aeronautical terms

When passing at the airport, you often hear words and terms relevant to the field of Civil Aviation, which you are not used to.

Below, definitions of key terms that you may hear in an airport:


  • Air-traffic controller

    This person works in the control-tower. He interacts with the pilot by radio. Also called “Sky-Switchman”, he tells the pilot when and where he can land his plane at the airport.

  • Copilot

    Person who assists the pilot and sits beside him in the cockpit.

  • Control Tower

    It is the building where the Air-traffic Controllers work. It is from there that the Air-Traffic Controllers guide pilots.

  • Cockpit

    Sector at the front of the aircraft where the pilot and copilots take place. All instruments and controls needed to operate the aircraft and communicate with the control tower are also situated in this part.

  • Diversion

    We speak of “diversion” when the pilot “gives the gas” or the aircraft to start again, if the weather is bad or there is a failure. The pilot should always check fuel levels and have enough to reach a nearby airport.

  • Freight

    This is an activity concerning the transport by air of all types of goods, including luggage, Golf- bags and parcels.

  • Flight Monitors

    These television screens are located throughout the airport. They show flight information, such as flight number, arrival or departure time, the gate where the flight will embark or disembark. They are also used to communicate any delay.

  • Luggage-Carts

    they are used, particularly, to carry your luggage on the plane when they are on the ground.

  • Luggage-Carpet

    It is a machine with a movable surface, used by airport staff to move the luggage from a place to another.

  • Porter

    The porter loads and drives the train-carriages, carrying luggage to the plane.

  • Pilot

    The pilot and co-pilot take turns to fly a plane. But there is only one captain, who makes important decisions. Every year pilots must undergo medical checks to ensure they are fit and well able to fly.

  • U.M Passenger

    If you’re under 12 and you travel alone, you’re a U.M passenger (Unaccompanied Minor). In a pouch, you’ll find your boarding pass and name of the person waiting for you upon arrival. A company officer will accompany you to the plane.