Definition
An informal term used in aviation human-factors training for the self-induced pressure a pilot feels to depart, continue, or complete a flight despite conditions or circumstances that should prompt a delay or cancellation. It describes a hazardous mindset rather than a medical condition, in which the desire to get going overrides sound aeronautical decision-making.
Plain English
The strong urge to go flying, or to keep going, even when good judgment says you shouldn't. It is the pressure pilots put on themselves to launch or push on, often because people are waiting, plans are made, or they simply want to get home.
Context Anchor
Seen in aeronautical decision-making discussions, especially when evaluating external pressures before a flight or during a flight that is not going as planned.
Derivation
A coined, half-joking term combining the phrase 'let's go' with the suffix '-itis,' which in medicine means inflammation or condition (as in 'arthritis'). Aviation educators use the '-itis' ending to suggest something that infects a pilot's thinking. Knowing this helps a pilot recognise it as a treatable mental habit, not a fixed personality trait.
Why Pilots Care
It can lead to continued flight into deteriorating weather or other hazardous situations, increasing the risk of accidents.
Grounding Statement
A pilot with let’s-go-itis may look at worsening weather and think, “We can still make it,” mainly because they do not want to disappoint others or lose time.
Intuition Check
Do not read let’s-go-itis as normal motivation or confidence. In this context, it means pressure-driven rushing that can weaken judgment.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor pointed out that a classic case of let's-go-itis was setting in: the weather was below personal minimums, but the pilot kept finding reasons to launch anyway.
Example Sentence 2
Instructors teach students to watch for let’s-go-itis when passengers or schedules create pressure to take off despite marginal conditions.