Plain English Meaning

Plugs or covers placed over the holes in the front of the engine housing while the airplane is parked, so nothing unwanted gets inside.

Full Definition

Fitted covers that block the air intake openings on the front of an engine cowling when the airplane is parked, used to keep out birds, insects, dust, debris, rain, and snow.

Context Anchor

Seen during post-flight securing, tiedown, hangaring, and the next preflight inspection before engine start.

Derivation

Cowling' comes from the old word 'cowl,' meaning a hood worn over the head. On an airplane, the cowling is the hood-like covering around the engine. 'Inlet' is simply the opening where air goes in. So the term means covers for the air-entry holes in the engine's hood.