STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
Welcome to Structured Decision-Making
for General Aviation Pilots
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
This program will give you step-by-step
methods to use when confronted with illdefined in-flight problems. Sometimes
these decisions must be made very
quickly, but in most cases there is time to
analyze the situation, work through the
problem, and make a safe decision.
You will learn to:
•
Think through the situation
•
Form accurate judgments
•
Solve the problems
•
Make safer decisions
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
Highly experienced pilots make many of their decisions using a process
called "Recognition-Primed Decision Making." This process allows the
pilots to call upon their extensive experience base to rapidly match new
situations to ones that occurred previously. They can then use the solution
that worked in the past to deal with this new problem. This is a very fast
and effective decision-making process.
However, inexperienced pilots do not have that extensive set of
experiences to draw upon. Therefore, they must use a more structured
approach to problem solving and decision-making. Using the structured
decision-making process described in this training will help you make
good, safe decisions while you gain the experiences necessary to use the
faster Recognition-Primed Decision Making process.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
• How does judgment
affect safety?
• Click on the number of
fatal general aviation
accidents you think
have occurred each
year on average.
100
200
300
400
500
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
600
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
• What percentage of
fatal accidents were
caused by pilot error?
• Click on the percentage
of fatal general aviation
accidents you think
were caused by pilot
error.
10%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
90%
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
• Approximately 80%
were caused at least in
part by pilot error
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
• Click on the percentage
of fatal pilot error
accidents you think
were caused by faulty
procedures.
10%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
90%
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
• Only 5% of pilot error
accidents were caused
by faulty procedures.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
• What percentage of fatal
pilot error accidents were
caused by faulty aircraft
control?
• Click on the percentage of
fatal pilot error accidents
you think were caused by
faulty aircraft control.
10%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
90%
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
• About 45% of fatal pilot
error accidents were
caused by faulty aircraft
control.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
• What percentage of fatal
pilot error accidents were
caused by poor judgment?
• Click on the percentage of
fatal pilot error accidents
you think were caused by
poor pilot judgment.
10%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
90%
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
• 50% of fatal pilot error
accidents were caused
by poor judgment.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
• Developing the skills
needed to use good
judgment will increase
safety among pilots
• Click on one of these
three statements.
Scenarios
Summary
I know that I used good judgment when
everything came out okay.
I know that I used good judgment when I
used a systematic thought process to
make a decision.
I know that I used good judgment when I
did the right thing.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
• You Chose:
I know that I used good judgment when
everything came out okay.
I know that I used good judgment when I
used a systematic thought process to
make a decision.
I know that I used good judgment when I
did the right thing.
You might as well be flying blind.
Making decisions based on instinct
alone will only carry you so far.
There are several factors that
influence successful flights. Your
goal is to make good judgments all
the time and understand why your
choices are sound judgments.
Continue
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
• You Chose:
A systematic thought process
sounds good on the surface, but
some decisions require ingenuity
and flexibility.
I know that I used good judgment when
everything came out okay.
I know that I used good judgment when
I used a systematic thought process to
make a decision.
I know that I used good judgment when I
did the right thing.
Having a mental checklist of steps
to consider when assessing a
situation is a very good idea, but
you must be aware of the big
picture and be able to incorporate
the routine of a checklist into the
fluid aspects of the big picture.
This will help you make the right
decisions in the air.
Continue
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
• You Chose:
I know that I used good judgment when
everything came out okay.
I know that I used good judgment when I
used a systematic thought process to
make a decision.
I know that I used good judgment when
I did the right thing.
Doing the right thing may not
always involve good judgment.
Situational Awareness, attention
to details, a correct analysis of the
problem, and selecting and
executing the right combination of
fixes will help to keep you flying
safely.
Continue
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Good pilot judgment
requires
Scenarios
Summary
Problem solving
Flight experience
Risk management
Mental attitude
Resource management
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
• Can you think back to a
situation you faced in
flight where you had a
problem, but you were
unable to identify the
cause?
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
• Click on the statement
best describes how you
handled an in-flight
problem.
Scenarios
Summary
A. Used a process of elimination
B. Used a similar past experience
C. Used a step-by-step process
D. Made an immediate decision, without
thinking
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
• You chose: A. Used a process of elimination
• The process of elimination was just the beginning when it
came to solving your problem. You thought through the
situation and eliminated the extraneous factors. You then
formed an opinion, made some decisions, and vowed to
prevent more problems from arising. The proper strategy for
handling an in-flight problem is:
Think through the situation
Form accurate judgments.
Execute the right decisions.
Anticipate future events.
CONTINUE
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
• You chose: B. Used a similar past experience
• Past experiences are quite valuable in bringing our minds up
to speed on a problem. You must, however, keep your mind
open to differences between the problem you are currently
facing and the one you overcame at an earlier time.
• A formula or verbatim response to an in-flight problem
could be deadly if you fail to recognize a new wrinkle to the
situation.
• The proper strategy for handling an in-flight problem is:
Think through the situation
Form accurate judgments.
Execute the right decisions.
Anticipate future events.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
CONTINUE
• You chose: C. Used a step-by-step process
• Established rules and checklists are important strategies for
handling any in-flight emergency. However, sometimes situations
veer from the usual process and you have to improvise.
• You must thoroughly evaluate the problem before you can fix it.
• The proper strategy for handling an in-flight problem is:
Think through the situation
Form accurate judgments.
Execute the right decisions.
Anticipate future events.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
CONTINUE
• You chose: D. Made an immediate decision, without
thinking
• You are lucky to be alive.
