Definition
A chemical element, or alloy of elements, characterized by being a good conductor of heat and electricity, having a metallic luster when polished, and generally being malleable, ductile, and capable of being shaped by rolling, forging, or casting. In aviation, metals are the primary structural materials used in airframes, engines, and components, with aluminum alloys, steel, titanium, and magnesium being the most common.
Plain English
A solid material like aluminum, steel, or titanium that conducts heat and electricity, can be shaped without breaking, and forms most of an aircraft's structure and engine parts.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft construction, maintenance, preflight inspection, and discussions of corrosion, cracks, dents, and repairs.
Derivation
From the Greek 'metallon,' meaning 'mine' or 'quarry' — the place where these materials were originally dug from the earth. The word reflects that metals were among the first earth materials humans learned to extract and shape.
Why Pilots Care
Different metals have very different properties — aluminum is light but corrodes, steel is strong but heavy, titanium is strong and light but expensive. Knowing which metals are used where on the aircraft helps pilots understand inspection requirements, corrosion concerns, and why certain repairs require specific procedures.
Intuition Check
Metal does not mean only steel, and it does not mean anything that simply looks shiny. In aviation, metal can mean aluminum, steel, titanium, magnesium, or another aircraft material with metal properties.
Example Sentence 1
Most modern light aircraft are built primarily from aluminum, a metal chosen for its favorable strength-to-weight ratio.
Example Sentence 2
Composite repairs must be kept separate from metal components to avoid galvanic corrosion.