The Art of Decision Making in Aviation: How to Make Good Calls
As a pilot, decision making is a critical aspect of your job. Every flight requires countless decisions to be made, from pre-flight planning to in-flight navigation and emergency situations. Making the right calls is essential to ensuring the safety of your passengers, crew, and aircraft. In this article, we'll explore the art of decision making in aviation and how you can learn to make good calls.
Understanding the Decision Making Process
Before we dive into the specifics of making good decisions in aviation, it's important to understand the decision making process itself. There are several different models of decision making, but one of the most commonly used in aviation is the OODA loop. OODA stands for Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. This model is designed to help pilots make decisions quickly and efficiently in a high-pressure environment.
The first step in the OODA loop is to observe the situation. This means taking in all the available information, from weather conditions to the status of your aircraft to any external factors that may be affecting your flight. Once you've gathered all the relevant information, you can move on to the next step: orientation. This is where you analyze the information you've gathered and try to make sense of it. You may need to consult with other members of your crew or refer to standard operating procedures to help you orient yourself.
Once you have a clear understanding of the situation, you can move on to the decision phase. This is where you determine what actions to take based on the information you've gathered and oriented yourself to. Finally, you act on your decision, implementing your chosen course of action.
Factors Affecting Decision Making in Aviation
Aviation decision making is always contextual. There are a range of factors that can affect the decisions you make, from the specific flight conditions to your own mood and energy levels. Some of the most important contextual factors to consider when making decisions in aviation include:
- Weather conditions: Undoubtedly, weather is one of the most important factors to consider when making decisions in aviation. Depending on the conditions, you may need to adjust your flight plan, alter your altitude, or even land at a different airport.
- Aircraft performance: The specific performance characteristics of your aircraft can also impact your decision making. For example, if you're flying a small, single engine aircraft, you won't be able to fly as high or as fast as a commercial airliner.
- Crew communication: Communication between members of your crew is essential to making good decisions in aviation. You need to be able to trust your crew and rely on them to provide you with accurate information.
- Fatigue and stress levels: Fatigue and stress can both significantly impact decision making. If you're feeling tired or overwhelmed, it may be more difficult to make good calls in high-pressure or emergency situations.
Tips for Making Good Decisions in Aviation
So, how can you become better at making good decisions in aviation? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Learn from experience: The more you fly, the more experience you'll gain with decision making. Take note of what works well and what doesn't and try to apply those lessons learned to future flights.
2. Follow standard operating procedures: Your airline or organization likely has standard operating procedures in place for a reason. These procedures can help guide your decision making and ensure that you're taking the appropriate actions in a given situation.
3. Trust your instincts: While it's important to follow standard procedures, you should also trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it may be worth investigating further.
4. Consider multiple options: Don't rush into making a decision. Take time to consider all your options and weigh the pros and cons of each before making a final call.
5. Communicate with your crew: Finally, remember that communication with your crew is key. Keep everyone informed of what's happening and work together to make decisions that keep everyone safe and sound.
Conclusion
In aviation, decision making is an essential skill. The ability to make good calls quickly and efficiently can mean the difference between a safe flight and a dangerous one. By following the OODA loop, considering contextual factors, and following the tips outlined in this article, you can become a more effective decision maker in aviation. Remember to keep learning and growing, and always prioritize safety above all else.