Definition
An immediate maneuver taken by a pilot to avoid a collision or near-collision with another aircraft, terrain, or obstacle after a conflict has been detected.
Plain English
A quick move you make with the airplane to get out of the way of something you might hit.
Context Anchor
Used in collision avoidance, especially when a pilot sees another aircraft or hazard that may come too close.
Derivation
From the Latin 'evadere,' meaning 'to escape' or 'get away from.' Combined with 'action,' it literally means 'an act of escaping' — in aviation, escaping a developing collision threat.
Why Pilots Care
Taking evasive action at the right moment can prevent a mid-air collision that would otherwise be fatal.
Analogy
Like jerking the steering wheel hard to miss a car that suddenly pulls out in front of you.
Intuition Check
Evasive action does not mean a wild or panicked move. It means a controlled action taken promptly to avoid a hazard.
Example Sentence 1
When the other aircraft suddenly appeared at the same altitude, the pilot took evasive action by descending and turning right.
Example Sentence 2
During the briefing the instructor stressed that evasive action should be used only when a collision is imminent and no other option remains.