Definition
A structured evaluation method that compares the expected benefits of a proposed action, project, or rule against its expected costs, expressed in comparable terms (usually monetary), to determine whether it is worthwhile and how it ranks against alternatives.
Plain English
A way of weighing what you get against what it costs to decide if something is worth doing.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA, airport, and aviation planning material when a proposed improvement, rule, or project is being evaluated.
Derivation
Built from two everyday words. 'Benefit' (Latin bene factum, 'a good deed' or 'something done well') means the gain. 'Cost' (Latin constare, 'to stand together' or 'to be fixed at a price') means what is paid or given up. Putting them side by side captures the whole idea: lay the gains and the prices next to each other and see which weighs more.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots may use this when evaluating equipment upgrades or compliance options to make financially sound decisions.
Intuition Check
Do not read BCA as a cockpit performance calculation. It is a planning and decision tool that compares expected value with expected cost.
Example Sentence 1
The FAA published a benefit/cost analysis showing that the new approach lighting system would prevent enough weather-related diversions to justify its installation.
Example Sentence 2
A benefit/cost analysis showed that the reduced maintenance costs justified upgrading the aircraft's avionics.