the Aviation Dictionary

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spanner special use airspace
spanner - A wrench consisting of a hook-shaped arm special activity airspace (SAA)- Any airspace with
with a pin in its hooked end. Used for turning a defined dimensions within the National Airspace
ring-shaped nut.
System wherein limitations can be imposed upon
aircraft operations. This airspace can be restricted
spanner nut - A shaft-retaining nut tightened using the
areas, prohibited areas, military operations areas, air
notches in its face rather than from its outer surfaces as
ATC assigned airspace, and any other designated
is done with a conventional hex-nut.
airspace areas. The dimensions of this airspace are
spanwise - From wing tip to wing tip. programmed into URET CCLD (User ~e~uest
Evaluation Tool Core Capability Limited Deployment)
spar - The main, or principle, spanwise structural
and can be designated as either active or inactive by
member of a wing or other airfoil.
spar varnish - A phenolic modified oil that cures by
oxidation rather than evaporation of its solvents.
Produces a tough, highly water-resistant film.
spark - Very brief discharge of electrical energy
between two conductors separated by air or other gas.
spark coil - A step-up transformer that produces high
voltage for spark plugs.
spark plug - A component in an aircraft engine that
converts high voltage electricity from the magneto into
a high intensity spark for igniting fuel in the
combustion chamber of a reciprocating engine.
spark plug bushing - A bronze or steel insert in the
cast-aluminum cylinder head of a reciprocating engine
into which the spark plug. is screwed.
spark plug resistor -A composition resistor installed in
the barrel of most shielded spark plugs. The resistor
limits the current stored by the capacitive effect of the
shielding, minimizing the erosion of the spark plug
electrodes.
spark suppressor - A device inside a magneto, such as
a capacitor, that is placed across a set of contacts to
keep the spark from jumping across the contact points
as they open.
spark test - A common means of identifying various
ferrous metals. In this test, the piece of iron or steel is
held against a revolving grinding stone and the metal is
identified by the sparks thrown off. Each ferrous metal
has its own peculiar spark characteristics. The spark
streams vary from a few tiny shafts to a shower of
sparks several feet in length.
spark-ignition - A method of providing ignition of the
fuel-air mixture inside the cylinder of a reciprocating
engine by an electric spark.
spatial disorientation - A feeling of balance instability
caused by a conflict between the information relayed
by central vision and peripheral vision, which has
virtually no references with which to establish
orientation.
spatula - A broad flat instrument used for spreading soft
materials.
speak slower - Used in verbal communications as a
request to reduce speech rate.
Aircraft Technical Book Company
P.O. Box 270
Tabernash, CO 80478
http://w.ACTechbooks.com
screen entry. Aircraft trajectories are constantly tested
against the dimensions of active areas and alerts issued
to the applicable sectors when violations are predicted.
special aircraft and aircrew authorization required
(SAAAR) - A method of FAA approval for
instrument flight porcedures that requires special
aircraft equipment andor crew training procedures.
special emergency - A condition of air piracy, or other
hostile act by a person(s) aboard an aircraft, which
threatens the safety of the aircraft or its passengers.
special fastener - A fastener that differs in any respect
from recognized standards.
special tlight permit - A flight permit issued to an
aircraft that does not meet airworthiness requirements
but is capable of safe flight. A special flight permit can
be issued to move an aircraft for the purposes of
maintenance or repair, buyer delivery, manufacturer
flight tests, evacuation from danger, or customer
demonstration. Also referred to as a ferry permit.
special instrument approach procedure - A procedure
approved by the FAA for individual operators, but not
published in FAR 97 for public use.
special use airspace - Airspace of defined dimensions
identified by an area on the surface of the Earth
wherein activities must be confined because of their
nature andor wherein limitations can be imposed upon
aircraft operations that are not a part of those activities.
Types of special use airspace are:
a. Alert Area - Airspace that can contain a high
volume of pilot training activities or an unusual type of
aerial activity, neither of which is hazardous to aircraft.
Alert Areas are depicted on aeronautical charts for the
information of nonparticipating pilots. All activities
within an Alert Area are conducted in accordance with
Federal Aviation Regulations, and pilots of
participating aircraft as well as pilots transiting the area
are equally responsible for collision avoidance.
b. Controlled Firing Area - Airspace wherein
activities are conducted under conditions so controlled
as to eliminate hazards to nonparticipating aircraft and
to ensure the safety of persons and property on the
ground.
c. Military Operations Area (MOA) - A MOA is
airspace established outside of Class A airspace area to
separate or segregate certain nonhazardous military