Phrases & Expressions

To climb following the published level and speed restrictions of a departure route (SID).

• Climb via SID to flight level one five zero.
• The pilot must climb via the SID.

An alert indicating a low level of oxygen for the crew.

• The warning light for crew oxygen low is on.
• We received a crew oxygen low alert.

A measurement that clearly suggests a specific action or decision.

• We need to track an actionable metric for this campaign.
• This data provides an actionable metric for improvement.

The branch of engineering that deals with the design, building and testing of aircraft and spacecraft.

• She is studying aerospace engineering.
• The company hires many aerospace engineering graduates.

A callout made shortly before an aircraft reaches the minimum altitude for an instrument approach.

• The automated voice called "approaching minimums" a hundred feet above the decision altitude.
• We are approaching minimums, so be ready to go around if needed.

Said by air traffic control to tell a pilot that a request is accepted without change.

• Your flight path change is approved as requested.
• The controller told us our direct routing was approved as requested.

Operating an aircraft beyond the distance where the pilot can see it with the naked eye.

• Beyond visual line of sight flights require special authorization.
• The drone can fly beyond visual line of sight.

To start digging the ground to begin building something.

• They broke ground on the new library.
• Construction crews broke ground on the stadium yesterday.

To make a situation reach a critical point where a decision or action is necessary.

• The ongoing dispute brought matters to a head.
• The crisis brought matters to a head, forcing them to negotiate.

To listen to a pilot's readback and make sure the instruction was repeated correctly.

• The controller must check the readback for any wrong numbers.
• Always check the readback carefully after giving a new altitude.