Some Aviation Jargon

Let’s translate some airline jargon for you. You might know some or you might not.

Arm and crosscheck

Before departure, all the exits are put into emergency mode. One crew member will request the rest of the crew to arm the doors during the public announcement (meaning that if that door were to be opened the escape chute would automatically deploy).

The cross-check part is where the cabin crew physically check that the opposite door has also been armed. You tend to hear cross check on larger aircraft and double check on the narrow aircraft.

Doors to arrival/manual and crosscheck

Upon arrival the doors will then be returned to their manual setting.

Flight level

There’s a technical definition of flight level. Basically this is a fancy way of telling you how many thousands of feet you are above sea level. Just add a couple of zeroes. Flight level three-three zero is 33,000 feet.

Deadhead

A deadheading pilot or cabin crew member is one re-positioning as part of an on-duty assignment. This is not the same as commuting to work or engaging in personal travel.

Ramp

The aircraft and ground vehicle movement areas closest to the terminal – the aircraft parking zones and surrounds.