Plain English Meaning

Judgment is the pilot's ability to size up a situation, weigh the options, and choose the safest action based on the facts at hand.

Full Definition

In aeronautical decision-making, judgment is the mental process of recognizing and analyzing all available information about oneself, the aircraft, and the flying environment, followed by a rational evaluation of alternatives to determine the safest course of action.

Context Anchor

Seen in aeronautical decision-making discussions, especially when evaluating pilot choices before or during a flight.

Derivation

From the Old French jugement, meaning 'a considered decision,' rooted in the Latin judicare, 'to judge or weigh.' The aviation use carries that same idea: a weighing of facts before acting, not a snap or a gut feeling.