Aviation English Vocabulary: 25 words with examples
B1–C125 words
Learn vocabulary found in flight briefings and aviation reading. This study list is not operational training or a substitute for official radiotelephony procedures.
Where you will use it: Aviation reading, flight briefings and airport operations.
Aviation English Vocabulary — The word list
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| altitude | The height above a reference level, often sea level.“The aircraft maintained its altitude.” |
| airspeed | The speed of an aircraft relative to the air.“The pilot checked the airspeed.” |
| runway | A prepared surface for aircraft takeoff and landing.“The runway is closed for inspection.” |
| taxiway | A route connecting runways and other airport areas.“The aircraft stopped on the taxiway.” |
| apron | An airport area used for parking and servicing aircraft.“The crew waited on the apron.” |
| takeoff | The phase when an aircraft leaves the ground.“Takeoff was delayed by fog.” |
| landing | The phase when an aircraft returns to the ground.“The landing was smooth.” |
| climb | An increase in aircraft altitude.“The climb continued above the clouds.” |
| descent | A decrease in aircraft altitude.“The descent began before arrival.” |
| approach | The flight phase leading to a landing.“The approach was affected by strong wind.” |
| heading | The direction in which an aircraft's nose points.“The pilot adjusted the heading.” |
| clearance | Permission from air traffic control for a specified action.“The crew received departure clearance.” |
| air traffic control | The service that manages aircraft movements.“Air traffic control provided instructions.” |
| cockpit | The area where pilots control an aircraft.“Only authorized staff enter the cockpit.” |
| cabin | The area of an aircraft used by passengers.“The cabin lights were dimmed.” |
| fuselage | The main body of an aircraft.“Technicians inspected the fuselage.” |
| wing | A surface that produces lift.“Ice formed on the wing.” |
| flap | A movable wing surface used to change lift and drag.“The pilot selected the flaps.” |
| landing gear | The wheels and supports used on the ground.“The landing gear was inspected.” |
| turbulence | Irregular air movement that can make flight uneven.“Passengers experienced light turbulence.” |
| crosswind | Wind blowing across an aircraft's direction of travel.“A strong crosswind affected the landing.” |
| visibility | The distance at which objects can be seen.“Visibility improved after sunrise.” |
| flight plan | Information about an intended flight route and operation.“The crew filed a flight plan.” |
| diversion | A change to a different destination airport.“Bad weather caused a diversion.” |
| go-around | Ending an approach and climbing instead of landing.“The crew performed a go-around.” |
Useful learning tips
- Learn in small groupsTake five words at a time and review them before adding more.
- Say the examples aloudReading each sentence aloud connects spelling, sound and meaning.
- Write your own sentenceUse each word in a true sentence about your life or work.
How to study this list
Add five or six of these words a day rather than the whole list at once, keep the example sentence on the card, and review them when they come due. WordNest schedules each word across seven growing intervals — same day, then 1, 3, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days — so the list is still with you months later. Read how spaced repetition works if you want the reasoning behind those numbers.
Studying aviation english vocabulary pairs well with our Medical English and Travel English, or browse all free English word lists.
Related guides
Questions about this list
How can I practise Aviation English Vocabulary?
Start with five words and say each example aloud. Then recall the word from its meaning and review it over several days.
Where can I use Aviation English Vocabulary?
Aviation reading, flight briefings and airport operations.
How many words are in this list?
This list contains 25 English words with definitions and example sentences. It is a starting set, not a complete syllabus.
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