Media screws up again...

"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message
nk.net...

"Gary Drescher" wrote in message
news:8Qqyc.11503$eu.989@attbi_s02...

Because we pilots insist on speaking a secret language that uses
everyday
words like "stall" to mean something completely different from what the
other 99.8% of the population means by the word. If we want to be
understood, why don't we just speak English?

My English dictionary includes the definition "a condition in which an
aircraft or airfoil experiences an interruption of airflow resulting in
loss
of lift and a tendency to drop" for "stall".

True, it's a recognized technical meaning. But it's still obscure and
confusing--especially since nothing in the dictionary lets anyone know that
the more common meaning (for an engine to stop inadvertently) is never used
by pilots with regard to an airplane's engine.

--Gary

"Gary Drescher" wrote in message
news:wbryc.11638$eu.9579@attbi_s02...

True, it's a recognized technical meaning. But it's still obscure and
confusing--especially since nothing in the dictionary lets anyone know
that
the more common meaning (for an engine to stop inadvertently) is never
used
by pilots with regard to an airplane's engine.


It's in a standard dictionary, and no more technical than the definition
immediately preceding it, "the sudden, unintended loss of power or
effectiveness in an engine." Perhaps the problem is the rather limited
vocabulary of most journalists?

"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message

It's in a standard dictionary, and no more technical than the definition
immediately preceding it, "the sudden, unintended loss of power or
effectiveness in an engine." Perhaps the problem is the rather limited
vocabulary of most journalists?

Most pilots suck too. I mean, explain turbulence. I done flew lots of
times on them big 707s and whatnot. It's all, you know, bounce bounce
bounce. I mean, Jethro, I ain't no pilot or nothin' but, dang, how come
them airplanes is always a-crashin' and whatnot?

Why, *I* could fly the dern plane better than that. I just don't want to is
all.

-c