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.

Note: This month's Aero-Terms were sent in by ANN readers throughout the year. Thanks to everyone who suggested Aero-Terms. Keep them coming!

Pibal

Pronounced PIE-ball, short for "pilot balloon". Today this refers to the small helium filled balloons that balloon pilots release preflight to track wind direction and wind speed. While today's pibals are simple toy helium filled balloons, at one time, they were truly "piloted" balloons. Indeed, today whenever a group of balloons are awaiting launch -- especially when the conditions are marginal, and finally a sole pilot takes off -- reference is often made similar to "there's a real pibal" as the remaining pilots on the ground will watch the just launched balloon for signs of wind speed, direction, etc.

FMI: www.pilotballoon.com/introduc.htm