A PILOT has shared some of the secrets phrases used between crew and what they mean.
However, some of them are not good news – with "ground stop" likely to mean a delay.
Pilot Patrick Smith, who wrote the book Cockpit Confidential, has revealed some of the technical jargon used by crew on his website Ask The Pilot.
While some might be obvious, such as "final approach" meaning the plane is about to land, others may not make much sense at all.
For example, passengers may not be happy to hear the phrase "ground stop" if they're on a flight.
We reveal some of the common terms, and what they could mean for your flight.
Last minute paperwork
A pilot may say that they are "finishing up last minute paperwork" before a flight takes off."
While this can mean checking flight plans and passenger numbers, it can also mean a delay.
According to Patrick, this can take up to half an hour, so it isn't something you want to hear if you're already delayed.
Wheels-up time
The time heard when talking about "wheels-up" is then the plan is expected to be fully airborne.
Crew must make sure that everything is ready to go near this time, or the plane will take off later than planned.
Ground stop
Hearing the pilot say the phrase "ground stop"? You're in for a delay.
Patrick says this means that departures are going to be backlogged due to an issue such as air traffic control, meaning the plane might not be able to land in their designated slot.
Air pocket
An air pocket is another phrase a sudden jolt of turbulence.
These can be particularly dangerous for passengers and crew who are not belted in – ten people including a member of crew was sent to hospital after a plane dropped suddenly due to an air pocket.
Crosscheck
Crosscheck is used between flight attendants and pilots to make sure they have each done their tasks.
Patrick explained: "In the cabin, flight attendants crosscheck one another’s stations to make sure the doors are armed or disarmed as necessary."
Holding pattern
A holding pattern could be bad news for passengers wanting to land on time, as the plane could be forced to fly overheard due to an external issue.
Patrick revealed: "A racetrack-shaped course flown during weather or traffic delays.
"Published holding patterns are depicted on aeronautical charts, but one can be improvised almost anywhere."
Doors to arrival
An instruction often heard issued to the flight attendants as the plane is landing, which means that the emergency escape slides are disarmed.
Patrick explained: "When armed, a slide will automatically deploy the instant its door is opened."
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