diversion

Weather, a closed runway, a medical emergency or a technical problem can all force a diversion, and the aircraft usually then flies on to its original destination once the cause clears. For a spotter, a diversion is the single best source of an aircraft and an operator that has no business being at the local airport.

Nearby in Aviation

• deadhead — A crew member travelling as a passenger to get into position for a duty.
• displaced threshold — A runway threshold moved down the paved surface, so the pavement before it may be taxied on but not landed on.
• DME — A radio system that tells an aircraft its slant distance from a ground beacon.
• ETOPS — The approval that allows a twin-engined airliner to fly a route far from any suitable diversion airport.