Plain English Meaning

A smooth cover or panel added to the outside of the aircraft to reduce drag at joints and bumps, like the cover where the wing meets the fuselage or the streamlined shell over a fixed landing gear leg.

Full Definition

A secondary structural component fitted to the exterior of an aircraft to produce a smooth, streamlined surface where two parts meet or where a protrusion would otherwise disrupt airflow. Fairings reduce aerodynamic drag and may also cover or protect underlying structure, but they typically carry no primary flight load.

Context Anchor

Seen during preflight , , and aircraft exterior descriptions, especially around , , , , and access panels.