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Aircraft Parts Vocabulary: Picture Quiz

Learn aircraft parts vocabulary by identifying real components in pictures and checking their names in context.

Start the picture quiz
BRIEFING

From a part’s name to a useful description

Aircraft parts vocabulary helps you describe where an observation belongs. Start with the main assembly, then give the location: a flap is on the wing’s trailing edge; a rudder is on the vertical tail. Distinguish the fixed surface from the hinged one.

If you cannot remember a precise name, describe the shape, position and what you can see: “the outer housing around the left engine”, for example. Do not claim to know the cause of damage from a picture; separate a visible observation from a possible explanation.

  1. Look at the relevant part of each picture before choosing.
  2. Listen to the question and check the explanation.
  3. Open the cards, then describe a component aloud without looking at its name.
PRACTICE

Work through the exercise

0 done

PRACTICE 01

Wings and tail

Q1 Which surfaces are visibly lowered on the wing in this picture?
A close view shows lowered flaps on the inner trailing edge of an aircraft wing.
Q2 Where are the lowered flaps in this picture?
A close view shows lowered flaps on the inner trailing edge of an aircraft wing.
Q3 Which surface on the tail is visibly deflected in this picture?
A passenger aircraft tail shows the fin, deflected rudder and horizontal stabilisers.
Q4 What is the fixed upright tail surface called?
A passenger aircraft tail shows the fin, deflected rudder and horizontal stabilisers.
Q5 What are the fixed tail surfaces extending sideways?
A passenger aircraft tail shows the fin, deflected rudder and horizontal stabilisers.

PRACTICE 02

Landing gear and engine

Q1 What is the telescoping support between the wheels and airframe?
The wheels and strut of an aircraft’s main landing gear are visible.
Q2 What are the black outer rings fitted around the wheels?
The wheels and strut of an aircraft’s main landing gear are visible.
Q3 What is the complete wheel-and-strut assembly shown here called?
The wheels and strut of an aircraft’s main landing gear are visible.
Q4 Which engine parts can you see inside the front opening?
Fan blades are visible inside an aircraft engine nacelle.
Q5 What is the outer housing around the engine called?
Fan blades are visible inside an aircraft engine nacelle.
Q6 What is the forward opening through which air enters the engine?
Fan blades are visible inside an aircraft engine nacelle.

PRACTICE 03

Flight deck and airframe

Q1 What are the paired levers between the pilot seats called?
A flight deck shows forward windscreens and thrust levers on the centre console.
Q2 What are the forward cockpit windows called?
A flight deck shows forward windscreens and thrust levers on the centre console.
Q3 What is the main body connecting the wings and tail?
A passenger aircraft’s fuselage and open lower cargo door are visible at a stand.
Q4 What is the open panel below the cabin in this picture?
A passenger aircraft’s fuselage and open lower cargo door are visible at a stand.

PRACTICE 04

Review ten component names

fuselage

The main body of an aircraft. Example: “There is a mark on the fuselage.”

flap

A movable surface on the wing used to change its aerodynamic properties. Example: “The flaps are extended.”

trailing edge

The rear edge of a wing or other surface. Example: “The flap is on the trailing edge.”

rudder

A movable surface on the vertical tail. Example: “The rudder is deflected.”

vertical stabiliser

The fixed upright tail surface, also called the fin. Example: “The fin is visible above the fuselage.”

horizontal stabiliser

A fixed horizontal tail surface. Example: “The horizontal stabiliser is at the rear.”

landing gear

The structure that supports the aircraft on the ground. Example: “The main landing gear is visible.”

landing-gear strut

A structural support in a landing-gear assembly. Example: “The engineer is inspecting the strut.”

nacelle

The housing around an engine. Example: “The engine nacelle is open.”

thrust levers

Flight-deck controls used to set engine thrust. Example: “The thrust levers are on the centre console.”

Check your answers and compare your speaking with the model, then see your practice debrief.

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FAQ

Common questions

What aircraft parts vocabulary should I learn first?

Begin with fuselage, wing, flap, rudder, stabiliser, landing gear, engine nacelle and thrust levers. Learn each term with its position so you can describe it in a sentence.

What is the difference between a flap and a rudder?

A flap is a movable surface on a wing. A rudder is a movable surface on the vertical tail. They are located on different parts of the aircraft.

What is an aircraft nacelle?

The nacelle is the outer housing around an engine. In an intake view, the fan blades are inside the nacelle’s front opening.

How do I describe an aircraft part if I forget its name?

Give its location, shape and visible condition: “the outer housing around the left engine has a mark”, for example. Ask the other person to confirm the part if necessary.

Are these aircraft vocabulary questions an actual exam?

No. These are original picture-based practice questions. Test formats vary by provider, so check the format with yours.