Definition
A method of measuring a quantity at one location and transmitting the measurement, usually by radio signal, to a distant receiving station where it is displayed or recorded. In aviation it is used to send data from an aircraft, missile, or test vehicle in flight back to engineers or controllers on the ground.
Plain English
Measuring something on a moving vehicle and sending that reading by radio to people watching from somewhere else.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft systems, flight-test, maintenance, and remote monitoring discussions when measurements from an aircraft or component are sent to equipment on the ground or to a recorder.
Derivation
From the Greek tele, meaning 'far,' and the Latin metiri, meaning 'to measure.' Together it literally means 'measuring at a distance' — which is exactly what the system does.
Why Pilots Care
Lets ground crews watch critical aircraft performance during tests or remote flights without waiting for the aircraft to return.
Intuition Check
Telemetering does not mean measuring with a special cockpit instrument only. The key idea is that the measurement is sent to another place to be read or recorded.
Example Sentence 1
During the test flight, telemetering sent engine temperature and airspeed readings to the ground crew throughout the climb.
Example Sentence 2
Telemetering allowed the team to monitor airspeed and altitude from the chase plane in real time.