Definition
A written explanation, normally found in Section 7 of the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) or Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), that describes how each major system on a specific aircraft is built, how it works, and how the pilot operates it. Typical systems covered include the airframe, powerplant, propeller, fuel system, electrical system, hydraulic system, landing gear, flight controls, environmental and oxygen systems, avionics, and any ice or rain protection equipment installed.
Plain English
The part of the aircraft's handbook that explains, in plain terms, what each system on the airplane does and how the pilot uses it. It is the section a pilot reads to learn how their specific airplane actually works.
Context Anchor
Found in an aircraft flight manual or pilot’s operating handbook when learning a specific airplane or reviewing how one of its systems works.
Derivation
“System” comes from an older word meaning things put together. “Description” means a written explanation. Together, “Systems Description” means a written explanation of the connected parts of the aircraft and how they work together.
Why Pilots Care
Understanding system descriptions allows a pilot to diagnose problems, follow checklists correctly, and make safe decisions when a system fails in flight.
Intuition Check
Do not treat “description” as optional background reading. In an aircraft manual, the Systems Description gives practical information a pilot may need to operate and monitor the airplane safely.
Example Sentence 1
Before her checkride, she reviewed the Systems Description section of the POH so she could explain how the fuel system fed each engine.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight, the instructor referred back to the Systems Description to explain how the vacuum system powers the attitude indicator.