Plain English Meaning

A fast, vibrating shake of a part of the aircraft — like a wing, aileron, or elevator — that can grow worse on its own and tear the part apart if not stopped.

Full Definition

A rapid, self-sustaining oscillation of a flight control surface or other aerodynamic structure, caused by the interaction of aerodynamic forces, structural elasticity, and inertia. Once started, flutter can build in amplitude very quickly and lead to structural failure of the affected component.

Context Anchor

Seen in airframe maintenance, control- , aircraft limits, and of unusual in flight.