Definition
A practical problem-solving method that uses experience, rules of thumb, and trial-and-error to reach a workable solution rather than a guaranteed-perfect one. In aviation training and human-factors work, heuristic approaches help pilots make timely decisions when full analysis is impractical.
Plain English
A useful shortcut or rule of thumb that gets you to a good-enough answer quickly, even if it isn't the only or perfect answer.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation decision-making, risk management, and human factors discussions.
Derivation
From the Greek heuriskein, meaning 'to find' or 'to discover' -- the same root as 'eureka.' A heuristic is literally a method for discovering a workable answer, rather than calculating a guaranteed one.
Why Pilots Care
Many in-flight decisions must be made with incomplete information and limited time. Pilots rely on heuristics constantly, but the same shortcuts can lead to bias or error if applied without judgment. Recognising when you are using one helps you double-check it.
Intuition Check
A heuristic is not a guaranteed rule. It is a shortcut that may be useful, but it still needs to be checked against the actual conditions.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor explained that the '1-in-60 rule' is a heuristic pilots use to estimate course corrections without complex math.
Example Sentence 2
Instructors teach heuristics that help students judge landing distance on unfamiliar runways without pulling out performance charts every time.