Aero-Terms!

Aero-Terms are designed to be a daily reminder of the terms, names, acronyms and explanations of the unique language that populates the aviation world. Aerospace, sport aviation, fixed wing, helo, you name it... it's all fair game.

Aero-Terms should serve as a quick but intriguing reminder of the terms you may use every day, or an introduction to an aspects of the Aero-World you may not yet be familiar with. ANN also encourages readers to go beyond the FMI link, and further research any intriguing terms.

Suggestions for future Aero-Terms are ALWAYS welcome, as are additions or discussion of the explanations given for each Aero-Term.

Vmc_a

Minimum control speed in the air – the minimum airspeed at which the aircraft is directionally controllable in flight with one engine inoperative and takeoff power on the operative engine(s). Aircraft certification standards specify the most critical engine becoming inoperative and its propeller windmilling (propeller unfeathered), not more than a 5 degree bank towards the operative engine, takeoff power on the operative engine(s), landing gear up, flaps in the takeoff position, and center of gravity in the most unfavorable position. In the USA Vmca is defined at FAR Part 23.149 for normal category and commuter category airplanes; and Part 25.149 for transport category airplanes.

FMI: www.faa.gov