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MLeake · August 29, 2009, 09:30 AM

I think what we're seeing in this thread is a trend where the people who are most concerned about correct terminology are those in career fields where exact wording counts.

OrionEngr for instance was a flight engineer, and it makes a whole lot of difference to him whether I say "reduce to 925" (reduce what?) or "reduce horsepower to 925" (Shaft Horse Power, 925x4engines would be an appropriate setting for endurance flight at lower gross weights) or "reduce TIT to 925." (925 deg C Turbine Inlet Temperature, used for extended engine life cruise power setting in our previous airframe; relatively high power).

An example given to us during training was of an aircraft that failed to execute an intended go-around, because when the pilot called for "Takeoff Power!" the flight engineer took off (IE pulled back) power, and the airplane hit the runway, hard. The more exact phrase, "Set takeoff power" would have clarified things. One result of this sort of interaction was a doctrine that the pilot would advance or retard the power levers to the ballpark he wanted, and the FE would then fine-tune; you'd be hard-pressed to find a community that has the FE do all the power lever movement.

On another note, a reputation for professionalism can be enhanced by use of proper terminology, or injured by the use of inexact terms.

So aviator types tend to be a bit anal about terminology.

Others that would share this trait would be medical or legal professionals. But you'd also find it in the trades. Work with a mechanic sometime, you'll notice he'll specify a box wrench, or an open-end wrench, etc. Same with carpenters and their tools.

So, a lot of professions effectively dictate the use of exact terminology.

Then again, some people are just born that way.

The trick is to not take it personally.

August 29, 2009, 09:30 AM	#79
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	PK, I think what we're seeing in this thread is a trend where the people who are most concerned about correct terminology are those in career fields where exact wording counts. OrionEngr for instance was a flight engineer, and it makes a whole lot of difference to him whether I say "reduce to 925" (reduce what?) or "reduce horsepower to 925" (Shaft Horse Power, 925x4engines would be an appropriate setting for endurance flight at lower gross weights) or "reduce TIT to 925." (925 deg C Turbine Inlet Temperature, used for extended engine life cruise power setting in our previous airframe; relatively high power). An example given to us during training was of an aircraft that failed to execute an intended go-around, because when the pilot called for "Takeoff Power!" the flight engineer took off (IE pulled back) power, and the airplane hit the runway, hard. The more exact phrase, "Set takeoff power" would have clarified things. One result of this sort of interaction was a doctrine that the pilot would advance or retard the power levers to the ballpark he wanted, and the FE would then fine-tune; you'd be hard-pressed to find a community that has the FE do all the power lever movement. On another note, a reputation for professionalism can be enhanced by use of proper terminology, or injured by the use of inexact terms. So aviator types tend to be a bit anal about terminology. Others that would share this trait would be medical or legal professionals. But you'd also find it in the trades. Work with a mechanic sometime, you'll notice he'll specify a box wrench, or an open-end wrench, etc. Same with carpenters and their tools. So, a lot of professions effectively dictate the use of exact terminology. Then again, some people are just born that way. The trick is to not take it personally.