Definition
In scenario-based training, decisions made by the pilot at the point in flight when action is still useful — early enough to influence the outcome rather than merely react to it. Timeliness is judged by whether the decision preserves available options and safety margins, not solely by whether the eventual outcome was acceptable.
Plain English
Choices made early enough to actually change what happens, while you still have room and time to act on them.
Context Anchor
Used in scenario-based training when an instructor evaluates whether a student recognizes a developing situation and chooses an appropriate action in time.
Derivation
“Timely” comes from “time” and means “at the right time.” “Decision” comes from a Latin word meaning “to cut off,” which helps because making a decision means choosing one action and leaving the other options behind.
Why Pilots Care
Poor timing in decisions can escalate minor issues into emergencies or cause loss of aircraft control.
Grounding Statement
A timely decision is made while there is still enough time and space to carry it out safely.
Intuition Check
Timely does not mean rushed. It means not waiting so long that the useful choices disappear.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor noted that the student’s diversion was correct but not timely — by the time he turned, the alternate was also below minimums.
Example Sentence 2
During the SBT flight, timely decisions prevented the scenario from becoming unmanageable.