the Aviation Dictionary

flash point. flight control surfaces
flash point - The temperature at which a fluid will
momentarily ignite (flash), but not sustain combustion
when a small flame is passed above its surface.
flashback - A malfunction in an oxyacetylene torch in
which the gases bum inside the mixing head. Flashback
is very dangerous and can cause an explosion unless
the gases are immediately shut off at the regulator. This
stops the fire inside the torch from burning back
through the hoses to the supply tanks.
flasher mechanism - An automatic electrical switching
device used for the flashing operation of lights.
flashing off - The drying process of a finish to which
solvents have been added for proper spray paint
viscosity. Although thc surface feels dry to the touch,
the film is not completely dry until the proper cure time
has bee11 established.
flashing the field - A procedure in which a battery is
momentarily connected to the field coil of an aircraft
DC generator. Current flows through it for a few
seconds to make a permanent magnet of the field
frame. This process restores the residual magnetism.
flashover - A condition inside the distributor of a
high-tension magneto in which the spark jumps the air
gap to the wrong electrode. This may be caused by
moisture inside the distributor or by a dirty distributor
block.
flash-resistant - Not susceptible to burning violently
when ignited.
flat file - A file slightly tapered toward the point in both
width and thickness. Cuts on all sides. Double-cut on
both sides and single-cut on both edges.
flat lacquer - Any lacquer that dries with a non-glossy
or flat finish.
flat machine tip - Compressor or turbine blade tips that
have a constant cross section, as opposed to a
squeeler-tip or a shrouded-tip configuration.
flathead pin - A high-strength steel pin with a flat head
on one end and a hole for a cotter pin on the other end.
Used as a hinge for control surfaces or for attaching a
cable to a control horn. Also referred to as a clevis pin.
Clevis pins are designed to take shear loads only.
flathead rivet - An AN442
rivet used for internal
structure where the head of
the rivet will not be exposed
to the airstream. Flathead
rivets are usually driven with
an automatic riveting machine.
flatnose pliers - Pliers with deep, square jaws and a
firm hinge, used to produce a sharp, neat bend in sheet
metal and to make flanges along the edge of a part.
fleet weight - The average weight of several aircraft of
the same model and with the same equipment. This
weight may be used for weight and balance
calculations by FAR Part 121 and 13.5 operators.
flex hose - The colloquial term for flexible tubing used
in an aircraft plumbing system to allow relative
movement between the two ends of the hose.
flexibility - A material characteristic that allows it to be
repeatedly bent, stretched, or twisted within its elastic
limits and still return to its original condition each time
the bending, stretching, or twisting force is removed.
flexible control cable -- A steel aircraft control cable
consisting of seven strands of steel wire, each strand
having seven separate wires. Also referred to as
seven-by-seven cable.
flight - 1. Travel through the air. An aircraft is
considered to be in flight from the time it airplane
departs From the ground until it lands. 2. To take flight
physically, students may develop symptoms or
ailments that give them acceptable excuses for
avoiding lessons. More frequent than physical flights
are mental flights, or daydreaming. Mental flight
provides a simple escape from problems.
flat rating - A current means of referring to "rated
thrust" at a specific temperature above Standard Day
flight assist - Help given to a pilot when the pilot takes
value.
the precaution of requesting assistance from Air Traffic
Control (ATC). A flight assist report (FAA Form 7230-
flat spin - A dangerous flight condition or flight 6) is filed by ATC personnel in order to help other
maneuver in which the aircraft is yawing around the pilots learn from the incident. This form is not used to
vertical axis with a pitch attitude approximately level initiate enforcement action.
with the horizon.
flight check - A call-sign prefix used by FAA aircraft
flat washer - A flat, thin ring used under the head of a engaged in flight inspectiodcertification of navigabolt
or nut in order to protect the surface of the material tional aids and flight procedures. The word "recorded"
from damage. Also referred to as a plain washer. may be added as a suffix; e. g, "Flight Check 320
recorded" to indicate that an automated flight
flat-compounded generator - A generator that has both
inspection is in progress in terminal areas. (See Flight
a series and a parallel winding. The series field is
Inspection) (Refer to AIM)
adjusted by a regulator to keep the output voltage of
the generator constant from a no-load condition to the flight control surfaces - The movable airfoils used to
maximum load the generator can produce.
change the attitude of the aircraft in flight.
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