Phrases & Expressions

In aviation, being above the correct flight path or glideslope during an approach.

• The aircraft was slightly above path on approach.
• Being above path means you are too high for landing.

To set an aircraft's emergency slide to deploy automatically.

• The flight attendant will arm the slide.
• Cabin crew arm the slides before the aircraft pushes back.

Used in aviation to specify a minimum altitude or flight level that an aircraft must maintain.

• Maintain at or above 5,000 feet until further notice.
• The aircraft was cleared to fly at or above Flight Level 200.

An ATC phrase meaning the pilot may decide when to start an instructed climb or descent.

• Descend and maintain 10,000 feet at pilot's discretion.
• Cleared to descend at pilot's discretion, the crew waited until they were closer to the airport.

The late-night and early-morning hours, when people normally sleep, used about overnight work or flying.

• Cargo pilots often fly the back of the clock.
• Working the back of the clock increases the risk of fatigue.

An instruction for an aircraft to taxi to the end of a runway, turn around, and then align itself for takeoff.

• The controller instructed the small plane to backtrack and line up.
• We saw the jet backtrack and line up for departure.

In aviation, being below the correct flight path or glideslope during an approach.

• The pilot corrected the aircraft, which was below path.
• If you are below path, you risk hitting obstacles.

To release or remove unwanted air or gas from a system.

• Bleed off the excess pressure from the tank.
• The mechanic will bleed off the air from the brakes.

In glider towing, to fly the glider in a rectangle around the tow plane's wake without touching it.

• During aerotow training, students learn to box the wake behind the tow plane.
• Boxing the wake is an advanced skill.

To separate the edge (bead) of a tire from the wheel rim, a necessary step when removing a tire.

• You need a special tool to break the bead on this tire.
• It's hard to break the bead on old, stiff tires.