LSA See LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT.

MAC See MEAN AERODYNAMIC CHORD.

MAGNETO A self-contained engine-driven unit that supplies electrical current to the spark plugs.

MAKE/MODEL Refers to the manufacturer and model of a specific aircraft.

MANEUVERING ALTITUDE An altitude above the ground that allows a sufficient margin of height to permit safe maneuvering.

MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT The maximum authorized weight of the aircraft and all of its equipment as specified in the TCDS for the aircraft.

MEAN AERODYNAMIC CHORD (MAC) The average distance from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the wing.

MECHANICAL TURBULENCE Type of turbulence caused by obstructions on the ground interfering with smooth flow of the wind. Trees, buildings and terrain can all cause mechanical turbulence.

MEDICAL CERTIFICATE Acceptable evidence of physical fitness on a form prescribed by the Administrator.

MEDIUM-BANKED TURN Turn resulting from a degree of bank (approximately 20 to 45 degrees) at which the PPC remains at a constant bank.

MILITARY TRAINING ROUTES (MTR) Special routes developed to allow the military to conduct low-altitude, high speed training.

MILITARY OPERATIONS AREA (MOA) Airspace of defined vertical and lateral limits established for the purpose of separating certain military training activity from IFR traffic.

MINDSET A factor in aeronautical decision making where decision making is influenced by preconceived ideas about the outcome of events. For example, an expectation of improving weather conditions can lead to increased risk during a flight.

MOA See MILITARY OPERATIONS AREA.

MODE C TRANSPONDER A receiver/transmitter which will generate a radar reply signal upon proper interrogation; the interrogation and reply being on different frequencies. Mode C means the reply signal includes altitude information.

MOMENT A force that causes or tries to cause an object to rotate. The product of the weight of an item multiplied by its arm. Moments are expressed in pound-inches (lb-in). Total moment is the weight of the PPC multiplied by the distance between the datum and the CG.

NEWTON’S THIRD LAW OF MOTION Whenever one body exerts a force on another, the second body always exerts on the first, a force that is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.

NONTOWERED AIRPORTS An airport without an operating control tower.