Glossary of Terms

This glossary includes terms from the Quick Reference Guide, POH, Garmin Perspective Plus book, and other aviation resources.

Aircraft & Equipment Terms

• CAPS® (Cirrus Airframe Parachute System) – Emergency parachute system deployed via handle in the cockpit.
• FIKI (Flight Into Known Icing) – Certification allowing aircraft to fly into known icing conditions with appropriate de-icing equipment.
• TKS Fluid – De-icing fluid used in FIKI-certified aircraft, sprayed through wing panels to prevent ice buildup.
• G6 SR20/SR22/SR22T – The latest generation models of the Cirrus SR Series aircraft.
• Perspective+™ by Garmin® – Avionics suite used in newer Cirrus SR models featuring advanced navigation, synthetic vision, and customizable profiles.
• GMA 350C – Garmin audio panel that supports 3D audio and Bluetooth connectivity.

Pre-Flight & Maintenance Terms

• Cowling – Engine covering; must be carefully removed and secured during maintenance.
• Tie-Downs / Chocks / Pitot Cover / Cowl Plugs – Items used for securing the aircraft on the ground, all must be removed before flight.
• Static Port – Air pressure sensor port; must remain clear for accurate instrument readings.
• Jacking Lugs – Used to lift the aircraft safely for maintenance; never use tie-down rings for this purpose.
• Oil Dipstick / Filler Tube – Tools to check and refill engine oil; specific handling instructions for SR22/SR22T models.

Cabin & Passenger Terms

• Ingress/Egress – The method of entering and exiting the aircraft.
• Energy-Absorbing Seats – Seats designed to absorb crash forces; should not be compressed by standing/kneeling.
• Seat Track Locks – Mechanism ensuring the seat is securely positioned and locked during flight.
• Oxygen System (Built-in/Portable) – Supplies supplemental oxygen to pilot and passengers above certain altitudes.
• Cannula / Mask – Devices to deliver oxygen; masks are required above FL180 (18,000 ft).

Avionics & Systems Terms

• Essential Bus – Critical electrical system powering vital instruments during flight.
• Battery 1 / Battery 2 – Independent batteries used to power avionics and engine systems during startup and emergencies.
• Flap Position Indicator – Light indicating flap position; abnormal behavior can point to electrical issues.
• TAWS (Terrain Awareness and Warning System) – Provides alerts if terrain poses a threat to aircraft safety.
• AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) – The autopilot and flight director system in Cirrus aircraft.
• Synthetic Vision – 3D terrain visualization used for better situational awareness in low visibility.

Audio & Communication Terms

• Lemo Connector – A single multi-pin headset plug providing audio and mic signals with power.
• Dual Plug – Traditional aviation headset connectors (mic + audio).
• Pulse Oximeter – Device for monitoring blood oxygen levels, especially useful during high altitude flights.

Cleaning & Safety Terms

• Microfiber Cloth – Only approved cloth for cleaning screens and windshields without causing scratches.
• Prist™ – Aircraft-safe cleaning aerosol used for windows and windshields.
• Canopy Cover – Protective cover for the aircraft; must be dry before stowing to prevent mold/damage.
• Approved Cleaning Products – Only use those listed in the POH to prevent damage to surfaces and avionics.

Airspeed & Flight Performance

• KIAS – Knots Indicated Airspeed: shown on the airspeed indicator.
• KCAS – Knots Calibrated Airspeed: KIAS corrected for instrument/position error.
• KTAS – Knots True Airspeed: actual speed through the air mass, corrected for altitude and temp.
• VG – Best Glide Speed: max distance per altitude lost (engine off).
• VO – Operating Maneuvering Speed: max speed for full control input without damage.
• VFE – Max Flap Extended Speed.
• VNO – Max Structural Cruising Speed.
• VNE – Never Exceed Speed.
• VPD – Max Demonstrated CAPS Deployment Speed.
• VS / VS0 – Stalling speed (clean / landing config).
• VX / VY – Best angle / rate of climb.

Systems and Engine

• TSIO-550-K – Continental Motors turbocharged engine model used in SR22T.
• BHP – Brake Horsepower: power output of the engine.
• MAP – Manifold Pressure (in. Hg): engine intake pressure.
• RPM – Revolutions per Minute: engine speed.
• TIT – Turbine Inlet Temperature.
• CHT – Cylinder Head Temperature.
• EGT – Exhaust Gas Temperature.
• CAPS® – Cirrus Airframe Parachute System.
• GPH – Gallons Per Hour: fuel consumption rate.
• TKS – Ice protection fluid used for de-icing.

Electrical System

• ESS BUS – Essential Bus: powers critical avionics and systems.
• M BUS 1 / 2 – Main electrical buses.
• ALT 1 / ALT 2 – Alternators.
• BATT 1 / BATT 2 – Aircraft batteries.

