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PHAK Glossary — B

10 terms, every entry under this letter, no curation. Definitions reproduced verbatim from the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge glossary, FAA-H-8083-25C (July 2023).

Download the PDF — the same 10 terms as a two-column printable sheet.

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Back course (BC)

The reciprocal of the localizer course for an ILS. When flying a back-course approach, an aircraft approaches the instrument runway from the end at which the localizer antennas are installed.

In the glossary: b

Balance tab

An auxiliary control mounted on a primary control surface, which automatically moves in the direction opposite the primary control to provide an aerodynamic assist in the movement of the control.

In the glossary: b

Baro-aiding

A method of augmenting the GPS integrity solution by using a nonsatellite input source. To ensure that baro-aiding is available, the current altimeter setting must be entered as described in the operating manual.

In the glossary: b

Barometric scale

A scale on the dial of an altimeter to which the pilot sets the barometric pressure level from which the altitude shown by the pointers is measured.

In the glossary: b

Basic empty weight (GAMA)

Basic empty weight includes the standard empty weight plus optional and special equipment that has been installed.

In the glossary: b

BC

See back course.

The FAA’s definition of Back course (BC)

The reciprocal of the localizer course for an ILS. When flying a back-course approach, an aircraft approaches the instrument runway from the end at which the localizer antennas are installed.

In the glossary: b

Bernoulli’s Principle

A principle that explains how the pressure of a moving fluid varies with its speed of motion. An increase in the speed of movement causes a decrease in the fluid’s pressure.

In the glossary: b

Block altitude

A block of altitudes assigned by ATC to allow altitude deviations; for example, “Maintain block altitude 9 to 11 thousand.”

In the glossary: b

Bypass ratio

The ratio of the mass airflow in pounds per second through the fan section of a turbofan engine to the mass airflow that passes through the gas generator portion of the engine.

In the glossary: b

Source. Definitions: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge glossary, FAA-H-8083-25C (July 2023), reproduced verbatim from https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak. A United States Government work. Selection: none — every entry under this letter, no curation. Check the current publication before you rely on any of it.