Definition
A device installed in an aircraft that produces warm air for the cabin, cockpit, windshield defrost, or carburetor. Common types include exhaust-shroud heaters (which draw cabin air across a shroud surrounding the exhaust system), combustion heaters (which burn a small amount of fuel in a sealed combustion chamber to heat air passing around it), and electric heaters used in some systems and components.
Plain English
The system that warms the air inside the aircraft, or that warms specific components like the windshield or carburetor.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft system descriptions, cockpit heater controls, preflight checks, and pilot operating handbook procedures.
Why Pilots Care
Maintains pilot alertness and prevents frost on windows; combustion types require careful exhaust routing to avoid carbon monoxide risk.
Intuition Check
Do not assume an aircraft heater is just like a household space heater. In aviation, a heater may use engine heat, burn fuel, or heat a specific aircraft part, so the operating procedure and safety checks matter.
Example Sentence 1
Before takeoff on a cold morning, the pilot turned on the heater and checked that warm air was flowing from the cabin vents.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight the mechanic verified the heater exhaust was clear and free of obstructions.