Weight & Balance

• CG – Center of Gravity.
• Arm – Distance from reference datum to CG of an item.
• Moment – Weight × Arm.
• MAC / LEMAC – Mean Aerodynamic Chord / its leading edge.
• Useful Load – Max weight available for occupants, fuel, and baggage.
• Zero Fuel Weight – Aircraft + contents minus usable fuel.

Environmental & Meteorological

• ISA – International Standard Atmosphere.
• OAT – Outside Air Temperature.
• PA – Pressure Altitude: altitude when altimeter set to 29.92 inHg.
• MSL – Mean Sea Level.
• IMC – Instrument Meteorological Conditions.

Avionics & Navigation

• Cirrus Perspective+™ – Garmin-based integrated flight deck.
• SVS – Synthetic Vision System: terrain and attitude depiction.
• RAIM – Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring: GPS integrity check.
• TAS – Traffic Advisory System: alerts for nearby aircraft.
• FIS-B – Flight Information Services-Broadcast: weather and NOTAM info via ADS-B.
• ADS-B OUT – Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast for traffic control visibility.

Handling & Ground Operations

• Tow Bar – Used for ground maneuvering; remove before engine start.
• Chocks – Blocks to prevent rolling when parked.
• Jack Points / Lugs – Used for safely lifting aircraft.
• Wheel Fairings – Covering over wheels; avoid damage during tugging/taxiing.
• Gust Lock – Not required in Cirrus due to control surface trim resistance.

Interior and Safety

• Inflatable Restraint System – Airbag-equipped seatbelts.
• Child Restraint System – LATCH/ISOFIX compatible rear seat mounts.
• Oxygen System – Built-in or portable; required above 12,500 ft (FAA-regulated).
• Pulse Oximeter – Monitors blood oxygen saturation during high-altitude flights.

Flight Systems & Avionics

• PFD (Primary Flight Display) – Shows critical flight data such as attitude, airspeed, altitude, and heading.
• MFD (Multi-Function Display) – Displays engine data, moving map, weather, traffic, checklists, and system information.
• AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) – Autopilot system that includes flight director, servos, yaw damper, and electric trim.
• GIA 64W – Garmin Integrated Avionics unit managing GPS, COM, NAV, and flight director functions.
• GSU 75 – ADAHRS module providing air data and attitude information from pitot/static and GPS sources.
• GMU 44 – Magnetometer that provides magnetic heading data.
• GCU 479 – Display controller used for managing radios, transponder, and other avionics inputs.
• GMA 350c – Audio panel handling intercom, COM/NAV audio, and Bluetooth® audio streaming.
• GMC 707 – AFCS mode controller for engaging autopilot, setting modes like HDG, ALT, NAV, etc.
• GDU 1250A/1050A – The 12”/10” display screens used for PFD and MFD functions.

Navigation & Communication

• FMS (Flight Management System) – The interface for entering and managing flight plans, including procedures and waypoints.
• COM/NAV – Communication and navigation radios for VHF frequencies.
• XPDR (Transponder) – Sends aircraft identification and altitude to ATC. GTX 345R includes ADS-B In/Out.
• ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) – Provides traffic/weather data to ATC and pilots.
• DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) – Measures slant range distance to a ground station.
• ADF (Automatic Direction Finder) – Navigates using NDB signals; rarely used in modern ops.
• CRS (Course) – Selected navigation course reference.

Situational Awareness

• SVT (Synthetic Vision Technology) – 3D terrain rendering to enhance situational awareness.
• TAWS-B (Terrain Awareness & Warning System) – Warns of potential terrain collisions.
• TAS (Traffic Advisory System) – Displays aircraft in the vicinity and provides audio/visual alerts.
• WireAware™ – Alerts to potential wire obstacles using embedded wire database.
• SafeTaxi® – Displays airport diagrams with own-ship position for ground operations.
• SurfaceWatch™ – Provides alerts on runway length, taxiway incursions, and wrong-runway takeoff.

Engine & Aircraft Management

• EIS (Engine Indication System) – Displays engine and systems data including RPM, MAP, CHT, EGT, and fuel.
• Lean Assist Mode – Assists with precise leaning of the mixture during cruise.
• TKS – Glycol-based ice protection fluid for Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI).
• GPH (Gallons Per Hour) – Fuel burn rate displayed by EIS.
• Torque, TIT, CHT, EGT – Measurements for engine performance and efficiency.

Pilot Interface & Control

• Softkeys – Buttons below the displays that change function based on context.
• Joystick – Used to pan maps, move the cursor, and zoom in/out.
• ENT / CLR – Enter and Clear keys used in data entry and menu navigation.
• PROC Key – Used to select and load approaches, arrivals, and departures.
• Direct-To (D>) – Shortcut to navigate directly to a selected waypoint.

System Warnings & Modes

• Reversionary Mode – Automatically activated upon display failure to show critical flight data on the remaining screen.
• AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System) – Provides aircraft attitude and heading; must initialize while stationary.
• Annunciations – Warnings, cautions, and system status messages displayed on the PFD/MFD.