Definition
The combined practices, regulations, training standards, and operational disciplines used to prevent accidents and incidents in flight operations and on the ground. In FAA usage, it is the overarching goal that drives airworthiness rules, pilot certification, air traffic control, maintenance standards, and operational procedures.
Plain English
Everything done — by pilots, mechanics, controllers, and the FAA — to keep flying as free from accidents as possible.
Context Anchor
Seen when the FAA explains its role in setting rules, standards, and practices that help keep flying safe.
Derivation
Aviation comes from the Latin word avis, meaning “bird,” through words meaning “to fly.” Safety comes from Latin salvus, meaning “unharmed” or “safe.” Together, the words point to keeping flight from causing harm.
Why Pilots Care
Directly shapes every pilot decision from preflight planning to emergency response, because unresolved safety gaps lead to incidents.
Intuition Check
Aviation safety does not mean flying has no risk. It means risks are actively found, reduced, and managed so accidents are less likely.
Example Sentence 1
The FAA's primary mission is aviation safety, which is why pilot certification standards are set and enforced at the federal level.
Example Sentence 2
The FAA improves aviation safety by setting certification standards that every pilot and aircraft must meet.