the Aviation Dictionary

pilot weather report (PIREP) piston
opportunity to establish and participate in a personal PIN diode - A junction diode with a region of intrinsic
recurrent training program. WmGS is an excellent semiconductor between layers of n-silicon and p-
opportunity for pilots to reevaluate their flight silicon.
proficiency and knowledge. WINGS is open to all
pin holes - In composites, small holes caused by the
pilots holding a recreational certificate or higher with a
mold used.
current medical certificate, when required. After pilots
log three hours of dual instruction under the program pin jack - A female receptacle that will accept and hold
and attend at least one FAA sanctioned safety seminar, a small metal pin attached to the end of a wire or a test
they are eligible to receive and wear a distinctive set of lead. Pin jacks are used on test equipment such as
WTNGS. They will also receive a certificate of multimeters.
completion. Each twelve-month interval after earning
the first set of WINGS, the pilot will be eligible for
pin punch - A long punch with straight sides. Used to
more WINGS. CFIs can substitute completion of a
remove bolts and rivets from tight-fitting holes. See
flight instructor refresher clinic or renewal program for
also punch.
the safety seminar. In addition, they can satisfy the pin spanner - A semi-circular wrench with pins that fit
flying portion of the first three phases by providing the into holes around the edge of a circular nut.
instruction for three WINGS candidates - a minimum
of nine hours of instruction.
pilot weather report (PIREP)- A report, generated by
pilots, concerning meteorological phenomena
encountered in flight.
pilot's discretion - When used in conjunction with
altitude assignments, pilot discretion means that ATC
has offered the pilot the option of starting climb or
descent whenever the pilot wishes and conducting the
climb or descent at any rate. The pilot can temporarily
level off at any intermediate altitude. However, once
the pilot has vacated an altitude, the pilot cannot return
to that altitude.
pilotage -Navigation by visual reference to landmarks.
pilot-in-command - The person who has final authority
and responsibility for the operation and safety of the
flight; has been designated as pilot in command before
or during the flight; and holds the appropriate category,
class, and type rating, if appropriate, for the conduct of
the flight.
pilot-induced oscillation (PIO) - Rapid oscillations
caused by the pilot's over-controlled motions. PIOs
usually occur on takeoff or landings with pitch
sensitive gliders and in severe cases can lead to loss of
control or damage.
pinch-off voltage - In electronics, the reverse bias that
must be applied to an FET to reduce source-drain
current to a specific value.
pinhole - A tiny defect in a finish caused by a bubble in
the paint film.
pinion - A small cogwheel whose teeth fit into a larger
gear.
pinion gear - A
small gear on a
shaft driven by
either a sector gear
or a toothed rack.
pinked edge - The
edge of a fabric
material that has
been cut into a series of small V's to prevent the
material from unraveling.
pinked-edge fabric - A fabric material with an edge
that has been cut into a series of small V's to prevent
the material from unraveling.
pinked-edge tape - A surface tape whose edges have
been cut into small V's.
pinking shears - Scissors that cut fabric in a series of
small V's.
pilot's telephone weather answering service
(PATWAS, - A recorded, continuous telephone
pinouts - Diagrams that show the positions of and name
briefing, forecast for the local area within a 50 nautical the functions of the connections to the pins of an
mile radius of the station. No longer provided by Flight electronic device.
Service Stations, has been replaced by the Telephone pint - A measure unit of volume equal to quart,
Information Briefing Service (TIBS), an automated gallon, 28.875 cubic inches, or approximately 4.73 x
service. 1 o-~
cubic meter.
pin - A straight cylindrical or tapered fastener designed pipe threads - The tapered threads on a hollow pipe or
to perform an attaching or locating function.
a piece of round stock. The taper provides the seal.
pin contacts - Electrical connector contacts, called male piston - 1. A cylindrical member that moves back and
contacts, in the form of a set of metal pins in one-half forth within a steel cylinder. 2. In a reciprocating
of a connector. These pins fit into sockets, called engine, a cylindrical member that moves back and forth
female contacts, in the other half of a connector.
in the cylinder. Alternately compresses the fuel-air
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