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.

Lufbery Circle

This air tactic was purely defensive in nature, and could only be mounted by flights of multiple planes working together. The tactic involved all members of the defending formation forming a horizontal circle in the air when attacked. This way, each plane would theoretically protect the plane in front of him. It was thought that an attacking fighter would be unable to attack any member of the formation without coming under fire himself. The tactic was intended for slower, less capable aircraft when attacked by aggressive enemy fighters.

FMI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lufbery_circle