Definition
An adjustment made to a route, heading, altitude, speed, or other flight parameter to bring the aircraft back to a desired path, value, or clearance after a deviation has been detected.
Plain English
A change you make to fix something that has drifted off where it should be — for example, turning slightly to get back on course, or adjusting altitude to return to your assigned level.
Context Anchor
Heard on radio calls between pilots and air traffic controllers when a number, instruction, runway, altitude, or other spoken detail needs to be fixed.
Derivation
From the Latin 'correctio,' meaning 'to set straight' or 'make right.' In aviation, the meaning stays close to that root: bringing something back to where it ought to be.
Why Pilots Care
It prevents a mistaken heading, altitude, or clearance from being followed, avoiding confusion and potential safety issues.
Intuition Check
Correction does not mean a written edit or a penalty here. On the radio, it is a cue that the speaker is replacing something just said with the correct information.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot applied a 5-degree correction to the right to compensate for the crosswind and stay on the assigned course.
Example Sentence 2
Turn right heading 180. Correction, turn left heading 180.