Phrases & Expressions

Aligned correctly with the localizer or glide slope during an instrument approach.

• The pilot confirmed that the aircraft was on the beam for landing.
• Keep the aircraft on the beam until touchdown.

Flying by reference to the cockpit instruments only, without looking outside.

• The pilot had to fly on the gauges.
• Visibility was zero, so we flew on the gauges.

Lined up with the runway centreline by following the localizer signal of the ILS.

• Report established on the localizer.
• We were on the localizer but still above the glide path.

The stage of water takeoff where the aircraft glides on the surface before lifting off.

• The plane reached the step before climbing.
• Maintaining speed on the step is crucial.

The four main time points recorded for an aircraft's flight: Out, Off, On, In.

• The OOOI system records out off on in times automatically.
• We need to verify the out off on in data.

The oxygen mask setting that supplies pure oxygen instead of a mix with cabin air.

• Set the mask selector to oxygen 100 percent.
• During the emergency, we switched to oxygen 100 percent.

Indicates that the oxygen supply is active and flowing.

• The indicator light showed oxygen ON.
• Ensure your oxygen is ON before proceeding.

A PAPI showing four red lights, meaning the aircraft is well below the correct approach path.

• PAPI 4 red means you are too low on the approach.
• Seeing PAPI 4 red, the pilot stopped the descent and corrected upwards.

A PAPI indication of four white lights, meaning the aircraft is well above the correct approach path.

• The PAPI shows four white lights.
• PAPI 4 white means you are too high.

The diplomatic initiative between the US and China in the early 1970s, starting with table tennis exchanges.

• Ping-pong diplomacy opened the door for future talks.
• The visit was a key moment in ping-pong diplomacy.