Basics for Air Traffic Control – Pilot's Environment

A set of flashcards designed to enhance understanding of air traffic control and pilot environments, focusing on aircraft instrumentation and physiological factors.

Pitot-Static System

A system that provides sources of air pressure for the operation of altimeter, vertical speed, and airspeed instruments.

Pitot Tube

The source of impact pressure, measuring aircraft motion through the air, and connected to the airspeed indicator.

Static Air Vents

Sources of external atmospheric pressure that connect outside air pressure to the pitot-static instruments.

Altimeter

An instrument that displays the height of the aircraft above a given level, based on atmospheric pressure.

Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI)

Measures the rate of climb or descent in hundreds of feet per minute and shows both trend and rate information.

Airspeed Indicator

Measures indicated airspeed based on impact pressure; connected to the pitot tube and static vent.

Hypoxia

A condition where the blood, tissues, and cells do not receive enough oxygen for normal function.

Gyroscopic Flight Instruments

Instruments that operate based on the principles of gyroscopic action, including turn coordinator and heading indicator.

Turn Coordinator

An instrument that indicates the yaw and roll of the aircraft around the vertical and longitudinal axes.

Magnetic Compass

An instrument used to indicate the aircraft's heading in relation to magnetic north.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Provides accurate position, speed, and precise time information globally, reported in latitude and longitude.

Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)

Self-contained airborne collision system intended to prevent near mid-air or mid-air collisions.

Flight Management System (FMS)

A computer system that uses a database to allow preprogrammed routes for navigation.

Illusions in Flight

Misinterpretations of an aircraft's position or movement, often experienced as vertigo or disorientation.

Physiological Factors

Conditions during flight that can degrade a pilot's decision-making abilities and performance.

Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)

Shows the pilot the slant range distance from a VOR based on signal interrogation time.

Instrument Landing System (ILS)

A system that guides aircraft during approaches and landing with horizontal and vertical guidance.