Phrases & Expressions

To write a formal report or record about an event or problem.

• Please write up a report about the incident.
• The mechanic will write up the maintenance details.

A cockpit warning showing that a cargo door is not fully closed and locked.

• The "cargo door open" warning came on just before pushback.
• The crew returned to the gate after a cargo door open message.

A warning shouted before starting an aircraft engine with a propeller.

• Clear prop! The engine is about to start.
• Before turning the key, he shouted, 'Clear prop!'

A memory aid for twin-engine pilots: the foot not pressing a rudder pedal is on the side of the failed engine.

• Remember "dead foot, dead engine" when an engine fails after takeoff.
• The instructor taught us "dead foot, dead engine" to find the failed engine.

To move slowly downwards through the air or water.

• Snowflakes drifted down from the grey sky.
• A leaf drifted down and landed on the water.

The maximum flap setting, or a pilot's callout asking for it, usually before landing.

• The captain called for flaps full on short final.
• We usually land with flaps full on this short runway.

An old-fashioned and slightly humorous way to say a woman is pregnant.

• She's in the family way again.
• He announced his wife was in the family way.

A financial ratio comparing a company's market price to its book value per share.

• The stock trades at a low price-to-book ratio.
• Value investors often look for stocks with a price-to-book below 1.

An MVP that seems automated but is run manually behind the scenes.

• The wizard of oz MVP simulates automation.
• It was a wizard of oz MVP, not truly automated.

To stop the engine start sequence before it is complete.

• Abort start if temperatures exceed limits.
• The pilot decided to abort start due to a warning light.