Definition
A sound-based alert generated by an aircraft system to notify the pilot of a specific condition requiring attention, such as an approaching stall, gear not extended, or autopilot disconnect. Aural warnings are produced by horns, tones, voice messages, or buzzers, and are typically triggered automatically when sensed parameters cross a defined threshold.
Plain English
A warning the pilot hears, rather than sees. The airplane makes a sound — a horn, beep, or spoken message — to get the pilot's attention when something needs to be checked or corrected.
Context Anchor
You encounter this term when reading about cockpit warning systems, especially the stall warning horn or tone used during slow flight and stall training.
Derivation
From Latin auris, meaning ear. Aural means 'related to hearing.' The word emphasises that this warning reaches the pilot through sound, not through a light or instrument indication.
Why Pilots Care
It provides an immediate, unmistakable cue to reduce angle of attack before a full stall develops, which is especially important when visual or tactile cues are weak.
Intuition Check
Aural does not mean oral. Oral means spoken or related to the mouth; aural means heard or related to the ear.
Example Sentence 1
As the airplane approached the critical angle of attack, the aural warning sounded, giving the pilot time to lower the nose and recover.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor waited for the aural warning before demonstrating the proper recovery technique.