Plain English Meaning

A simple four-part check pilots run through before flying to spot anything that could make the trip risky -- their own state, the plane, the conditions outside, and any pressure pushing them to fly when they shouldn't.

Full Definition

A personal risk-assessment tool used by pilots before and during a flight to identify hazards in four categories: the Pilot (fitness, currency, experience), the Aircraft (airworthiness, equipment, fuel), the enVironment (weather, terrain, airspace, time of day), and External pressures (schedule, passengers, ). The pilot reviews each , identifies risks, and decides whether they can be eliminated, reduced, or whether the flight should be modified or cancelled.