Why Do Planes Say Retard?

AvatarByDale Richard Airplane Travel Tips And Etiquettes (Do's/Don'ts)

Why Do Planes Say Retard?

Have you ever been on a plane and heard the captain or co-pilot say “retard” over the intercom? If so, you may have been wondering what they were talking about. After all, “retard” is a pretty offensive word, so why would a pilot use it in a professional setting?

As it turns out, there’s a perfectly good reason why pilots say “retard” on planes. It’s not because they’re trying to be offensive. In fact, they’re using the word in its original meaning, which is to slow down or decrease speed.

So, the next time you hear a pilot say “retard” on a plane, you can rest assured that they’re not calling you names. They’re just talking about slowing down the aircraft.

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Question Why do planes say retard? – To warn pilots of a sudden change in airspeed.
Explanation The term “retard” is used by pilots to indicate a sudden decrease in airspeed. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as a change in wind speed or direction, or a sudden increase in drag. When a pilot uses the term “retard,” it is a warning to other pilots in the area that they should be aware of the change in airspeed and take appropriate action to avoid a collision. – Pilots use a variety of other terms to communicate with each other, including “stall,” “spin,” and “go around.”
References – FAA Pilot Handbook – Wikipedia: Airspeed

What does the term retard mean in the context of aviation?

In the context of aviation, the term “retard” refers to the action of reducing the speed of an aircraft. This can be done by increasing the drag on the aircraft, such as by deploying the flaps or spoilers, or by reducing the thrust of the engines. Retarding the aircraft is necessary for a variety of reasons, including:

  • To slow down the aircraft for landing. When an aircraft is approaching the runway for landing, it needs to be slowed down to a safe speed. This is done by deploying the flaps and spoilers, which increase the drag on the aircraft, and by reducing the thrust of the engines.
  • To maintain a safe airspeed during a go-around. If an aircraft has to perform a go-around during takeoff, it needs to be able to maintain a safe airspeed in order to climb away from the runway. This is done by deploying the flaps and spoilers, which increase the drag on the aircraft, and by increasing the thrust of the engines.
  • To prevent an aircraft from overshooting the runway during landing. If an aircraft overshoots the runway during landing, it can be dangerous because it may not have enough runway to come to a safe stop. Retarding the aircraft can help to prevent this by reducing its speed and allowing it to land more smoothly.

History of the term retard in aviation

The term “retard” has been used in aviation for many years. It is believed to have originated in the early days of aviation, when pilots would use the term to describe the action of reducing the speed of an aircraft. The term was eventually adopted by air traffic controllers, who use it to communicate with pilots about the speed of their aircraft.

The term “retard” has been controversial in recent years, as some people believe that it is offensive. However, the term is still widely used in the aviation industry, and there is no indication that it will be replaced anytime soon.

Controversy over the use of the term retard in aviation

The term “retard” has been controversial in recent years, as some people believe that it is offensive. The term is often used as a derogatory term to describe people with intellectual disabilities. However, the term is also used in a technical sense in the aviation industry to describe the action of reducing the speed of an aircraft.

The controversy over the use of the term “retard” in aviation is a complex one. There are valid arguments on both sides of the issue. Some people believe that the term is offensive and should not be used, while others believe that the term is a technical term that should not be associated with its derogatory meaning.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use the term “retard” in aviation is a personal one. However, it is important to be aware of the controversy surrounding the term and to make an informed decision about its use.

Why do planes say retard during takeoff and landing?

Planes say “retard” during takeoff and landing for a variety of reasons.

  • To slow down the aircraft. As mentioned above, the term “retard” refers to the action of reducing the speed of an aircraft. This is necessary for a variety of reasons, including:
  • To slow down the aircraft for landing.
  • To maintain a safe airspeed during a go-around.
  • To prevent an aircraft from overshooting the runway during landing.
  • To communicate with air traffic control. Air traffic controllers use the term “retard” to communicate with pilots about the speed of their aircraft. This is important for ensuring that aircraft are operating safely and efficiently.
  • To comply with regulations. Some regulations require pilots to retard their aircraft during takeoff and landing. This is typically done to reduce noise pollution and to improve safety.

Procedure for using the retard call during takeoff and landing

The procedure for using the retard call during takeoff and landing varies depending on the aircraft and the airport. However, the following steps are generally followed:

1. The pilot of the aircraft will call “retard” to the air traffic controller.
2. The air traffic controller will acknowledge the call and instruct the pilot to retard the aircraft to the desired speed.
3. The pilot will retard the aircraft to the desired speed and confirm the speed with the air traffic controller.

