NFC Learning

Factor of safety. A design factor used to provide for the possibility of loads greater than those assumed, and for uncertainties
in design and fabrication.

Final approach fix or point. That fix or point of an instrument approach procedure where the final approach segment
commences.

Fan marker beacon. A type of radio beacon, the emissions of which radiate in a vertical fan-shaped pattern

FANS 1/A - Future Air Navigation System 1 or A. (Respectively, Boeing and Airbus Proprietary Air-Ground ATC Data Link Communications Systems)

Farad (F). The capacitance of a capacitor between the plates of which there appears a difference of potential of 1 volt when
it is charged by a quantity of electricity equal to 1 coulomb.

Fatigue. A physiological state of reduced mental or physical performance capability resulting from sleep loss or extended
wakefulness, circadian phase, or workload (mental and/or physical activity) that can impair a crew member’s alertness and
ability to safely operate an aircraft or perform safety-related duties.

Final approach and take-off area (FATO). A defined area over which the final phase of the approach manoeuvre to hover or
landing is completed and from which the take-off manoeuvre is commenced. Where the FATO is to be used by
performance Class 1 helicopters, the defined area includes the rejected take-off area available.

FBL - Used in meteorology meaning "light" as in precipitation or icing.

FDE - Fault Detection and Exclusion

‘Feathered Pitch’ means the pitch setting, specified in the appropriate propeller manual, which in flight with the engine stopped, gives approximately the minimum drag, and corresponds with a windmilling torque of approximately zero.

Forward error correction (FEC). The process of adding redundant information to the transmitted signal in a manner which
allows correction, at the receiver, of errors incurred in the transmission.

Final approach. That part of an instrument approach procedure which commences at the specified final approach fix or point,
or where such a fix or point is not specified,

a) at the end of the last procedure turn, base turn or inbound turn of a racetrack procedure, if specified; or

b) at the point of interception of the last track specified in the approach procedure; and
ends at a point in the vicinity of an aerodrome from which:

1) a landing can be made; or
2) a missed approach procedure is initiated.

Final approach segment. That segment of an instrument approach procedure in which alignment and descent for landing are
accomplished.

‘Final take-off speed’ means the speed of the aeroplane that exists at the end of the take-off path in the en-route configuration with one engine inoperative

“flight information region” means an airspace of defined dimensions designated by the
appropriate ATS authority within which flight information service and alerting service are
provided.

‘Fire-resistant.’ With respect to materials, components and equipment, means the capability to withstand the application of heat by a flame, as defined for ‘Fireproof‘, for a period of 5 minutes without any failure that would create a hazard to the aircraft.

NOTE: For materials this is considered to be equivalent to the capability of withstanding a fire at least as well as aluminium alloy in dimensions appropriate for the purposes for which they are used.

‘Fireproof.’ With respect to materials, components and equipment, means the capability to withstand the application of heat by a flame, for a period of 15 minutes without any failure that would create a hazard to the aircraft. The flame will have the following characteristics:-

Temperature 1100°C * 80°C
Heat Flux Density 116 KW/m2 10 KW/m2

NOTE: For materials this is considered to be equivalent to the capability of  withstanding a fire at least as well as steel or titanium in dimensions appropriate for the purposes for which they are used.

‘First aid oxygen’ means the additional oxygen provided for the use of passengers, who do not satisfactorily recover following subjection to excessive cabin altitudes, during which they had been provided with supplemental oxygen.

Fixed light. A light having constant luminous intensity when observed from a fixed point.

‘Flap extended speed’ means the highest speed permissible with wing-flaps in a prescribed extended position.

FLAS - Flight Level Allocation Scheme

A licensed crew member charged with duties essential to the operation of an aircraft during a flight duty
period.

“flight level” means a surface of constant atmospheric pressure which is related to a
specific pressure datum of 1013.2 hectopascals (hPa) and is separated from other such
surfaces by specific pressure intervals.

Specified information provided to air traffic services units, relative to an intended flight or portion of a flight of an
aircraft.

See Flight simulation training device.
Flight simulation training device. Any one of the following three types of apparatus in which flight conditions are simulated
on the ground:

A flight simulator, which provides an accurate representation of the flight deck of a particular aircraft type to the extent that
the mechanical, electrical, electronic, etc. aircraft systems control functions, the normal environment of flight crew
members, and the performance and flight characteristics of that type of aircraft are realistically simulated;

A flight procedures trainer, which provides a realistic flight deck environment, and which simulates instrument responses,
simple control functions of mechanical, electrical, electronic, etc. aircraft systems, and the performance and flight
characteristics of aircraft of a particular class;

A basic instrument flight trainer, which is equipped with appropriate instruments, and which simulates the flight deck
environment of an aircraft in flight in instrument flight conditions.
Flight simulator. See Flight simulation training device.

“flight recorder” means any type of recorder installed in an aircraft for the purpose
of complementing accident/incident investigation and includes flight data and
cockpit voice recorders;

“flight safety documents system” means a set of inter-related documentation
established by the operator, compiling and organising information necessary for
flight and ground operations and comprising, as a minimum, the operations manual
and the operator’s maintenance control manual;

“flight status” means an indication of whether or not a given aircraft requires special
handling by air traffic services units or not.

Flight time — aeroplanes. The total time from the moment an aeroplane first moves for the purpose of taking off until the
moment it finally comes to rest at the end of the flight.
Note.— Flight time as here defined is synonymous with the term “block to block” time or “chock to chock” time in general
usage which is measured from the time an aeroplane first moves for the purpose of taking off until it finally stops at the end of
the flight.

Flight time — helicopters. The total time from the moment a helicopter’s rotor blades start turning until the moment the
helicopter finally comes to rest at the end of the flight, and the rotor blades are stopped.

“flight visibility” means the visibility forward from the cockpit of an aircraft in flight;

Foot (ft). The length equal to 0.304 8 metre exactly.

Frangible object. An object of low mass designed to break, distort or yield on impact so as to present the minimum hazard to
aircraft.

Free zone. A part of the territory of a Contracting State where any goods introduced are generally regarded, insofar as import
duties and taxes are concerned, as being outside the customs territory.

Frequency channel. A continuous portion of the frequency
spectrum appropriate for a transmission utilizing a specified
class of emission.
Note.— The classification of emissions and information
relevant to the portion of the frequency spectrum appropriate
for a given type of transmission (bandwidths) are specified in
the Radio Regulations, Article S2 and Appendix S1.

Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS). A data-driven means of continuously monitoring and managing fatigue-related
safety risks, based upon scientific principles and knowledge as well as operational experience that aims to ensure relevant
personnel are performing at adequate levels of alertness.