Definition
Small, smooth inputs to the ailerons (the hinged surfaces on the trailing edge of each wing) used to control or correct the airplane's bank angle during instrument flying. In the context of starting the scan, aileron corrections are the precise, measured roll inputs a pilot uses to keep the wings level or to return to a desired bank angle as shown on the attitude indicator.
Plain English
These are the gentle left or right roll inputs the pilot makes with the control wheel or stick to keep the wings where they should be, based on what the flight display is showing.
Context Anchor
Seen during instrument attitude flying, especially while scanning the electronic flight display to keep the airplane on the intended attitude.
Derivation
Aileron' comes from the French word for 'little wing,' which is exactly what these control surfaces are -- small movable sections on the wings. Knowing this anchors the term: aileron corrections are corrections made using the 'little wings' that control roll.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents unwanted roll and keeps the aircraft on the desired heading and bank during instrument flight without visual references.
Intuition Check
Do not think of aileron corrections as nose-up or nose-down corrections. Ailerons mainly correct roll: they raise or lower the wings to fix bank.
Example Sentence 1
As the right wing began to drop, the pilot made a light aileron correction to bring the wings level on the attitude indicator.
Example Sentence 2
Aileron corrections were applied during the scan to hold a standard-rate turn without overbanking.