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Aviation vocabulary · Aircraft & Systems

Wing

Meaning in aviation, with examples

/wɪŋ/nounCore term

In aviation, wing means: Each of the two long surfaces on the sides of an aircraft that produce lift. On airliners the wings often carry the engines and hold most of the fuel.

In Turkish: kanat

How it is used

Common in crew talk, walkarounds and passenger questions: left and right wing, wing root (where it joins the fuselage), wingtip, winglet, overwing exit. Engineers inspect the wings for damage, leaks and ice.

Example sentences

  1. During the walkaround I noticed a small dent near the left wingtip.

  2. All ice on the wings has to be removed before takeoff.

Common collocations

  • left wing
  • wing root
  • wingtip
  • overwing exit
  • wing inspection
  • fuselageThe main body of an aircraft, which holds the cockpit, the passenger cabin and the cargo holds. The wings and the tail are attached to it.
  • flapsMovable panels on the rear edge of the wings that extend to give more lift at low speed. They are used mainly for takeoff and landing.
  • engineThe machine that produces the power or thrust to move an aircraft. Most airliners use jet engines called turbofans, mounted under the wings or at the tail.
  • icingThe build-up of ice on an aircraft's wings, engines or sensors in flight. It happens in visible moisture, such as cloud or rain, at temperatures around or below freezing.

More terms: Aircraft & Systems

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