B

back course sector

The course sector that is situated on the opposite side of the localizer (LOC) antenna from the runway.

Fr: secteur d'alignement de piste arrière

backtrack

The taxiing of an aircraft on a runway in use in a direction opposite to the landing or take-off direction.

Fr: circulation à contresens

balloon

A non-power-driven lighter-than-air aircraft.

Fr: ballon

base

Other expression for: base leg

base leg

A flight path extending from the end of the downwind leg to the extended centreline of the approach end of the landing runway (or landing path).

Fr: étape de base

BCST

Abbreviation for: broadcast

Fr: BCST

beacon

An aeronautical light arranged, either through optical design or mechanical motion, to be visible to all azimuths, either continuously or consecutively, to designate a particular point on the surface of the earth.

Fr: phare

bearing

The horizontal direction to or from any point, usually measured clockwise from true north, magnetic north or some other reference point, through 360°.

Fr: relèvement

bedpost

Other expression for: terminal area entry fix

below minimums

An expression indicating that the weather conditions are below the minimums prescribed by regulation.

Fr: en dessous des minimums

bird hazard

A hazard relating to the conduct of flight operations that results from the presence of birds, primarily in the vicinity of an aerodrome.

Fr: péril aviaire

bird strike

An incident deemed to have occurred whenever

(a) a pilot reports a bird strike;

(b) aircraft maintenance personnel identify damage to an aircraft as having been caused by a bird strike;

(c) personnel on the ground report seeing an aircraft strike one or more birds; or

(d) bird remains, whether in whole or in part, are found on an airside pavement area or within 200 ft of a runway, unless another reason for the bird's death is identified.

Fr: impact d'oiseau

blast fence

A barrier used to divert or dissipate jet or propeller blast.

Fr: écran anti-souffle

blind spot

Other expression for: blind zone

blind transmission

A transmission from one station to another in circumstances where two-way communication cannot be established but where it is believed that the called station is able to receive the transmission.

Fr: transmission sans accusé de réception

blind zone

An area from which radio transmissions or radar echoes cannot be received. The expression is also used to describe portions of the airport not visible from the control tower.

Fr: angle mort de couverture

blowing snow

Snow that is raised approximately 7 ft or more above ground.

Fr: chasse-neige élevée

braking action

Other expression for: braking action report

braking action report

A report of conditions on the airport movement area that provides a pilot with an idea of the degree or quality of braking that the pilot might expect (good, fair, poor, or nil).

Fr: rapport de freinage

"Break"

(1) An expression used in radiocommunication meaning "I hearby indicate the separation between portions of the message."

Note: To be used where there is no clear distinction between the various portions of the message.

Fr: « Break »

(2) DND: An expression used in radiocommunications to instruct a pilot to execute a rapid level turn.

Fr: « Virez...»

"Break break"

An expression used in radiocommunication meaning "I hereby indicate the separation between messages transmitted to different aircraft in a very busy environment."

Fr: « Break break»

BRG

Abbreviation for: bearing

Fr: BRG

broadcast

A transmission of information relating to air navigation that is not addressed to a specific station or stations.

Fr: diffusion