Each aircraft has a Pilot Operating Handbook on board which contains operations procedures, limits, performance, systems functionality and weight/balance information.

Mechanical

The tachometer shows RPMs.
Slats are the leading edge of wing; on some aircraft they can be extended at low speeds to reduce stall speed
An anti-servo tab is used to provide weight for light control surfaces for stability
Brakes are connected independently to the rudder pedals
the magneto keeps engine running despite battery and alternator failure, there are 2 for redundancy, and they provide current for the sparkplugs; known for reliability but also inefficient; powered by turning crankshaft; it functions as an alternator but using a permanent magnet
the alternator is engine driven and supplies electricity at 14-28V, turning mechanical energy into AC
the battery is relied upon for engine starting, and clock/meter power, and is a backup for a failed alternator
Engine can still start if battery and master switches off if magnetos are switched on and the prop is turned

The pitot-static systems are pressure sensitive instruments for airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed (VSI).

The definition of a stall is being at/above critical angle of attack, rather than being below a particular airspeed. Traditionally AOA indicators have not been included in cockpits.

OBS is the omni-bearing selector, part of the course deviation indicator.

The six-pack of primary instruments consists of

Airspeed indicator
Attitude indicator (horizon)
Heading
Vertical speed indicator (VSI)
Altimeter
Turn coordinator

Acronyms

ADC = air data computer (attitude, air speed, vert speed, air temp, AoA, pressures)
ADAHRS = ADC + AHRS
AHRS = attitude/heading reference system (attitude, heading, rates, acceleration)
OAT = outside air temp

Cockpit Displays

The Primary Flight Display (PFD) is a modern generation glass display that can replace the old six-pack. It shows the artificial horizon, with airspeed ruler view, altitude digits, turn coordinator overlay, and heading.

The Flight Management System (FMS) would be a separate screen that shows a moving map, for example.

FAA and Aviation Acronyms

AD = airworthiness directive
ADS-B = automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast; constantly transmitting location beacon
AIM = aeronautical information manual
AIS = aeronautical information services
ANSP = air navigation service provider
AOC = airline operational control
ATS = air traffic services
CAM = civil aeronautics manuals
CAR = civil air regulations
CFR = code of federal regulations
C2 = command & control
COE = common operating environment
DAA = detect and avoid
DAR = designated airworthiness rep
DER = designated engineering rep
FAR = federal aviation regulations
FBO = field base office
FIS = flight information services
ICAO = international civil aviation organization
MASPS = minimum aviation system perf standards
MOPS = minimum operation perf standards
MIS = meteorological information services
PMA = parts manufacturer approval
RNP = required nav perf
SAD = small airplane directorate (based in KC)
STC = supplemental type certificate
SUA = special use airspace
TOAC = time of arrival control

Process Acronyms

AC = air circular (AC 20-156 defines network cert plan)
ARP = aerospace recommended practice
ICA = instructions for continued airworthiness
CSAT = cyber security advisory team
DAH = design approval holder
IMS = integrated master schedule
PH = procedure handbook
PRA = particular risk assessment
PSCP = product specific cert plan
SOI = stage of involvement
SRT = system review team
TC = type certificate
TSO = technical standard order (minimum perf)

Flight Software

NASA's philosophy is test what you fly, fly what you test. In other words, don't do your testing, and then change the code!

Communications

Legacy backplane for GA is typically ARINC 429, RS-422/232 serial, and analog. In developing a replacement backplane, we want to upgrade this to Ethernet. The Ethernet standard used on 787 and A380 is ARINC 664 aka AFDX. We require redundancy and minimal latency (spec 150us stack climb per node). We might set a target of 2 hops max, with 500 byte size. How about reliable UDP as an analogy? One example of Kingnet = session layer headers. Here is the stack:

Kingnet
UDP
IP
MAC
PHY

Here's our frame prototype with bit field width:

| version,2 | control/spare,6 | seqnum,8 | acknum,8 | mcast-dest,8 | msg-type,16 | data,? | CRC |

Message type defines data and widths.

Design Assurance Level

A means 9+ people could be killed if something went horribly wrong (not GA). E has no effect on critical systems.

For B/C, plan writers and reviewers must be independent. Every level requires 100% SCC (structural code coverage). Code -> review analysis -> unit integration -> system test. Level B includes branch checking, every scenario and C includes 100% SCC. VectorCast helps achieve this.

TC = type certificate for airframes, engines, props, etc.