the following conditions: 1. When the flight leader has requested and ATC has approved other than standard formation dimensions. 2. When operating within an authorized altitude reservation (ALTRV) or under the provisions of a letter of agreement. 3. When the operations are conducted in airspace specifically designed for a special activity.
Forward Slip
A slip in which the airplane’s direction of motion continues the same as before the slip was begun. In a forward slip, the airplane’s longitudinal axis is at an angle to its flightpath.
Forward wing
A forward lifting surface of a canard configuration or tandem-wing configuration airplane. The surface may be a fixed, movable, or variable geometry surface, with or without control surfaces.
Four Corner Post Configuration
An arrangement of air traffic pathways in a terminal area that brings incoming flights over fixes at four corners of the traffic area, while outbound flights depart between the fixes, thus minimizing conflicts between arriving and departing traffic.
FOWP
Fly-Over Waypoint
FPA
Flight Path Angle
FPM
Feet Per Minute
FPNM
Feet Per Nautical Mile
FPV
Flight Path Vector
Fractus
Clouds in the form of irregular shreds, appearing as if torn; have a clearly ragged appearance; applies only to stratus and cumulus, i.e., cumulus fractus and stratus fractus.
FRC
Request Full Route Clearance
Free Power Turbine Engine
A turboprop engine where the gas producer spool is on a separate shaft from the output shaft. The free power turbine spins independently of the gas producer and drives the output shaft.
Freeze Calculated Landing Time
A dynamic parameter number of minutes prior to the meter fix calculated time of arrival for each aircraft when the TCLT is frozen and becomes an ACLT (i.e., the VTA is updated and consequently the TCLT is modified as appropriate until FCLT minutes prior to meter fix calculated time of arrival, at which time updating is suspended and an ACLT and a frozen meter fix crossing time (MFT) is assigned).
Freeze Horizon
The time or point at which an aircraft’s STA becomes fixed and no longer fluctuates with each radar update. This setting insures a constant time for each aircraft, necessary for the metering controller to plan his/her delay technique. This setting can be either in distance from the meter fix or a prescribed flying time to the meter fix.
Freeze Speed Parameter
A speed adapted for each aircraft to determine fast and slow aircraft. Fast aircraft freeze on parameter FCLT and slow aircraft freeze on parameter MLDI.
Freeze/Frozen
Terms used in referring to arrivals which have been assigned ACLTs and to the lists in which they are displayed.
Freezing
The change of liquid water to ice.
Freezing Drizzle
Drizzle is precipitation at ground level or aloft in the form of liquid water drops that have diameters less than 0.5 mm and greater than 0.05 mm. Freezing drizzle is water that remains in a liquid form at air temperatures less than 0 °C (supercooled) and can freeze upon contact with objects on the ground or in the air.
Freezing level
A level in the atmosphere at which the temperature is 0° C (32° F).
Freezing Rain
Rain is precipitation at ground level or aloft in the form of liquid water drops which have diameters greater than 0.5 mm. Freezing rain is rain that exists at air temperatures less than 0 °C, remains in liquid form (supercooled), and freezes upon contact with objects on the ground or in the air.
Friction Drag
The part of parasitic drag on a body resulting from viscous shearing stresses over its wetted surface.
Friction Measurement
A measurement of the friction characteristics of the runway pavement surface using continuous self-watering friction measurement equipment in accordance with the specifications, procedures and schedules contained in AC 150/5320-12, Measurement, Construction, and Maintenance of Skid Resistant Airport Pavement Surfaces.
Frise-Type Aileron
Aileron having the nose portion projecting ahead of the hinge line. When the trailing edge of the aileron moves up, the nose projects below the wing’s lower surface and produces some parasite drag, decreasing the amount of adverse yaw.
Front
A surface, interface, or transition zone of discontinuity between two adjacent air masses of different densities; more simply the boundary between two different air masses.
Frontal zone
A front or zone with a marked increase of density gradient; used to denote that fronts are not truly a “surface” of discontinuity but rather a “zone” of rapid transition of meteorological elements.
Frontogenesis
The initial formation of a front or frontal zone.
Frontolysis
The dissipation of a front.
Frost
Ice crystal deposits formed by sublimation when temperature and dewpoint are below freezing.
Frost (also hoarfrost)
Ice crystal deposits formed by sublimation when temperature and dew point are below freezing.
FSDO
Flight Standards District Office
FSM
Flight Schedule Monitor. A tool used by Air Traffic Management Specialists to monitor air traffic demand at airports.
FSPD
Freeze Speed Parameter
FSS
Flight Service Station
FSTD
Flight Simulation Training Device.
FTD
Flight Training Device.
FTE
Flight Technical Error
Fuel Control Unit
The fuel-metering device used on a turbine engine that meters the proper quantity of fuel to be fed into the burners of the engine. It integrates the parameters of inlet air temperature, compressor speed, compressor discharge pressure, and exhaust gas temperature with the position of the cockpit power control lever.
Fuel Dumping
Airborne release of usable fuel. This does not include the dropping of fuel tanks.
Fuel Efficiency
Defined as the amount of fuel used to produce a specific thrust or horsepower divided by the total potential power contained in the same amount of fuel.
Fuel Heaters
A radiator-like device which has fuel passing through the core. A heat exchange occurs to keep the fuel temperature above the freezing point of water so that entrained water does not form ice crystals, which could block fuel flow.
Fuel Injection
A fuel metering system used on some aircraft reciprocating engines in which a constant flow of fuel is fed to injection nozzles in the heads of all cylinders just outside of the intake valve. It differs from sequential fuel injection in which a timed charge of high-pressure fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber of the cylinder.
Fuel Jettison System
A fuel subsystem that allows the flight crew to dump fuel in an emergency to lower the weight of an aircraft to the maximum landing weight if a return to landing is required before sufficient fuel is burned off. This system must allow enough fuel to be jettisoned that the aircraft can still meet the climb requirements specified in 14 CFR part 25.
Fuel Load
The expendable part of the load of the airplane. It includes only usable fuel, not fuel required to fill the lines or that which remains trapped in the tank sumps.
Fuel Remaining
A phrase used by either pilots or controllers when relating to the fuel remaining on board until actual fuel exhaustion. When transmitting such information in response to either a controller question or pilot initiated cautionary advisory to air traffic control, pilots will state the APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF MINUTES the flight can continue with the fuel remaining. All reserve fuel SHOULD BE INCLUDED in the time stated, as should an allowance for established fuel gauge system error.
Fuel Siphoning
Unintentional release of fuel caused by overflow, puncture, loose cap, etc.
Fuel Tank Sump
A sampling port in the lowest part of the fuel tank that the pilot can utilize to check for contaminants in the fuel.
Fuel Venting
Fuel Siphoning.
Fulcrum
The point about which a lever balances.
Full flight simulator (FFS)
A replica of a specific type; or make, model, and series aircraft cockpit. It includes the assemblage of equipment and computer programs necessary to represent aircraft operations in ground and flight conditions, a visual system providing an out-of-the-cockpit view, a system that provides cues at least equivalent to those of a three-degree-of-freedom motion system, and has the full range of capabilities of the systems installed in the device as described in part 60 of this chapter and the qualification performance standards (QPS) for a specific FFS qualification level.
Fundamental skills
Pilot skills of instrument cross-check, instrument interpretation, and aircraft control.
Funnel cloud
A tornado cloud or vortex cloud extending downward from the parent cloud but not reaching the ground.
Fuselage
The section of the airplane that consists of the cabin and/or cockpit, containing seats for the occupants and the controls for the airplane.
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