Definition
In aviation maintenance and inspection language, commands are the specific actions or instructions given by an authority — such as the FAA, a manufacturer, or a maintenance manual — that direct what must be done to an aircraft, component, or system. A command in this sense is mandatory in nature when it comes from a regulatory or required source (for example, the directives contained in an Airworthiness Directive that command an inspection, modification, or repair).
Plain English
Instructions you must follow. When a manual or regulation 'commands' something, it is telling you what action to carry out, not suggesting it.
Context Anchor
Seen in air traffic control communications, cockpit procedures, aircraft system descriptions, and discussions of automatic flight controls.
Derivation
From the Latin commandare, meaning 'to entrust' or 'to order.' The idea of an authoritative instruction carries straight into the aviation use: a command is an order from a recognized authority that must be carried out.
Why Pilots Care
Commands in maintenance documents are not optional. Missing or ignoring a commanded action can render an aircraft unairworthy and the operator non-compliant with regulations.
Intuition Check
Do not read commands as casual suggestions. In aviation, commands are specific directions or signals meant to produce a specific action.
Example Sentence 1
The Airworthiness Directive commands a one-time inspection of the elevator hinge bolts within the next 25 flight hours.
Example Sentence 2
The flight director issued pitch commands to capture the glideslope during the approach.