ASX Glossary - S

Glossary Navigation Menu
A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K	L	M	N	O	P	Q	R	S	T	U	V	W	X	Y	Z

Click on term for full definition

Click here to report corrections and content addition requests

R-4808 N/Area 51/Groom Lake	Area 51/Groom Lake is a highly classified U.S. Air Force facility located in southern Nevada, officially known as Homey Airport or Groom Lake. Established in 1955 for testing the Lockheed U-2 aircraft, its operations remain secretive, fueling numerous UFO conspiracy theories. The CIA publicly acknowledged its existence in 2013. Situated 83 miles northwest of Las Vegas, the area attracts tourists, especially to the nearby town of Rachel on the "Extraterrestrial Highway."
Radar Altimeter	A radar altimeter measures an aircraft's altitude above ground level using radio waves. It provides precise altitude readings during landing approaches and low-altitude operations. Essential for terrain awareness and automated landing systems, radar altimeters enhance safety by helping pilots maintain proper clearance from obstacles.
Radar Vectoring	Radar vectoring is a navigation technique where air traffic controllers provide headings to pilots using radar. It is used for traffic sequencing, avoiding weather, or guiding aircraft during approaches. Pilots rely on radar vectoring to maintain situational awareness and ensure safe separation.
Radio Beacon	A radio beacon is a ground-based transmitter that emits signals to guide aircraft. Used in non-directional navigation systems, pilots locate and fly towards or away from beacons to maintain course. They are critical for navigation, especially in areas with limited GPS coverage.
Radio Communication Failure	A radio communication failure occurs when an aircraft loses the ability to transmit or receive messages. Pilots follow standard procedures, including squawking transponder code 7600, to alert air traffic control and follow pre-established routes to ensure safe operation.
Ramp Check	A ramp check is an inspection conducted by aviation authorities to ensure compliance with regulations. It involves checking aircraft documents, equipment, and crew certifications. Pilots and operators must cooperate fully to avoid penalties or grounding of the aircraft.
Rate of Climb	The rate of climb measures how quickly an aircraft gains altitude, expressed in feet per minute (fpm). It is critical for ensuring obstacle clearance and optimizing climb performance during takeoff and flight. Aircraft specifications often list best rate-of-climb speeds for efficiency.
Rated Engine Thrust	Rated engine thrust is the maximum amount of thrust an engine can produce under standard operating conditions. It ensures the engine operates within safe limits, balancing performance and longevity. Exceeding rated thrust can cause overheating or structural damage.
Raven Rock	The Raven Rock Mountain Complex (RRMC), also known as “Site R (N39°43'59.23" W77°25'07.13") is a secure underground U.S. military facility near the Pennsylvania–Maryland border. Built during the Cold War for continuity of government, it serves as a backup Pentagon and command center. Operated by the Department of Defense, it supports emergency communications, military coordination, and national security operations during crises or attacks.
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM)	RVSM is a standard that reduces vertical separation between aircraft from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet at altitudes between 29,000 and 41,000 feet. This increases airspace capacity and efficiency while maintaining strict altitude monitoring and certification requirements.
Refueling Boom	A refueling boom is a rigid tube used in aerial refueling operations to transfer fuel between tanker and receiver aircraft. Commonly used by military aircraft, the boom allows efficient fuel transfer during flight without landing.
Reheat (Afterburner)	Reheat, or afterburner, is a system in jet engines that injects additional fuel into the exhaust stream for increased thrust. Used in supersonic and military aircraft, it provides a significant boost in performance at the cost of high fuel consumption.
Relay Station	A relay station retransmits communication or navigation signals to extend their range. It is often used in remote or mountainous areas where direct line-of-sight transmission is unavailable, ensuring reliable communication for pilots and controllers.
Relative Bearing	Relative bearing is the angle between the aircraft's nose and the direction to a navigational aid or target, measured clockwise. Pilots use it for situational awareness and precise navigation, especially when relying on non-directional beacons.
Rendezvous Point	A rendezvous point is a pre-determined location where aircraft meet for refueling, formation flying, or coordinated operations. It ensures efficiency and synchronization during military missions, aerial refueling, or search-and-rescue efforts.
Required Navigation Performance (RNP)	RNP specifies the accuracy and performance capabilities required for aircraft to fly certain routes. It integrates navigation, monitoring, and alerting systems, allowing precise operations in congested or complex airspace.
Restricted Airspace	Restricted airspace is an area where flight is limited or prohibited for safety or security reasons. Pilots require special clearance to enter these zones, often used for military operations or sensitive installations.
Return to Base (RTB)	RTB is a directive for an aircraft to return to its home base or origin point. It is issued during emergencies, mission completions, or adverse conditions, ensuring the aircraft’s safe recovery.
Reverse Thrust	Reverse thrust is a mechanism that redirects engine thrust forward to slow an aircraft during landing. Common in jet and turboprop aircraft, it reduces wear on brakes and shortens landing distances.
Reynolds Number	The Reynolds number measures the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces in fluid flow around an aircraft. It helps predict aerodynamic behavior and is crucial for wing design and performance analysis.
Right of Way (Aviation Rules)	Right of way rules dictate which aircraft has priority during potential conflicts. For instance, gliders have right of way over powered aircraft, and aircraft on final approach take precedence over others in the pattern.
Roll Axis	The roll axis is the longitudinal axis of an aircraft, running nose-to-tail. Movement around this axis is controlled by ailerons, affecting the aircraft’s banking angle and lateral stability during turns.
Rotary-Wing Aircraft	Rotary-wing aircraft, such as helicopters, use spinning rotor blades to generate lift and thrust. They are capable of vertical takeoff, landing, and hovering, making them ideal for rescue, military, and urban transport missions.
Rotor Wash	Rotor wash refers to the strong downward airflow generated by helicopter rotors. It can create turbulence and affect nearby objects or people, requiring caution during low-altitude operations.
Rudder	The rudder is a control surface on the vertical stabilizer, controlling yaw motion. Pilots use the rudder for directional control, especially during crosswind landings or coordinated turns.
Runway Centerline Lights	Runway centerline lights are in-ground lights marking the runway’s centerline, aiding pilots during low-visibility operations. They are white and turn alternating red and white near the runway end.
Runway Edge Lights	Runway edge lights outline the edges of a runway, providing visual guidance for pilots during night or low-visibility conditions. They are typically white but turn yellow near the runway's far end.
Runway Excursion	A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft veers off or overruns the runway during landing or takeoff. It is caused by factors like poor braking, adverse weather, or pilot error.
Runway Incursion	A runway incursion is any unauthorized presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on an active runway. It poses significant safety risks, requiring immediate action by air traffic controllers and pilots.
Runway Threshold	The runway threshold is the beginning portion of the runway usable for landing. Marked with white stripes, it ensures proper touchdown alignment and distance for safe operations.
Runway Visual Range (RVR)	RVR measures the distance a pilot can see down the runway, indicating visibility conditions. It is critical for determining landing and takeoff minimums, especially in fog or heavy rain.
Runway-Taxiway Intersection	A runway-taxiway intersection is a point where a runway and taxiway cross, requiring clear communication between pilots and air traffic control to ensure safe ground operations.