Plain English Meaning

Not paying proper attention. The eyes may be open and pointed at the right thing, but the mind isn't fully taking it in, so important details get missed.

Full Definition

A reduced state of mental focus in which a pilot or learner fails to notice, monitor, or respond to relevant information in the cockpit or learning environment. In aviation training, inattention is identified as a symptom of fatigue and a recognized hazard, because important cues, instrument indications, or instructions can be missed even though the person appears to be looking at them.

Context Anchor

Seen in human factors and fatigue discussions, and during flight training when an instructor a student missing instructions, steps, calls, or changes around the .