Definition
Free from error or defect; conforming exactly to a standard, true value, or accepted reference. In aviation, a measurement, instrument reading, or piece of information is accurate when it matches the actual value within accepted tolerances.
Plain English
Correct. The number, reading, or information matches what is really true, within an acceptable margin.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of instrument readings, charts, weather reports, performance calculations, and maintenance records.
Derivation
From the Latin accuratus, meaning 'prepared with care.' The original sense was not just 'correct' but 'carefully done' — which is how pilots should think of it. Accuracy comes from careful work, not luck.
Why Pilots Care
Flight decisions rest on accurate inputs. An altimeter setting, a fuel quantity, or a position fix that is close but not accurate can lead to the wrong decision at the wrong moment.
Intuition Check
Accurate does not mean “probably close enough.” In aviation, it means the information matches the true condition or required standard closely enough to be trusted for that use.
Example Sentence 1
Before departure, the pilot confirmed the altimeter setting was accurate by checking it against the field elevation.
Example Sentence 2
Accurate fuel quantity readings are required before any cross-country flight.