Plain English Meaning

A deliberate choice that it is safe and sensible to go ahead with the flight, based on checking everything that could affect it.

Full Definition

A risk management determination that conditions are acceptable to proceed with a planned flight or flight segment, made after evaluating relevant factors such as weather, aircraft condition, pilot fitness, and operational environment.

Context Anchor

Used in preflight and risk management discussions, especially when deciding whether to start a flight, delay it, change the plan, or cancel.

Derivation

“Go” comes from an old English word meaning to move or proceed. “Decision” comes from a Latin word meaning to cut or settle a choice. Together, the phrase points to settling the question of whether to proceed.