the Aviation Dictionary

CONSOLAN - A low frequency, long-distance
NAVAID used principally for transoceanic
navigations.
console - The pedestal or panel in an aircraft cockpit
where the operating controls are located.
constant - A value used in a mathematical computation
that is the same every time. For instance, the
relationship between the circumference of a circle and
its diameter is a constant, 3.1416 (pi, II).
constant current charge - A method of charging a
battery in which the voltage is adjusted as the charge
progresses in order to keep the current constant.
constant displacement pump
- A pump that displaces a
constant amount of fluid
each time it turns. The
faster it turns, the greater
the output.
CONSOLAN . contamination
constant-voltage power supply - A voltage supply that
is regulated so that voltage remains constant through a
range of loads.
constrained-gap igniter - A turbine igniter plug that
has the center electrode recessed in the insulator in
order to cause the spark to arc well past the tip of the
igniter. This allows it to operate at cooler temperatures
than other igniter plugs.
constructivism - Provides a unique way of thinking
about how students learn. Constructivism is based upon
the idea that learners construct knowledge through the
process of discovery as they experience events and
actively seek to understand their environment.
contact - 1. Establish communication with (followed by
the name of the facility and, if appropriate, the
frequency to be used). 2. A flight condition wherein the
pilot ascertains the attitude of his aircraft and navigates
by visual reference to the surface.
contact approach - An approach where an aircraft on
constant pressure chart - A
an IFR flight plan, having an air traffic control
weather chart that
authorization, operating clear of clouds with at least
represents conditions on a constant pressure surface;
one mile flight visibility, and a reasonable expectation
may contain analyses of height, wind, temperature,
of continuing to the destination airport in those
humidity, andlor other elements.
conditions, may deviate from the instrument approach
constant pressure cycle -- The thermodynamic cycle of procedure and proceed to the destination airport by
a gas turbine engine to produce thrust. This is a varying
volume, constant pressure, cycle of events. A more
recent term is continuous combustion cycle because of
the four continuous and constant events. including - the
intake, compression, expansion (including power), and
exhaust. Also referred to as the Brayton cycle.
constant section - That part of an aircraft's fuselage
having a uniform cross-sectional shape.
constant voltage charge - A method of charging a
battery in which the voltage across the battery remains
constant. The current is high at the start of the charge
but tapers off to a low value as the charge progresses.
constantan - A copper-nickel alloy used as a negative
lead in thermocouples used for measuring temperatures
in reciprocating engines.
constant-force spring - A spring that exerts a constant
pressure regardless of how much the spring is
compressed or extended.
constant-speed drive (CSD) - A hydraulic transmission
that can be controlled either electrically or
mechanically. It is used for alternators and enables the
alternator to produce the same frequency regardless of
the engine's variation of speed from idle to maximum
RPM.
constant-speed propeller - A controllable-pitch
propeller whose pitch is automatically varied in flight
by a governor to maintain a constant RPM in spite of
varying air loads.
Aircraft Technical Book Company
P.O. Box 270
Tabernash, CO 80478
http:llwww.ACTechbooks.com
visual reference to the surface. This approach will only
be authorized when requested by the pilot and the
reported ground visibility at the destination airport is at
least one statute mile.
contact cement - A syrupy adhesive that bonds on
contact.
cooling - The process by which heat is
conducted away from the warmer air to the colder
earth.
contactor - A heavy-duty electrical switch. Used to
connect high current loads to the power supply.
contaminant - An impurity or foreign substance present
in a material or environment that affects one or more
properties of the material.
contaminated runway - A runway is considered
contaminated whenever standing water, ice, snow,
slush, frost in any form, heavy rubber or other
substances are present. A runway is contaminated with
respect to rubber deposits or other friction-degrading
substances when the average friction value for any
500-foot segment of the runway within the ALD
(Available Landing Distance) falls below the
recommended minimum friction level and the average
friction value in the adjacent 500-foot segments fails
below the maintenance planning friction level.
contamination - The entry of foreign materials into the
fuel, oil, hydraulic, or other system.