Understanding Jargon

Flight Sim Understanding Jargon

Decode the Language of Flight Simulation and Real-World Aviation

Flight simulation is full of technical terms, abbreviations, and phrases that can be overwhelming for beginners. From cockpit displays to ATC communications, understanding the jargon will help you make sense of manuals, interact confidently on online networks, and follow standard procedures more easily.

This guide breaks down the most common terms used in flight simulation and aviation so you can navigate your virtual cockpit with clarity.

Why Understanding Aviation Jargon Matters

• Improved immersion: You’ll better understand what’s happening during all phases of flight.
• Effective communication: On online networks like VATSIM or IVAO, proper phraseology is expected.
• Efficient learning: Tutorials, charts, and aircraft manuals often assume basic knowledge of terminology.
• Real-world crossover: If you’re considering real pilot training, this knowledge builds a strong foundation.

Common Acronyms and What They Mean

Aircraft Systems

• FMS – Flight Management System: Used for navigation, performance data, and routing.
• APU – Auxiliary Power Unit: Provides electrical power and air conditioning on the ground.
• PFD – Primary Flight Display: Shows attitude, speed, altitude, and heading.
• ND – Navigation Display: Shows route, waypoints, and navigation aids.

Navigation and Procedures

• VFR – Visual Flight Rules: Flying by sight, without relying solely on instruments.
• IFR – Instrument Flight Rules: Flying based on instruments and air traffic control.
• SID/STAR – Standard Instrument Departure / Standard Terminal Arrival Route: Published procedures for entering and exiting airspace.
• ILS – Instrument Landing System: Precision approach guidance to a runway.

Communication and ATC

• ATIS – Automatic Terminal Information Service: Pre-recorded weather and airport info.
• CLEARANCE DELIVERY – ATC position responsible for issuing route and departure clearances.
• READBACK – The pilot repeating an ATC instruction to confirm understanding.
• SQUAWK – The transponder code set by the pilot for ATC radar identification.

Flight Performance

• V1, VR, V2 – Takeoff speeds: decision speed, rotation speed, and safety climb speed.
• TOGA – Takeoff/Go-Around: Mode or thrust setting used for takeoff or go-arounds.
• VNAV / LNAV – Vertical/ Lateral Navigation: Autopilot modes for managing vertical speed and route tracking.

Aircraft-Related Terms

• Cold and Dark – Aircraft with all systems off, ready for full manual start-up.
• Pushback – The process of reversing an aircraft from the gate using a tug.
• Taxiway vs. Runway – Taxiways are paths to the runway; runways are used for takeoff and landing.
• Flaps and Spoilers – Devices used to control lift and drag during takeoff, approach, and landing.

Radio Phraseology Basics

When flying online or practicing real-world procedures, the following terms and phrases are commonly used:

• “Ready for departure” – You’re lined up on the runway and ready to take off.
• “Request push and start” – Asking for clearance to push back and start engines.
• “Cleared to land runway 27” – You have permission to land on runway 27.
• “Hold short” – Stop before entering the runway or crossing another taxiway.
• “Contact tower on 118.5” – Switch to the tower frequency for takeoff or landing clearance.

Controllers will expect correct readbacks such as:

“Speedbird 123, cleared to land runway 27.”

“Cleared to land 27, Speedbird 123.”

Flight Planning and Route Terms

• Route – The sequence of waypoints or airways you’ll follow.
• Cruising altitude – The flight level you’ll maintain during the cruise phase.
• Waypoints – GPS-defined points used for navigation.
• METAR / TAF – Aviation weather reports: METAR (current), TAF (forecast).
• QNH / QFE – Altimeter settings: QNH gives height above sea level, QFE gives height above ground.

Flight Sim-Specific Terms

• Scenery Addon – An enhanced airport, city, or terrain feature added to the simulator.
• Study-Level Aircraft – An aircraft addon that replicates real systems in detail.
• Frame Rate (FPS) – The number of frames per second your simulator runs at.
• LOD – Level of Detail, which controls how much visual detail is rendered at various distances.
• VATSIM / IVAO / PilotEdge – Online networks where pilots fly and communicate in real-time with other users and controllers.

Where to Learn More

• Navigraph Chart Glossary – Useful for understanding symbols and abbreviations on navigation charts.
• FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary – Available online and regularly updated.
• Flight Sim Community Forums – X-Plane.org, AVSIM, and Flightsim.to discussions often clarify terms and usage.

Aviation is a technical field, but learning the language is one of the most rewarding aspects of flight simulation. You don’t need to memorise everything at once—start with what applies to the kind of flying you enjoy, then expand gradually.

Whether you’re tuning radios, programming a flight plan, or flying online, understanding the terminology makes everything smoother, more immersive, and more enjoyable.