the Aviation Dictionary

picofarad (pf or ppf) pilot proficiency award program
picofarad (pf or ppf) - One-millionth (0.000001) of a
microfarad.
pictorial diagram - A diagram used by maintenance
technicians. It can be either a line drawing, sometimes
with shading to emphasize shapes, a picture of a part
enlarged to show detail, or a photograph of a piece of
equipment, illustrating the overall appearance of a unit,
its shape, relative sizes and location of components,
interconnecting wires, cables, etc.
pictorial drawing - A drawing consisting of pictures
that shows an object as it appears to the eye.
pie chart - A graph drawn in the shape of a circle and
divided into pieces like a pie to convey data or
proportions.
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piezoelectric crystal - A thin crystal that produces a
voltage when distorted. Used in strain gauges and
vibration detectors. Also produces vibration when a
voltage is applied. Used in ultrasonic transducers.
piezoelectric effect - The property of certain crystals
that enables them to generate an electrostatic voltage
between opposite faces when subjected to mechanical
pressure. Conversely, the crystal will expand or
contract if subjected to a strong electrical potential.
piezoelectric transducer - An electrical device that
enables a mechanical movement to generate an
electrical signal.
piezoelectricity - Electricity produced when certain
crystalline materials such as quartz are subjected to
mechanical pressure.
pig iron - Crude iron, reduced from the iron ore in a
blast furnace.
pigment - A powder or paste mixed with a paint finish
to give the desired color.
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pilot controlled lighting (PCL) - Radio control of
lighting is available at selected airports to provide
airborne control of lights by keying the aircraft's
microphone. The control system consists of a 3-step
control responsive to 7, 5, and/or 3 microphone clicks.
The 3-step and 2-step lighting facilities can be altered
in intensity. All lighting is illuminated for a period of
15 minutes (except for 1-step and 2-step REILs which
can be turned off by keying the mike 5 or 3 times,
respectively).
..
Suggested use is to always initially key the mike 7 times;
this assures that all controlled lights are turned on to
the maximum available intensity. If desired, adjustment
can then be made, where the capability is provided, to a
Lower intensity (or the REIL turned off) by keying the
mike 5 andfor three times. Approved lighting systems
can be activated by keying the mike as indicated
below:
KEY MIKE ( ) times within 5 seconds - FUNCTION:
7 times within 5 seconds - Highest intensity available
5 times within 5 seconds - Medium or lower intensity
(Lower REIL or REIL-Off)
3 times within 5 seconds - Lowest intensity available
(Lower REIL or REIL-Off)
Due to the close proximity of airports using the same
frequency, radio controlled lighting receivers can be set
at a low sensitivity requiring the aircraft to be relatively
close to activate the system. Consequently, even when
lights are on, always key mike as directed when
overflying an airport of intended landing or just prior to
entering the final segment of an approach. This will
assure the aircraft is close enough to activate the
system and a full 15 minutes lighting duration is
available.
pilot error - An action or decision made by the pilot
pigtail - A piece of wire that sticks out of a component
that was the cause of, or contributing factor, which led
and allows the component to be installed or tied.
to an accident or incident. This definition also includes
pilot - 1. A person licensed to operate an airplane, ship, failure of the pilot to make a decision or take action.
or balloon in flight. 2. A Part that guides part in pilot hole - A small hole drilled or punched in sheet
its movement.
metal that is smaller than the bolt or rivet to be used.
pilot balloon - In weather, a small balloon that is The pilot hole serves as a guide for final drilling.
released and tracked in order to determine wind
pilot in command - The who: (,) Has final
direction and speed.
authority and responsibility for the operation and safety
pilot balloon observation - In weather, a method of of the flight; (2) Has been designated as pilot in
determining wind direction and speed by tracking a command before or during the flight; and (3) Holds the
pilot balloon. Also referred to as a pibal.
appropriate category, class, and type rating, if
pilot briefing - A sewice provided by the FSS to assist
appropriate, for the conduct of the flight.
pilots in flight planning. Briefing items can include pilot light - Electrical equipment light indicating power
weather information, NOTAMs, military activities, is on.
flow control information, and other items as requested.
pilot proficiency award program -WINGS is the FAA
pilot chute - A small parachute attached to the canopy Pilot Proficiency Award Program designed to
of the main parachute. The pilot chute pulls the main encourage general aviation pilots to continue their
canopy out of the parachute pack so that it can open.
training. The objective is to provide pilots with the
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