Definition
A drawing that shows what an object would look like if it were cut through along a specified plane, exposing the internal features that would otherwise be hidden. The cut surfaces are typically marked with diagonal hatching lines to distinguish solid material from open space.
Plain English
A picture of a part as if it had been sliced open so you can see what is inside it.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance manuals, parts diagrams, training illustrations, and technical drawings.
Derivation
From Latin sectio, meaning 'a cutting.' The drawing shows the object as if it had been cut, so you can see the section that was exposed.
Why Pilots Care
Mechanics and pilots reviewing manuals can see how internal parts fit and function without having the physical component in front of them.
Analogy
Like cutting an apple in half to show the core. The outside view tells you nothing about the seeds; the cut view shows everything inside.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse a sectional view with a sectional chart. A sectional view is a cutaway-style picture of an object, not a navigation chart.
Example Sentence 1
The maintenance manual included a sectional view of the cylinder so the mechanic could identify the location of each piston ring.
Example Sentence 2
A sectional view of the wing spar helped the inspector check for internal corrosion.