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Flight simulation can feel confusing at first because aviation uses a lot of abbreviations and specialist terms. This glossary explains the most common words you will see in Microsoft Flight Simulator, aircraft tutorials, navigation guides, approach procedures and cockpit instruments.
Quick Navigation
- Basic Flying Terms
- Navigation
- IFR Procedures
- Aircraft Systems
- Airport Operations
- ATC
- Flight Simulator Terms
Basic Flying Terms
Airspeed
Airspeed is how fast the aircraft is moving through the air. In Microsoft Flight Simulator, it is usually shown on the Primary Flight Display or airspeed indicator.
Altitude
Altitude is the aircraft’s height above a reference point, usually sea level. In aviation, altitude is normally measured in feet.
Heading
Heading is the direction the aircraft nose is pointing, measured in degrees from 000 to 359.
Track
Track is the actual path the aircraft is travelling over the ground. Wind can make the aircraft’s track different from its heading.
Flare
The flare is the gentle nose-up movement made just before touchdown to reduce the rate of descent and achieve a smoother landing.
Navigation
VFR
VFR means Visual Flight Rules. Under VFR, pilots mainly navigate by looking outside, using landmarks, maps, headings and visual references.
IFR
IFR means Instrument Flight Rules. Under IFR, pilots navigate using instruments, radio navigation, GPS, airways, procedures and air traffic control clearances.
Waypoint
A waypoint is a named point used for navigation. Flight plans are often built from a series of waypoints.
VOR
A VOR is a radio navigation aid that allows aircraft to navigate along specific courses to or from a ground station.
GPS
GPS navigation uses satellites to determine aircraft position and guide the aircraft along a route.
IFR Procedures
SID
SID means Standard Instrument Departure. It is a published departure route that guides aircraft from the runway into the enroute phase of flight.
STAR
STAR means Standard Terminal Arrival Route. It is a published arrival route that brings aircraft from the enroute phase toward an airport approach.
ILS
ILS means Instrument Landing System. It provides lateral and vertical guidance to help aircraft line up with the runway and descend accurately.
Localizer
The localizer is the part of an ILS that provides left and right guidance to align the aircraft with the runway centreline.
Glideslope
The glideslope is the vertical part of an ILS. It helps the aircraft descend at the correct angle toward the runway.
Aircraft Systems
PFD
PFD means Primary Flight Display. It shows essential flight information such as airspeed, altitude, attitude, vertical speed and heading.
ND
ND means Navigation Display. It shows route, waypoints, heading, track, weather, navigation aids and other situational information.
Autopilot
The autopilot can control parts of the aircraft’s flight, such as heading, altitude, vertical speed, navigation tracking and approach guidance.
VNAV
VNAV means Vertical Navigation. It helps manage aircraft climb and descent profiles based on altitude restrictions, performance and flight plan data.
LNAV
LNAV means Lateral Navigation. It helps the aircraft follow the route sideways along the programmed flight plan.
FMC
FMC means Flight Management Computer. It stores the route, performance data, departure, arrival and approach information used by many airliners.
Airport Operations
Taxiway
A taxiway is a marked path used by aircraft to move between runways, gates, parking areas and maintenance areas.
Runway
A runway is the prepared surface used for takeoff and landing.
Apron
The apron is the airport area where aircraft park, load passengers, refuel and receive ground services.
Pushback
Pushback is when a tug moves an aircraft backward from the gate or stand before engine start and taxi.
ATC
ATC
ATC means Air Traffic Control. Controllers help manage aircraft separation, clearances, taxi instructions, departures, arrivals and approaches.
ATIS
ATIS is an automated broadcast that provides airport weather, runway information and other important details for pilots.
Clearance
A clearance is permission from ATC to perform an action, such as taxi, take off, climb, descend, land or follow a route.
Squawk
A squawk code is a transponder code assigned by ATC to help identify an aircraft on radar.
Flight Simulator Terms
Community Folder
The Community Folder is where many Microsoft Flight Simulator add-ons are installed, including aircraft, scenery, liveries and utilities.
Add-on
An add-on is extra content added to the simulator, such as aircraft, airports, scenery, weather tools, utilities or sound enhancements.
SimBrief
SimBrief is a flight planning tool used by many flight simmers to create realistic routes, fuel plans and operational flight plans.
Navigraph
Navigraph provides charts, navigation data and flight planning tools for flight simulation.
GSX
GSX is a ground services add-on that adds pushback, boarding, catering, baggage, passengers and airport ground handling features.
WASM
WASM is a technology used by some Microsoft Flight Simulator aircraft and add-ons to run more advanced systems inside the simulator.