Definition
In the ATC context of the Pilot/Controller Glossary, to review is to examine and evaluate a flight plan, clearance, request, or operational situation to confirm its accuracy, feasibility, or compliance before further action is taken.
Plain English
To carefully look something over to make sure it is correct or workable before acting on it.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA material, training tasks, briefings, checklists, and any situation where a pilot is expected to check information again before relying on it.
Derivation
From the Old French 'reveoir,' meaning 'to see again.' In aviation use, the sense is the same: looking at something a second time to confirm it is right before committing to it.
Why Pilots Care
When a controller says they need to review something, the pilot should expect a brief delay and avoid assuming approval. Acting before a review is complete can lead to a clearance violation or a conflict with other traffic.
Intuition Check
Do not read “review” as casual rereading only. In aviation, a review is a deliberate check to make sure the information is correct and understood before it is used.
Example Sentence 1
The controller asked the pilot to stand by while she reviewed the requested route change.
Example Sentence 2
After landing, the pilot reviewed the flight log to note any discrepancies.