Simplex. Transmission and reception on the same frequency. 

Simplified directional facility (SDF). A NAVAID used for nonprecision instrument approaches. The final approach course is similar to that of an ILS localizer; however, the SDF course may be offset from the runway, generally not more than 3°, and the course may be wider than the localizer, resulting in a lower degree of accuracy. 

Single-pilot resource management (SRM). The ability for crew or pilot to manage all resources effectively to ensure the outcome of the flight is successful. 

Situational awareness. Pilot knowledge of where the aircraft is in regard to location, air traffic control, weather, regulations, aircraft status, and other factors that may affect flight. 

Skidding turn.  An uncoordinated turn in which the rate of turn is too great for the angle of bank, pulling the aircraft to the outside of the turn. 

Skin friction drag. Drag generated between air molecules and the solid surface of the aircraft. 

Slant range.  The horizontal distance from the aircraft antenna to the ground station, due to line-of-sight transmission of the DME signal. 

Slaved compass.  A system whereby the heading gyro is “slaved to,” or continuously corrected to bring its direction readings into agreement with a remotely located magnetic direction sensing device (usually this is a flux valve or flux gate compass). 

Slipping turn.  An uncoordinated turn in which the aircraft is banked too much for the rate of turn, so the horizontal lift component is greater than the centrifugal force, pulling the aircraft toward the inside of the turn. 

Small airplane. An airplane of 12,500 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight. 

Somatogravic illusion. The misperception of being in a nose-up or nose-down attitude, caused by a rapid acceleration or deceleration while in flight situations that lack visual reference. 

Spatial disorientation. The state of confusion due to misleading information being sent to the brain from various sensory organs, resulting in a lack of awareness of the aircraft position in relation to a specific reference point. 

Special use airspace.  Airspace in which flight activities are subject to restrictions that can create limitations on the mixed use of airspace. Consists of prohibited, restricted, warning, military operations, and alert areas. 

SRM. See single-pilot resource management. 

SSR. See secondary surveillance radar. 

SSV.  See standard service volume. 

Standard holding pattern.  A holding pattern in which all turns are made to the right. 

Standard instrument departure procedures (SIDS). Published procedures to expedite clearance delivery and to facilitate transition between takeoff and en route operations. 

Standard rate turn.  A turn in which an aircraft changes its direction at a rate of 3° per second. The turn indicators are typically 2 minute or 4 minute instruments. In a 2 minute instrument, if the needle is one needle width either side of the center alignment mark, the turn is 3° per second and the turn takes 2 minutes to execute a 360° turn. In a 4 minute instrument, the same turn takes two widths deflection of the needle to achieve 3° per second. The 4 minute turn instrument is usually found on high performance aircraft. 

Standard service volume (SSV).  Defines the limits of the volume of airspace which the VOR serves. 

Standard terminal arrival route (STAR).  A preplanned IFR ATC arrival procedure published for pilot use in graphic and/or textual form. 

STAR.  See standard terminal arrival route. 

Static longitudinal stability. The aerodynamic pitching moments required to return the aircraft to the equilibrium angle of attack. 

Static pressure.  Pressure of air that is still, or not moving, measured perpendicular to the surface of the aircraft. 

Steep turns.  In instrument flight, any turn greater than standard rate; in visual flight, anything greater than a 45° bank. 

Stepdown fix.  The point after which additional descent is permitted within a segment of an IAP. 

Strapdown system.  An INS in which the accelerometers and gyros are permanently “strapped down” or aligned with the three axes of the aircraft. 

