Aeronautical Decision Making

Question 1

What is Aeronautical Decision Making? ADM

Answer 1

It is a systematic approach to the mental Process used by pilots to consistently determine the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances. It is also a systematic approach to stress management as stress (emotion) is a major contributor to human error.

Question 2

What is the main cause of aviation accidents?

Answer 2

80% of all accidents can are related to human factors (Human Error) and the vast majority of these accidents occur during landing (24.1%) and takeoff 23.4%)

Question 3

What is Crew Resource Management? CRM

Answer 3

The effective use of all available resources: Human Resources, Hardware and Information supporting ADM (Aeronautical Decision Making)

Question 4

What are the steps of good decision making?

Answer 4

1. Identifying personal attitudes hazardous to safe flight.
2. Learning behavior modification techniques.
3. Learning how to recognize and cope with stress.
4. Developing risk assessment skills.
5. Using all resources. CRM
6. Evaluating the effectiveness of one’s ADM skills.

Question 5

Risk Management is proven to decrease the incidence of aviation accidents. What are the steps of Risk Management Process.

Answer 5

1. Identify Hazards
2. Assess Risk
3. Analyze Controls
4. Make Control Decisions
5. Use Controls
6. Monitor Results

Question 6

What is Single-Pilot Resource Management? SRM

Answer 6

The Art and Science of managing all the resources (both on-board the aircraft and from outside sources) available to a single pilot (prior to and during the flight) to ensure the successful outcome of the flight.

Question 7

What concepts are included in Single-Pilot Resource Management? SRM

Answer 7

1. Aeronautical Decision Making. ADM
2. Risk Management. RM
3. Task Management. TM
4. Automation Management. AM
5. Controlled Flight Into Terrain. CFIT
6. Situational Awareness. SA

Question 8

What are the 5 attitudes that contribute to poor pilot judgement?

Answer 8

1. Anti-Authority
2. Impulsivity
3. Invulnerability
4. Macho
5. Resignation

Question 9

What are the Antidotes to the 5 Hazardous Attitudes?

Answer 9

1. Anti-Authority (Don’t tell me): Follow the rules, they are usually right.
2. Impulsivity (Do it quickly): Not so fast. Think first.
3. Invulnerability (It won’t happen to me): It could happen to me.
4. Macho (I can do it): Taking chances is foolish.
5. Resignation (What’s the use): I’m not helpless. I can make a difference.

Question 10

Several Risk Assessment Models are available to assist the pilot in assessing risk. Can you name them?

Answer 10

1. Risk Matrix (page 2-6) of The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
2. IMSAFE (page 2-8)
3. PAVE (Page 2-8)

Question 11

Describe the “Risk Matrix” Model

Answer 11

Compares likelihood such as Probable, Occasional, Remote and Improbable vs the Severity such as Catastrophic, Critical, Marginal, Negligible. If an event is likely and the severity is catastrophic, the pilot should not fly unless he/she can mitigate the likely hood and severity.

Question 12

What is MVFR?

Answer 12

Marginal Visual Flight Rules. Ceilings 1000 to 3000 feet, visibility 3 to 5 miles.

Question 13

Can you give examples of Mitigating Risk for a flight into a MVFR region:

Answer 13

1. Wait for weather to improve to good VFR.
2. Take an instrument rated pilot.
3. Delay the flight.
4. Cancel the flight.
5. Drive

Question 14

Discuss IMSAFE checklist for risk management.

Answer 14

Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion

Question 15

Discuss the PAVE Checklist for risk management.

Answer 15

It is part of your preflight checklist. Pilot in Command, Aircraft, enVironment, External Pressures.

P = PIC: Am I ready for this trip? Perhaps use the IMSAFE.

A = Aircraft: Is this the right aircraft for the flight? Am I familiar and current in this aircraft? Is the aircraft equipped for the flight? Can this aircraft use the runways that will be available, with an adequate margin of safety for the conditions to be flown? Can this aircraft carry the planned load? Can this aircraft fly at the altitude needed for this flight? Does this airplane have the fuel capacity, with reserves, needed for the legs planned for this flight? Does the fuel quantity delivered match the quantity ordered?

V = enVironment: Weather: What are the ceilings? Are there clouds. How is the weather along the whole trip and what is the forecast? Be ready to divert, and to where? Terrain: Check for and avoid terrain obstacles. Use the maximum elevation figures (MEF) of obstacle to help avoid a collision. Airport: What lights will be available at the airports? Check for NOTAM. Choose the flight route wisely. Try and always have an airport that you can divert to easily. Nighttime: If the route is over water or uninhabited area, there is a chance of losing visual reference, are you able to fly IFR? Will you have a safe place to land in an emergency? Check your plane’s lights carefully and carry two small flashlights.

E = External Pressures: Are there external forces influencing you / pressuring you to complete the flight.

Question 16

Discuss the 5 Ps Check

Answer 16

The Plan, the Plane, the Pilot, the Passengers and the Programming.

The Plan, also called the mission or the task, contains all the basic elements of cross country planning: weather, route, fuel, publications currency. It is always being updated and modified and is especially responsive to changes in the other four remaining Ps.

The Plane. Includes all the cosmetic and mechanical issues. The plane has been expanded beyond that though due to the advent of advanced avionics. It now includes Database Currency, Automation Status and Emergency Backup Systems.

The Pilot.