K
K |symbol| kelvin
katabatic |adjective| referring to a cold
flow of air traveling down hillsides or mountainsides / Due to katabatic
effects, cold air flows downwards and accumulates over low ground. /
katabatic wind |noun| a wind which occurs
when the air in contact with the slope of a hill is cooled to a temperature
lower than that in the free atmosphere, causing it to sink.
kelvin |noun| the base SI unit of measurement
of thermodynamic temperature. Symbol: K (NOTE: Temperatures are shown in kelvin
without a degree sign: 20K. Note also that 0°C is equal to 273.15K.)
kerosene, kerosine |noun| a thin fuel oil
made from petroleum / Kerosene will only burn efficiently at, or close to, a
ratio of 15:1. /
Kevlar |noun| a trademark for a light and
very strong composite material / Kevlar and carbon fiber account for a large
percentage of a modern jet airliner’s structure. /
key |noun| a piece of metal used to open a
lock
key in |verb| to enter data into a computer system using
a keyboard / Key in the coordinates of
our alternate. /
kg |symbol| kilogram
kHz |symbol| kilohertz
kick-back |noun| the tendency of the engine
to suddenly reverse the rotation of the propeller momentarily when being started
/ On most modern engines the spark is retarded to top-dead-center, to ensure
easier starting and prevent kick-back. /
kilo |noun| same as kilogram / This piece of
luggage weighs 15 kilos. /
kilo- |prefix| one thousand
kilogram |noun| a measure of weight equal to
one thousand grams / This piece of luggage weighs 15 kg. / Abbreviation: kg
(NOTE: It is written kg after figures.)
kilohertz |noun| a unit of frequency
measurement equal to one thousand Hertz. Abbreviation: kHz
kilometer |noun| a measure of length equal to
one thousand meters (NOTE: It is written km with figures: 150 km.)
kilowatt |noun| a unit of measurement of
electricity equal to 1000 watts. Abbreviation: kW
kilowatt-hour |noun| a unit of 1000 watts of
electricity used for one hour. Abbreviation: kW-hr
kinetic |adjective| referring to motion or
something produced by motion - kinetic heating > the heating of aircraft
skin by friction with the air as it moves through it
kinetic energy |noun| energy of motion
kit |noun| a set of items used for a specific
purpose / A physician’s kit containing surgical equipment would be available to
a qualified doctor assisting crew with major medical problems. /
knob |noun| 1. a rounded handle 2. a rounded control switch or dial / When
the control knob is moved from the central position, the ailerons are moved. /
3. a round button such as on a receiver / Turn the knob to increase the volume.
/
knot |noun| a unit of speed equal to one
nautical mile per hour, approximately 1.85 kilometers or 1.15 statute miles per
hour. Abbreviation: kt (NOTE: Wind speeds in aviation are usually given in
knots. American light aircraft manufactured prior to 1976 had airspeed
indicators marked in statute miles per hour. Knot means ‘nautical miles per
hour’. It is therefore incorrect to say ‘knots per hour’.)
knowledge |noun| familiarity, awareness or
understanding gained through experience or study / A knowledge of the factors
which affect surface temperatures will contribute a great deal to the
understanding of meteorology. /
known traffic |noun| traffic whose
flight details and intentions are known by the controller through direct
communication
kt |abbreviation| knot
