Plain English Meaning

The hands-on flying abilities and the step-by-step methods a pilot uses in the cockpit. Skills are what the pilot can physically do; procedures are the set ways of doing things.

Full Definition

In aeronautical decision-making, skills and procedures are the physical flying actions and standardized steps a pilot performs to operate an aircraft, such as stick-and-rudder control, instrument scan, checklist use, and standard callouts. They are one of the foundational elements pilots rely on, alongside judgment and risk management, to fly safely.

Context Anchor

Seen in aviation instructor when discussing what a pilot must be able to do, not just what a pilot must know, to make safe decisions.