Definition
An optical instrument that uses lenses, mirrors, or a combination of both to gather light from a distant object and produce a magnified image of it.
Plain English
A device that makes faraway things look closer and bigger by collecting and focusing light through lenses or mirrors.
Context Anchor
Seen in maintenance descriptions for aircraft parts that slide, such as struts, tubes, rods, or adjustable assemblies.
Derivation
From Greek tele- meaning 'far' and skopein meaning 'to look or see.' Literally, 'to see far' — which is exactly what the instrument does.
Why Pilots Care
Enables shock absorption during landing by allowing controlled collapse and extension under load.
Intuition Check
Do not assume telescope means an optical instrument here. In this maintenance use, it means parts slide inside one another.
Example Sentence 1
The surveyor used a telescope mounted on a tripod to sight the distant runway threshold marker.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight the pilot extended the telescoping tow bar to reach the nose gear.