User Guide

Appendix B: Glossary
221
B
glass cockpit
Refers to the replacement of conventional
cockpit gauges with computerized cathode
ray tubes (CRTs) or liquid crystal displays
(LCDs). A number of gauges are combined
into the displays, and the pilot can often flip
to different “pages” to see navigation or
aircraft system information.
Gs
A measurement of the load factor, or
apparent gravity, experienced by an aircraft
during flight. One G represents the force of
gravity exerted on a body at rest. When an
aircraft climbs, turns, or accelerates, positive
G-forces act upon it. When it descends or
decelerates, negative G-forces act upon it.
heading
The direction in which the aircraft is pointed,
usually referenced to magnetic north.
horizontal stabilizer
The horizontal surface of the empennage
(tail). The horizontal stabilizer is an airfoil that
creates a downward force on the tail to
balance the upward force generated by the
wing. It also incorporates the elevator; on
some airplanes, the entire horizontal
stabilizer acts as an elevator.
instrument flight rules (IFR)
In the United States, regulations that apply to
pilots, aircraft, and aircraft operations when
weather conditions do not meet the criteria
for visual flight, when aircraft are operated in
Class A airspace—that is, at altitudes at and
above 18,000 ft (5,486 m)—, or when pilots
choose to operate in controlled airspace
under those rules regardless of the prevailing
weather.
instrument landing system (ILS)
A system of navigation aids and approach
lights that provide both horizontal and
vertical guidance to aircraft approaching a
runway.
instrument meteorological conditions (IMC)
Weather conditions that require flight under
instrument flight rules (IFR). In controlled
airspace in the United States, IMC conditions
generally mean that the ceiling is less than
1,000 ft (305 m) and flight visibility is less
than 3 mi (5 km).
instrument rating
A rating added to a pilot certificate that
allows a pilot to act as pilot in command of
an aircraft solely by reference to flight
instruments.
joystick
Name sometimes given to the stick used to
control the ailerons and elevators in some
aircraft.
In Flight Simulator, “joystick” means an input
device connected to a computer’s game port
and used to control the ailerons and elevator.
A joystick may also incorporate buttons and
switches to control the throttle, landing gear,
flaps, and other functions.
kneeboard
A clipboard used in the cockpit to hold
charts and other things the pilot needs to
have at hand. Kneeboards are sometimes but
not always strapped to the pilot’s knee.
In Flight Simulator 2000, the kneeboard
contains checklists and other helpful
reference information. Press F10 to access
the kneeboard.
knots
See nautical mile.
landing gear
The wheels, struts, and other equipment that
an aircraft uses to land or maneuver on the
ground.