Definition
A finishing process used in machining and metalwork in which a small conical hole is drilled into the end of a workpiece so it can be accurately held and rotated between the centers of a lathe or similar machine. The centered hole provides a precise reference point that keeps the part aligned during turning, grinding, or other operations.
Plain English
Drilling a small, cone-shaped starter hole in the end of a part so a machine can grip it firmly and spin it true, without wobbling.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter centering when handling the flight controls, aligning with a runway centerline, or watching an instrument indication move toward the middle of its display.
Derivation
From 'center' -- the exact middle point of a round object. The term reflects the goal of the process: to establish the true center of the workpiece so it rotates without runout.
Why Pilots Care
Correct centering reduces pilot workload, prevents unintended turns or rolls, and ensures safe handling especially during takeoff, landing, and instrument flight.
Intuition Check
Centering does not always mean placing the whole aircraft in the middle of a space. In aviation, it usually means aligning a control, indication, or aircraft position with its correct center reference.
Example Sentence 1
Before turning the new landing gear pin on the lathe, the machinist performed centering on both ends of the steel rod.
Example Sentence 2
After control rigging, the mechanic confirmed rudder centering so the aircraft would track straight down the runway on takeoff.