Phrases & Expressions

To send a mayday call saying that a ship or aircraft is in serious danger.

• The ship captain was forced to declare mayday.
• The pilot declared mayday after both engines lost power.

An air traffic control instruction to descend to a given altitude and stay there.

• The controller told us to descend and maintain flight level 120.
• Pilots must read back the altitude when told to descend and maintain.

Said to report that the emergency slides of the aircraft doors are set to inflate automatically.

• The purser reported 'doors armed' to the captain before pushback.
• Only after the call 'doors armed' may the crew take their seats.

A cabin crew call meaning the doors are set so that the escape slides will not inflate when opened.

• After landing, the purser announced, "Doors disarmed and cross-checked."
• The crew must confirm doors disarmed before the boarding bridge is attached.

EU rules determining which member state is responsible for asylum applications.

• The Dublin Regulation aims to streamline asylum procedures.
• His case was rejected under the Dublin Regulation.

A legal term meaning applicable to or binding on all parties.

• This is an erga omnes obligation.
• The court's decision had erga omnes effect.

Air traffic control phrase telling a pilot the time at which a new clearance will be given.

• Hold at the fix, expect further clearance at 1430.
• The controller told us to expect further clearance in twenty minutes.

An Air Traffic Control instruction for a pilot to leave the runway quickly after landing.

• ATC told us to expedite vacate runway 27.
• After landing, the pilot received the 'expedite vacate' instruction.

A formal set of steps for employees to raise and resolve complaints about unfair treatment or workplace issues.

• Please follow the official grievance procedure for your complaint.
• The company has a clear grievance procedure for all staff.

A callout meaning that the glideslope pointer has started to move as the aircraft nears the glideslope.

• Approaching the final approach fix, the first officer called 'glideslope alive'.
• Is the GS alive yet on this approach?