Definition
Optical disc media historically used as instructional aids in aviation training to deliver pre-recorded video, audio, simulations, and interactive lessons. CDs hold smaller amounts of data (around 700 MB) and were typically used for audio or basic computer-based training, while DVDs hold much more (around 4.7 GB or more) and were used for full-motion video and richer interactive training programs.
Plain English
Shiny plastic discs that store training material a student can play on a computer or disc player. Instructors used them to show videos, run practice lessons, or play recorded audio during ground school.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight instructor training when discussing instructional media, lesson materials, classroom equipment, or computer-based training resources.
Why Pilots Care
Even though streaming and apps have largely replaced them, an instructor may still encounter older training libraries, manufacturer courses, or aircraft-specific lessons distributed on disc. Knowing the format helps a CFI evaluate and use legacy training material.
Intuition Check
Do not read CD/DVDs as the lesson itself. The term refers to the physical discs that carry the lesson material.
Example Sentence 1
The flight school's older private pilot ground course was distributed on a set of DVDs that students watched before each lesson.
Example Sentence 2
Older training programs still distribute their courseware on CD/DVDs for offline review.