the Aviation Dictionary

lift wires . line of sieht radio rece~tion
lift wires - The biplane wing support wires installed light-activated silicon control rectifier -In electronics,
between the wings of a biplane to hold the wings in a semiconductor device that conducts when exposed to
alignment against the forces of lift. Lift wires extend light.
from the inboard end of the lower wing to the
interplane struts on the upper wing.
lift-drag ratio - The efficiency of an airfoil section. It is
the ratio of .the coeff~cient of lift to the coefficient of
drag for any given angle of attack.
lighted airport - An airport where runway and
obstruction lighting is available.
lightening hole - A hole cut in a structural part to
decrease weight. Strength is often maintained by
flanging the area around the hole.
lifted index - The common approach to the evaluation
lighter-than-air aircraft - An aircraft that can rise and
of potential instability requirement for thunderstorm
remain suspended by using contained gas weighing less
formation. It is the difference between the observed
than the air that is displaced by the gas.
500 mb temperature and the temperature the parcel of
air would have if lifted from the boundary layer to the lightning - An immense discharge of static electricity in
500 mb level. resDonse to the build-up of electrical ~otential between
cloud and ground, between clouds, within a single
lifting body - A wingless aircraft developed by NASA
cloud, or between a cloud and the surrounding air.
where lift is created by the shape of the craft itself.
light-up - The point at which combustion occurs in a
light - The electromagnetic radiations of a frequency
range visible to the human eye.
light aircraft - An aircraft having a total gross weight
of 12,500 Ibs. or less. See also light plane.
light emitting diode (LED)- A semiconductor diode
that emits light when current flows through it.
light ends - The products of petroleum that boil off first
in the process of fractional distillation.
light gun - A handheld directional light signaling device
that emits a brilliant narrow beam of white, green, or
red light as selected by the tower controller. The color
and type of light transmitted can be used to approve or
disapprove anticipated pilot actions where radio
communication is not available. The light gun is used
for controlling traffic operating in the vicinity of the
airport and on the airport movement area.
turbine engine as indicated by an exhaust temperature
rise on the cockpit indicator.
lime grease - A grease made up of oil and calcium
hydroxide. It does not emulsify in water and is highly
resistant to washout in wet environments.
limit load - The maximum load, expressed as multiples
of positive and negative G (force of gravity), that an
aircraft can sustain before structural damage becomes
possible. The load limit varies from aircraft to aircraft.
limit switch - A switch designed to stop an actuator at
the limit of its movement.
limiter - A stage in a frequency modulated receiver that
limits the amplitude of the signal and thus removes
static.
limits - The bounds of travel or size allowed for a
component.
light plane - An aircraft having a total gross weight of
12,500 lbs. or less. Light plane is also used as a limits of size - The applicable maximum and minimum
colloquial term to mean a small, single-engine airplane. dimensions of a part.
light sport aircraft - An aircraft, other than a helicopter Lindberg fire detection system - A
or powered-lift that, since its original certificate, has continuous-element-type fire detector consisting of a
continued to meet the following: -
stainless steel tube containing a discrete element that
has been processed to absorbgas in proportion to the
I. A maximum takeoff weight of not more than 660
operating temperature. As the temperature rises, gas is
pounds (300 kilograms) for lighter-than-air aircraft;
released, causing the pressure in the stainless steel tube
1,320 pounds (600 kilograms) for aircraft not intended
to increase to the operating temperature set point. This
for operation on water; or 1,430 pounds (650
closes a switch that actuates the warning light and bell.
kilograms) for an aircraft intended for operation on
water.
line loss - The voltage loss in a conductor. The amount
2. A maximum airspeed in level light, with maximum
of loss is related to its length.
continuous power (VH), of not more than 120 knots line maintenance - The inspection and repairs
CAS under standard atmospheric conditions at sea accomplished on the flight line as opposed to shop
level.
maintenance.
light year - The distance light travels in one year. Unit
of measurement in astronomy equal to 5.88 X 1012
miles.
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line of sight radio reception - The clear path between
the transmitting and receiving antennas of highfrequency
radio signals.