Related Words

Altitude: In meteorology, the measure of a height of an airborne object in respect to a constant pressure surface or above mean sea level.

Pressure Altitude: The altitude in standard atmosphere at which a given pressure will be observed. It is the indicated altitude of a pressure altimeter at an altitude setting of 29.92 inches of mercury, and is . . . View Full Definition

Density Altitude: The altitude at which a given density is found in the standard atmosphere. Used in aviation, it is computed from the station pressure at takeoff and the virtual temperature at the particular . . . View Full Definition

Absolute Altitude: The measureable height of an aircraft above the actual terrain.

Class B Airspace: Airspace area around the busiest U.S. hub airports (i.e. Chicago O’Hare), typically to a radius of 20 nautical miles and up to 10,000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level). Operations within Class B . . . View Full Definition

Contact Flight: Navigation in which altitude and flight path can be maintained by visual reference to the ground and its landmarks. Similar to VFR.

Adiabatic Lapse Rate: The rate at which ascending air cools and descending air warms, given that no heat is added or taken away. The rate for dry air (DALR) is based on 5.4° F per 1000' altitude (1° per 100 meter . . . View Full Definition

Controlled Airspace Class A: (formerly PCA - Positive Control Area) generally, that airspace from 18,000' mean sea level (MSL) up to and including flight level (FL) 600 (60,000' pressure altitude), including the airspac . . . View Full Definition

Contrail: Acronym for CONdensation TRAIL. A cloud-like streamer or trail often seen behind aircraft flying in clear, cold, humid air. A vapor trail is created when the water vapor from the engine exha . . . View Full Definition

Soft Bean: Often used to describe coffees grown at relatively low altitudes. In the same context, coffees grown at higher altitudes are often designated hard bean. The lower altitudes and consequently . . . View Full Definition