Phrases & Expressions

For an aircraft to land on the ground.

• The helicopter touched down in the field.
• The plane touched down safely.

A standard phrase used to confirm handing over the flight controls.

• Pilot A: "I have control." Pilot B: "You have control."
• The captain says, "You have control" to the first officer.

To help a person or organization out of financial trouble, usually by giving money.

• The government had to bail out several banks during the financial crisis.
• My parents bailed me out when I couldn't pay my rent.

A strong desire to experience the wilderness and outdoor adventures.

• He heard the call of the wild and went camping.
• The city dweller felt the call of the wild.

To climb directly ahead along the runway's extended centerline.

• Climb straight ahead to 5000 feet.
• The pilot was instructed to climb straight ahead.

Healthy enough to travel by air or, for a pilot, to fly an aircraft.

• The doctor confirmed the pilot was fit to fly.
• Pregnant passengers may need a letter saying they are fit to fly.

The maximum power output from the engines, usually for takeoff.

• The aircraft accelerated rapidly with full thrust.
• Full thrust is required for short runways.

A place or thing that is excellent but not well-known or easily discovered.

• We found a hidden gem of a restaurant.
• This small town has many hidden gems.

To delay departure or continue flying until the weather conditions improve.

• We will hold for weather until the fog lifts.
• The flight was delayed; they had to hold for weather.

To stop an aircraft before entering an active runway, awaiting further instructions.

• Air traffic control instructed the pilot to hold short of the runway.
• Please hold short until the landing aircraft has cleared the runway.