Aviation Glossary

At Dauntless, our editorial staff maintains the web's largest unified glossary of aviation terms. This glossary is built from a combination of official, quasi-official, and proprietary sources (including original material that we develop oursselves). Uniquely, we often provide multiple definitions of a given term so that you can find that which best applies to you. In order to maximize your learning efficiency, this glossary (and similar ones for our international users) is incresingly fully integrated into our aviation learning apps, including our FAA written test prep and FAA practical test prep software and apps. If you like this glossary, you'll love them with their polished learning environments and world's best and clearest content (please do give them a try.).

Dihedral

The acute angle, usually upward, between the wing of an airplane and a horizontal cross-section line. Opposite of ANHEDRAL.

source: FAA Aerosense Glossary

The positive angle formed between the lateral axis of an airplane and a line that passes through the center of the wing or horizontal stabilizer. Dihedral increases the lateral stability of an airplane.

source: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Airframe Handbook (FAA-H-8083-31)

The angle at which the wings are slanted upward from the root to the tip.

source: FAA Glider Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-13A)

The positive acute angle between the lateral axis of an airplane and a line through the center of a wing or horizontal stabilizer. Dihedral contributes to the lateral stability of an aircraft.

source: FAA Weight Shift Control Handbook (FAA-H-8083-5)

Ace Any FAA Written Test!

	Actual FAA Questions / Free Lifetime Updates
	The best explanations in the business
	Fast, efficient study.

Pass Your Checkride With Confidence!

	FAA Practical Test prep that reflects actual checkrides.
	Any checkride: Airplane, Helicopter, Glider, etc.
	Written and maintained by actual pilot examiners and master CFIs.

The World's Most Trusted eLogbook

	Be Organized, Current, Professional, and Safe.
	Highly customizable - for student pilots through pros.
	Free Transition Service for users of other eLogs.

Disclaimer: While this glossary in most cases is likely to be highly accurate and useful, sometimes, for any number of editorial, transcription, technical, and other reasons, it might not be. Additionally, as somtimes you may have found yourself brought to this page through an automated term matching system, you may find definitions here that do not match the cotext or application in which you saw the original term. Please use your good judgement when using this resource.