Definition
In aeronautical decision-making, to detect is to notice that something has changed from what was expected, planned, or briefed — recognizing that a problem exists before it develops into a hazard. It is the first step in the DECIDE model (Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate).
Plain English
To spot that something is not right, or not going the way you planned, as early as possible.
Context Anchor
Used in aeronautical decision-making when a pilot first becomes aware that a situation may require action.
Derivation
From the Latin detegere, meaning 'to uncover' or 'to remove the cover from.' In flying, detecting a problem means uncovering a change in the situation that was hidden or unnoticed until that moment.
Why Pilots Care
Spotting a problem early gives more time to respond before it becomes serious.
Intuition Check
Detect does not mean fix the problem or fully explain its cause. Here it means first noticing that a problem or important change exists.
Example Sentence 1
Halfway through the cross-country, the pilot detected that fuel burn was higher than planned and began recalculating range.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach, she detected that the wind had shifted.