Plain English Meaning

Skipping or rushing the things a pilot is supposed to do before and during a flight to make sure everything is ready and nothing is missed — like planning the trip, walking around the aircraft to check it, and reading through the checklists.

Full Definition

An operational pitfall in which a pilot fails to perform — or performs only partially — the standard preparatory procedures that precede and support every flight: planning the route and conditions, inspecting the aircraft before flight, and using written checklists during operations. It is treated in human-factors training as a recognized hazardous behavior pattern that erodes the safety margin built into normal flight operations.

Context Anchor

Seen in aeronautical decision-making discussions, especially when how unsafe habits can develop before a flight even begins.