Definition
In the PAVE checklist risk analysis, a middle-level rating used to describe the severity or likelihood of a risk factor — sitting between Low and High on a three-point scale. A factor rated Medium represents a noteworthy concern that warrants attention and possible mitigation, but is not severe enough on its own to ground the flight.
Plain English
A middle rating — not minor, not serious. Something to take seriously and manage, but not an automatic stop.
Context Anchor
Seen in the PAVE checklist and other flight risk assessment tools when rating conditions before a flight.
Derivation
From Latin medius, meaning 'middle.' In risk analysis, it keeps that exact sense — the middle band between the two extremes.
Why Pilots Care
A medium rating means the pilot must evaluate whether to proceed, adjust the plan, or gather more information to reduce risk.
Intuition Check
Medium does not mean safe enough to forget about. Here it means the risk is present and must be managed.
Example Sentence 1
After reviewing the forecast crosswind at the destination, the pilot rated the environment risk as Medium and planned an alternate.
Example Sentence 2
In the risk matrix, a medium score for aircraft performance prompted the instructor to add extra margin to the takeoff calculation.