Definition
A resilient mounting device, typically made of rubber bonded to metal, used to attach engines, instrument panels, avionics, and other vibration-sensitive components to the airframe. Shock mounts absorb engine and airframe vibration and isolate the mounted component from shock loads transmitted through the structure.
Plain English
A small rubber-and-metal cushion used to bolt sensitive equipment to the aircraft so that vibration and bumps don't reach it directly.
Context Anchor
Pilots may see shock mounts during preflight or maintenance discussions around engines, instruments, radios, batteries, and other equipment that must be protected from vibration.
Derivation
From 'shock' (a sudden jolt or impact) and 'mount' (something that holds another thing in place). Together: a mount designed to absorb shock rather than transmit it.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces vibration damage to engines and instruments, lowers pilot fatigue from cockpit shake, and keeps critical systems reliable.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a shock mount as something that produces a shock. It is the cushion that helps absorb the shock or vibration before it reaches the protected part.
Example Sentence 1
During the annual inspection, the mechanic found that the engine shock mounts were cracked and needed replacement.
Example Sentence 2
New shock mounts were installed under the attitude indicator so turbulence would not shake the instrument.