Plain English Meaning

Smooth panels or covers added to the outside of an airplane to fill in awkward bumps and corners so the air flows over them cleanly instead of getting churned up.

Full Definition

Fairings are smooth, secondary structural covers fitted over joints, gaps, or protruding parts of an aircraft to streamline airflow and reduce aerodynamic drag. They are not primary load-bearing structures; their job is to shape the airflow around components such as wing-to-fuselage junctions, landing gear legs, control surface hinges, and antennas.

Context Anchor

Seen during preflight and in discussions of outer wing surfaces, surfaces, landing gear, and places where airplane parts join together.