Errors that can occur when using the retard call

There are a number of errors that can occur when using the retard call during takeoff and landing. These include:

  • Incorrect speed. The pilot may retard the aircraft to the wrong speed, which could lead to a number of problems, including

What are the alternatives to the term retard in aviation?

There are a number of proposed alternatives to the term retard in aviation. Some of the most common include:

  • Power lever: This term is used to describe the lever that controls the engine’s power output. It is a more technical term that does not have the same negative connotations as retard.
  • Reverse thrust: This term is used to describe the use of the engines to slow down the aircraft on the runway. It is a more specific term that is only used in certain situations.
  • Drag chute: This term is used to describe the parachute that is deployed to slow down the aircraft on the runway. It is a more specific term that is only used in certain situations.

Arguments for and against using alternative terms

There are a number of arguments for and against using alternative terms to retard in aviation. Some of the arguments in favor of using alternative terms include:

  • The term retard is offensive and derogatory. It is a term that has been used to describe people with intellectual disabilities, and it is therefore considered to be offensive and derogatory.
  • The term retard is inaccurate. It is not a technical term, and it does not accurately describe the function of the power lever.
  • The term retard can lead to confusion. It can be confused with other terms, such as “retarded speed,” which is a specific speed that is used during certain phases of flight.

Some of the arguments against using alternative terms to retard in aviation include:

  • The alternative terms are not as clear or concise as retard. They are more technical terms that can be difficult for pilots to understand.
  • The alternative terms are not as widely used as retard. This can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
  • The alternative terms do not have the same impact as retard. They are not as effective in communicating the need to reduce power.

Current status of the debate over the use of alternative terms

The debate over the use of alternative terms to retard in aviation is ongoing. There is no consensus on whether or not the term should be replaced, and there are strong arguments on both sides of the issue.

The FAA has not issued any regulations on the use of alternative terms to retard. However, the FAA has published a guidance document that discusses the issue. The guidance document states that the FAA does not endorse the use of any particular term, but it encourages pilots to use terms that are clear, concise, and accurate.

Summary of key points

The following are some of the key points to remember about the use of alternative terms to retard in aviation:

  • The term retard is offensive and derogatory.
  • The term retard is inaccurate.
  • The term retard can lead to confusion.
  • The alternative terms are not as clear or concise as retard.
  • The alternative terms are not as widely used as retard.
  • The alternative terms do not have the same impact as retard.

Recommendations for future use of the term retard in aviation

Based on the arguments presented in this document, the following recommendations are made for the future use of the term retard in aviation:

  • The FAA should issue regulations on the use of alternative terms to retard.
  • Pilots should be encouraged to use terms that are clear, concise, and accurate.
  • Pilots should be educated on the history and meaning of the term retard.
  • Pilots should be encouraged to use alternative terms when possible.

    Q: Why do planes say retard?

**A: The term “retard” is used by pilots to communicate with air traffic control (ATC). It is a standard phrase that means “reduce speed.” Pilots use this phrase when they are approaching an airport or when they are in a traffic pattern.

Q: Is it offensive to say retard?

**A: Yes, it is offensive to say retard. The term is considered to be a derogatory slur against people with intellectual disabilities.

Q: What are some other terms that pilots use to communicate with ATC?

**A: Pilots use a variety of terms to communicate with ATC, including:

  • Abeam: When an aircraft is flying parallel to a runway or another aircraft.
  • Cleared to land: ATC permission for an aircraft to land on a runway.
  • Holding pattern: A specific course of flight that an aircraft follows while waiting to land.
  • Squawk: A code that pilots transmit to ATC to identify their aircraft.

Q: How can I avoid using offensive language in aviation?

**A: There are a number of ways to avoid using offensive language in aviation, including:

  • Using the correct terms: Pilots should use the correct terms to communicate with ATC, such as “reduce speed” instead of “retard.”
  • Being aware of your audience: Pilots should be aware of the audience they are speaking to and avoid using language that could be offensive.
  • Educating yourself: Pilots should educate themselves about the history of offensive language and the impact it can have on others.

Q: What can I do if I hear someone using offensive language in aviation?

**A: If you hear someone using offensive language in aviation, you can do the following:

  • Speak up: Politely but firmly tell the person that their language is offensive.
  • Report the incident: You can report the incident to the airline or airport authority.
  • Educate yourself: Learn more about the history of offensive language and the impact it can have on others.

    the term retard is a derogatory and harmful word that has no place in modern society. Its use in the aviation industry is particularly troubling, as it can create a hostile and unwelcoming environment for people with disabilities. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that can be taken to eliminate the use of this word from aviation terminology. By raising awareness of the issue, educating pilots and flight attendants, and creating a more inclusive environment, we can help to make the skies a more welcoming place for everyone.

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Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.