Phrases & Expressions

A US rule that a pilot must fly six instrument approaches in six months to stay instrument current.

• You need your 6 in 6 to stay current for instrument flying.
• She flew three approaches in the simulator to meet the 6 in 6 requirement.

An instruction in aviation meaning a flight plan has been approved exactly as it was submitted.

• The pilot received clearance: 'Cleared as filed.'
• Our flight plan was cleared as filed, so we could depart on time.

In aviation, a phrase used to confirm that an aircraft's landing gear is fully extended and secured in place for landing.

• The pilot confirmed, 'Landing gear is down and locked.'
• We heard the call 'down and locked' just before touchdown.

The airspace between the ETOPS entry point (EEP) and exit point (EXP) where specific regulations apply.

• The aircraft entered the ETOPS area over the ocean.
• ETOPS area navigation requires careful planning.

A TCAS resolution advisory telling the pilot to climb at a higher rate.

• When TCAS called "increase climb", the pilot climbed more steeply.
• The crew followed the increase climb advisory within seconds.

A collision-avoidance warning in the cockpit telling the pilot to descend faster.

• When the system called 'Increase descent', the pilot lowered the nose further.
• The pilot followed the increase descent command.

Air traffic control instructions to guide an aircraft onto the final approach path.

• The controller gave vectors to final for the landing.
• We received vectors to final from ATC.

A formal greeting used at the start of a letter to an unnamed reader, such as an organisation.

• If the advert gives no contact name, start your cover letter with Dear Sir or Madam.
• Some people find Dear Sir or Madam rather impersonal, so they try to find out the reader's name.

A polite way of ending a formal letter or email, showing that you hope the reader will reply.

• Please let me know whether a refund is possible; I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
• We look forward to hearing from you and hope to welcome you to our summer language course.

A fairly large part or percentage of a total amount or group.

• A significant proportion of the population still lives in rural areas.
• Food waste accounts for a significant proportion of household rubbish in most European countries.