Plain English Meaning
The work of stopping accidents before they happen by teaching pilots to recognize risks and make better decisions.
Full Definition
The deliberate effort to identify, reduce, and eliminate the hazards, errors, and unsafe practices that lead to aviation accidents, achieved primarily through training, education, and the development of sound judgment in pilots and other aviation personnel.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight training, instructor responsibilities, safety briefings, and discussions about how pilots build safe habits before problems occur.
Derivation
Accident comes from a Latin idea meaning something that happens or falls unexpectedly. Prevention comes from a Latin idea meaning to come before. Together, the phrase points to acting before an unwanted event occurs, not just reacting after it.