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POWER-OFF DESCENT
Aircraft configuration
where a descent occurs with power at idle.
POWERPLANT
A complete engine and propeller
combination with accessories.
PPC
See POWERED PARACHUTE.
PPCL
Powered parachute land.
PPCS
Powered parachute sea.
PRACTICAL TEST
Flight test administered by an
FAA examiner or designated examiner as a prerequisite
for pilot certification. Successful completion
of the practical test is required to earn a pilot
certificate or rating.
PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS (PTS)
An FAA
published document of standards that must be met
for the issuance of a particular pilot certificate or
rating. FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners
use these standards when conducting pilot
practical tests, and flight instructors use the PTS
while preparing applicants for practical tests.
PREFLIGHT INSPECTION
Aircraft inspection
conducted to determine if an aircraft is mechanically
and legally airworthy.
PRESSURE ALTITUDE
The altitude indicated
when the altimeter setting window (barometric
scale) is adjusted to 29.92. This is the altitude
above the standard datum plane, which is a
theoretical plane where air pressure (corrected
to 15şC) equals 29.92 in. Hg. Pressure altitude is
used to compute density altitude, true altitude, true
airspeed, and other performance data.
PRIVATE AIRPORT
Airport that is privately
owned and not available to the public without
prior permission. They are depicted on aeronautical
charts for emergency and landmark purposes.
PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE
An FAA-issued
pilot certificate permitting carriage of passengers
on a not-for-hire basis. Reference 14 CFR part 61.
PROFICIENCY CHECK
An evaluation of aeronautical
knowledge and flight proficiency. Reference
part 61. Upon successful completion of the
proficiency check the authorized instructor will
endorse the applicant’s logbook indicating the
added category/class of equipment that the applicant
is authorized to operate.
PROPELLER
A device for propelling an aircraft
that, when rotated, produces by its action on the
air, a thrust approximately perpendicular to its
plane of rotation. It includes the control components
normally supplied by its manufacturer.
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PROPELLER BLAST
The volume of air accelerated
behind a propeller producing thrust.
PTS
See PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS.
PUBLIC AIRPORT
Airport that is available to the
aviation public.
PUSHER CONFIGURATION
Propeller configuration
where the propeller shaft faces the rear of the
aircraft. Thrust produced by the propeller pushes
the aircraft, rather than pulling it.
RAM-AIR WING
Also known as a parafoil. An
airfoil designed with an aerodynamic cell structure
which is inflated by the wind, forming a classic
wing cross-section that generates lift.
RECIPROCATING ENGINE
An engine that
converts the heat energy from burning fuel into
the reciprocating movement of the pistons. This
movement is converted into a rotary motion by the
connecting rods and crankshaft.
REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE
A federal certificate
that documents aircraft ownership.
RELATIVE WIND
The direction the wind strikes
an airfoil.
RIBS
The parts of an aircraft wing structure that
give the wing its aerodynamic cross section.
Fabric covers the ribs and gives the PPC wing its
airfoil shape.
RISERS
One of several straps that attach the cart
to the suspension lines. Sometimes referred to as
“V lines,” risers are the intermediate link between
the suspension lines and the aircraft.
RISK ELEMENTS
The four fundamental areas of
exposure to risk: the pilot, the aircraft, the environment,
and the type of operation that comprise
any given aviation situation.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The part of the decision
making process which relies on situational awareness,
problem recognition, and good judgment to
reduce risks associated with each flight.
ROLL
The rotation of an aircraft about its longitudinal
axis.
ROUNDOUT (FLARE)
A pitch-up during landing
approach to reduce rate of descent and forward
speed prior to touchdown.
RPM
Revolutions per minute. A measure of rotational
speed. One RPM is one revolution made in
one minute.
RUNWAY
A defined rectangular area on a land
airport prepared for the landing and takeoff run
of aircraft along its length. Runways are normally
numbered in relation to their magnetic direction
rounded off to the nearest 10 degrees; e.g., Runway
1, Runway 25.
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