Definition
In aeronautical decision-making, resource use is the pilot's ability to identify, gather, and apply all available information and tools — both inside and outside the cockpit — to make sound decisions during flight. Internal resources include the pilot's own knowledge, skill, training, and the aircraft's instruments and equipment. External resources include air traffic control, flight service, charts, checklists, passengers, and other people who can provide useful information.
Plain English
Knowing what help is available — people, equipment, information — and using it well to fly safely and make good decisions.
Context Anchor
Seen in aeronautical decision-making discussions, especially when a pilot is planning a flight, handling a problem, or managing workload in the cockpit.
Derivation
Resource comes from an older French word connected with the idea of recovering or supplying help again. That fits the aviation meaning: a resource is something you can draw on when you need support.
Why Pilots Care
Effective resource use reduces workload and prevents many common causes of general aviation incidents.
Grounding Statement
In flight, resource use means pausing to ask, “What help or information do I have available right now?”
Intuition Check
Resource use does not mean only using cockpit equipment. It includes people, information, time, checklists, aircraft systems, and the pilot’s own skills.
Example Sentence 1
When the weather started deteriorating, good resource use meant calling Flight Service for an updated briefing rather than pressing on and hoping for the best.
Example Sentence 2
Good resource use includes pulling out the checklist when an unexpected system alert appears in flight.