Definition
LABSW refers to the switch system that controls the Lift Augmentation Body System (LABS) on certain aircraft. It is listed in the FAA's acronym appendix as a recognized abbreviation pilots may encounter in technical documentation, maintenance references, or aircraft systems descriptions.
Plain English
LABSW is shorthand for the switch arrangement that turns on or controls a system designed to help an aircraft produce extra lift. It appears in the FAA's official list of approved abbreviations.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA NOTAMs and abbreviation lists when reporting the status of specific aviation equipment or facility controls.
Derivation
LABSW is formed from LABS plus SW, the common FAA short form for switch. The contraction keeps the focus on the switch part of the LABS system.
Why Pilots Care
If LABSW is reported out of service or limited, the related LABS equipment may not be controllable in the normal way. A pilot should not assume the system is available just because the main equipment name appears elsewhere.
Example Sentence 1
The maintenance manual referred to the LABSW when describing how the lift augmentation controls were wired to the cockpit panel.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight check, the instructor verified that the LABSW was in the off position.