Definition
In risk assessment, a likelihood category indicating that an event is unlikely to occur but is still possible. It sits between 'occasional' (more likely) and 'improbable' (less likely) on the standard FAA risk likelihood scale.
Plain English
Something that probably won't happen, but could. Not impossible — just unlikely.
Context Anchor
Seen in risk assessment discussions when judging how likely a hazard is before a flight or training activity.
Derivation
From Latin 'remotus,' meaning 'far removed.' In risk language, it carries the sense of something being distant — far from likely, but not out of reach.
Why Pilots Care
Using the correct probability level prevents both overreacting to low-likelihood events and under-preparing for real but uncommon risks.
Intuition Check
Do not read remote as “impossible” or “not worth thinking about.” In this context, remote means unlikely, but still possible.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor rated the chance of an engine failure during the short training flight as remote, but still briefed the student on emergency procedures.
Example Sentence 2
The risk matrix showed a remote chance of icing on the planned route at the current altitude.