General aviationGeneral aviation (GA) is defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as all civil aviation aircraft operations except for commercial air transport or aerial work, which is defined as specialized aviation services for other purposes. However, for statistical purposes, ICAO uses a definition of general aviation which includes aerial work.
Aircraft maintenanceAircraft maintenance is the performance of tasks required to ensure the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft or aircraft part, including overhaul, inspection, replacement, defect rectification, and the embodiment of modifications, compliance with airworthiness directives and repair. RegulationThe maintenance of aircraft is highly regulated, in order to ensure safe and correct functioning during flight.
International Civil Aviation OrganizationThe International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that coordinates the principles and techniques of international air navigation, and fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth. The ICAO headquarters are in the Quartier international de Montréal of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
AirportFacility with a runway for aircraftSample infrastructure of a typical airport.
United States government role in civil aviationThe Air Commerce Act of 1926 created an Aeronautic Branch of the United States Department of Commerce. Its functions included testing and licensing of pilots, certification of aircraft and investigation of accidents. In 1934, the Aeronautics Branch was renamed the Bureau of Air Commerce, to reflect the growing importance of commercial flying.
Aviation fuelAviation fuels are either derived from petroleum or are blends of petroleum and synthetic fuels, and are used to power aircraft. These fuels have more stringent requirements than those used for ground-based applications, such as heating or road transportation. They also contain additives designed to enhance or preserve specific properties that are important for performance and handling.
BarnstormingBarnstorming was a form of entertainment in which stunt pilots performed tricks individually or in groups that were called flying circuses. Devised to "impress people with the skill of pilots and the sturdiness of planes", it became popular in the United States during the Roaring Twenties. Barnstormers were pilots who flew throughout the country to sell airplane rides and perform stunts. Charles Lindbergh first began flying as a barnstormer.
World War IGlobal conflict from 1914 to 1918BelligerentsAllied Powers: France United Kingdom and Empire:Australia Canada Ceylon EgyptNewfoundlandNew Zealand India South Africa Russia (until 1917) Italy (from 1915) United States(from 1917) Japanand others ...Central Powers: GermanyAustria-HungaryOttoman Empire Bulgaria (from 1915)and others ...Commanders and leadersCasualties and losses 15–22 million deaths (military and civilian)World War I, or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers.Air charterAir charter is the business of renting an entire aircraft (i.e., chartering) as opposed to individual aircraft seats (i.e., purchasing a ticket through a traditional airline). RegulationCharter—also called air taxi or ad hoc—flights require certification from the associated country's civil aviation authority. The regulations are differentiated from typical commercial/passenger service by offering a non-scheduled service.
Through the fence operationIn the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines residential through-the-fence, or RTTF, as access granted to a federally obligated, public airfield from private, residential property or property zoned for residential use. These are usually private hangars, often built adjacent to, or as part of a house, allowing aircraft owners immediate access to their aircraft and an airport, without having to drive to the airport.
Flight trainingFlight training is a course of study used when learning to pilot an aircraft. The overall purpose of primary and intermediate flight training is the acquisition and honing of basic airmanship skills. Flight training can be conducted under a structured accredited syllabus with a flight instructor at a flight school or as private lessons with no syllabus with a flight instructor as long as all experience requirements for the desired pilot certificate/license are met.
Air showAn air show (or airshow, air fair, air tattoo) is a public event where aircraft are exhibited.An air show is a public event featuring aircraft displays and flight demonstrations, including aerobatic performances and flyovers. They often include aerobatics demonstrations, without which they are called "static air shows" with aircraft parked on the ground.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.