Aviation Legal Glossary: E

Earth Coordinates: Coordinates referenced to the earth.

Elevation: An angle in the vertical plane through a longitudinal axis; height above mean sea level, usually references terrain.

Elevator: A control surface on fixed-wing aircraft, usually mounted on the aft edge of stabilizers, which controls pitch, and is controlled by the yoke.

Emotional Distress: Mental anguish.

Equipment Status: Operational status of a piece of equipment consisting of a status indicator and status words.

Equitable Remedies: Remedies that do not include monetary settlements. Examples include injunctions and restraining orders.

Error: Difference between desired and measured data.

Estimated: Data that is the result of filtering two or more signals.

Evidence: The body of law concerning the manner of presentation of information to a judge or jury in a trial.

Excess Baggage: Luggage that exceeds the allowed limits for weight, size, or number of pieces. Carriers usually charge extra for excess baggage, and in some cases, may have to ship it later rather than with the passenger.

Excursion Fare: A special-price fare that comes with restrictions, such as advance purchase requirements and a minimum stay. Excursion Fares are usually a round-trip fares.

Exhibit: Any piece of physical evidence used at a trial.

Expanding Square Search: A pattern of progressively larger squares (referred to as a "square spiral") followed for searching the ground from an aircraft.

Expert: A witness who may give an opinion in court based on the particular competence of that witness.