Definition
Factual information — measurements, readings, values, or recorded observations — used as the basis for reasoning, calculation, troubleshooting, or decision-making in aviation maintenance and operations.
Plain English
Information in the form of numbers, readings, or facts that you use to figure something out or make a decision.
Context Anchor
Seen in maintenance manuals, inspection records, engine test runs, troubleshooting steps, and performance charts.
Derivation
From the Latin 'data', meaning 'things given' — the plural of 'datum' (a thing given). The idea is of facts 'given' to you so you can work with them, which fits how a technician uses recorded readings and measurements as the starting point for any analysis.
Why Pilots Care
Maintenance and flight decisions are only as good as the data behind them. Using outdated, incomplete, or wrong data — torque values, fuel flow figures, performance numbers — leads directly to errors that affect safety and airworthiness.
Intuition Check
Data does not only mean computer files. In aviation maintenance, data can be any reliable recorded information used to make a correct decision.
Example Sentence 1
The technician compared the engine's oil pressure data from the last three flights to spot any trend before the next inspection.
Example Sentence 2
All repairs must be recorded with reference to the data used to complete the work.