Aircraft Parts Key Terms

Familiarize yourself with terms you may come across when dealing with airplanes

By Casey Holley

Thousands of parts make up an aircraft and each serves a very distinct purpose. To keep aircraft in optimum shape, the service mechanic should not be the only one to understand aircraft parts. If you’re in the aviation industry, understanding the purpose of aircraft parts could be a matter of safety. Whether you are restoring an aircraft, selling aircraft parts or repairing aircraft, you should be familiar with the jargon used. Consider these aircraft parts key terms to help you.

Fuselage

An aircraft fuselage is the main part of the airplane. It is where the passengers sit and luggage is stored. Other major parts of the airplane attach to the fuselage.
Try: WiseGeek offers information about the fuselage of an aircraft.

Stabilizer

There are two types of stabilizers, horizontal and vertical, that make up the tail of the aircraft. These stabilizers work together to keep the aircraft on course. Without them, the aircraft would swing and move uncontrollably.
Try: Visit the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to learn more about stabilizers.

Tricycle gear

Tricycle gear is a type of landing gear for small aircraft. Unlike traditional landing gear, tricycle gear provides stability during taxiing and landing, even when the aircraft is away from traditional runways.
Try: Zenith Aircraft Company offers information about tricycle gear.

Pitot static system

A pitot static system is used to measure the altitude and speed of an aircraft. It works by measuring pressure changes that occur with speed and altitude changes.
Try: The ALLSTAR Network provides information and a diagram to help you understand pitot static systems.

Composite materials

Composite materials are lightweight materials replacing aluminum components common in older aircraft. These materials are rust resistant and help prevent corrosion.
Try: The University of Washington College of Engineering provides information on composite materials for aircraft.

Scrap versus salvageable

A scrap aircraft part is one deemed unsafe or unworthy for use in an aircraft. Salvageable aircraft parts are parts that aren't suitable for aircraft use in their current condition. However, the part would be useful once it is restored to its factory condition.
Try: The Federal Aviation Administration provides information on how to distinguish a scrap part from a salvageable part. The FAA also explains the penalties for knowingly classifying aircraft parts as salvageable when you should classify them as a scrap part.