Plain English Meaning

Spotting what could go wrong on a real flight, working out how serious each risk is, and taking action to reduce it — both while planning and while flying.

Full Definition

The structured process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating hazards before and during a flight that is being conducted for a real operational purpose, such as a training flight, a personal trip, or a commercial mission, rather than during a classroom discussion. It applies the same risk management principles taught on the ground to the live decisions a pilot must make in real time, including go/no-go calls, in-flight diversions, and adjustments to the plan as conditions change.

Context Anchor

Used in flight instruction, preflight planning, and in-flight when a pilot or instructor is evaluating , , pilot , , , passengers, and changing conditions.