• The proper strategy for handling an in-flight problem
is:
Think through the situation
Form accurate judgments.
Execute the right decisions.
Anticipate future events.
CONTINUE
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
You have completed the Introduction
Next, let's look at strategies for improving your decisionmaking.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
Strategies
Different types of problems may require you to use
different strategies.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
• Some situations
require:
• Instinctive reactions
• Quick solutions
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
• Familiar Problems -Solve Using:
• Technical knowledge
• Past experience
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
When you encounter a
new problem:
• Deliberate
• Work through the
problem
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
• Problem Solving
Strategy
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
• Before you can start
diagnosing, you must be
aware that a problem
exists.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
• You must be continuously
aware of everything that
is going on, in and out of
the cockpit.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
Situational Awareness
Plane - condition, performance, systems
Path - route, position, weather, airspace
People - pilot, passengers, ATC
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
• Situational Awareness
• Monitor and Evaluate
• Comprehend and
Assess
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
• Situational Awareness
• Monitor and Evaluate
• Comprehend and
Assess
• Anticipate Future
Events
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
• Situational Awareness
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
• Situational Awareness
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
• Situational Awareness
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
• Which method do you
think is best for
maintaining situational
awareness?
• Click on your choice.
Scenarios
Summary
A. Scan the entire environment
B. Focus on specific details.
C. A combination of A and B.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
• You chose: A. Scan the
entire environment
• You are partly correct. You need
to continuously pay attention to
the entire environment, both
inside and outside the cockpit.
But you also need to periodically
check the details, such as the
instrumentation
• The correct answer is C - Scan and
Focus.
CONTINUE
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
• You chose: B. Focus on
specific details.
• You are partly correct. You need
to continuously pay attention to
the entire environment, both
inside and outside the cockpit.
But you also need to periodically
check the details, such as the
instrumentation.
• The correct answer is C - Scan and
Focus.
CONTINUE
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
• You chose: C. A combination
of A and B.
• Congratulations. You are correct.
• The best way to maintain
Situational Awareness is to
continuously scan and monitor
the entire in-flight environment
and to periodically check details
such as instrumentation.
CONTINUE
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
Situational Awareness
During different phases of flight, the priority of items demanding
your attention will change.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Situational Awareness
• Scan, monitor, and keep
the big picture in mind.
• Periodically focus on
the details.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Situational Awareness
• Focusing only on details
and losing the big picture
can have severe
consequences.
Scenarios
Summary
[You must be connected to the internet for this
video to play.]
• Look at this video
reenactment of an actual
crash in which loss of
situational awareness
played a major factor.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Situational Awareness
• Scan, monitor, and keep the
big picture.
• Periodically focus on the
details.
• Don't get sidetracked.
• Anticipate and prepare for
future events
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Situational Awareness
• Remember, situational
awareness is a process of
continuous evaluation.
Scenarios
Summary
[You must be connected to the internet for this
video to play.]
• Click on the video, and
we'll see how two pilots
take very different
approaches to dealing
with an ill-defined, inflight problem.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Diagnosis
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Diagnosis
• Diagnosis allows you to:
• Know that is happening
• Investigate the effects of various
actions.
• Fall back on previous flight experience.
• Think of a novel solution.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Diagnosis
• Click on the video, and
we'll see how Ben and
Cathy go about
diagnosing their inflight problem.
Scenarios
Summary
[You must be connected to the internet for this video
to play.]
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
During the diagnosis, Cathy did ALL of the
following:
• A. Gathered new information
• B. Maintained control
• C. Attempted to solve the problem
• D. Sought outside assistance
• E. Kept safe options open
• F. Summarized the situation
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Diagnosis
During diagnosis of a problem
• Gather new information
•
Maintain control
•
Attempt to solve the problem
•
Seek outside assistance
•
Keep safe options open
•
Summarize the situation
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Diagnosis
During diagnosis of a problem
•
Gather new information
• Maintain control
•
Attempt to solve the problem
•
Seek outside assistance
•
Keep safe options open
•
Summarize the situation
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Diagnosis
During diagnosis of a problem
•
Gather new information
•
Maintain control
• Attempt to solve the problem
•
Seek outside assistance
•
Keep safe options open
•
Summarize the situation
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Diagnosis
During diagnosis of a problem
• Gather new information
• Maintain control
• Attempt to solve the problem
• Seek outside assistance
• Keep safe options open
• Summarize the situation
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Diagnosis
During diagnosis of a problem
• Gather new information
• Maintain control
• Attempt to solve the problem
• Seek outside assistance
• Keep safe options open
• Summarize the situation
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Diagnosis
During diagnosis of a problem
•
Gather new information
•
Maintain control
•
Attempt to solve the problem
•
Seek outside assistance
•
Keep safe options open
• Summarize the situation
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Resolution
• Continue to gather new
information
• Summarize
• Look for alternatives
• Manage the risks
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Resolution
• Continue to gather new
information
• Summarize
• Look for alternatives
• Manage the risks
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Resolution
• Continue to gather new
information
• Summarize
• Look for alternatives
• Manage the risks
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Resolution
• Continue to gather new
information
• Summarize
• Look for alternatives
• Manage the risks
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Resolution
• Continue to gather new
information
• Summarize
• Look for alternatives
• Manage the risks
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
Resolution
• Click on the video to
see how Ben and Cathy
resolved their
problems.
[You must be connected to the internet for this
video to play.]
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Resolution
• Did you see what Cathy
did as she resolved her
problem?
• She used each of the
steps listed here.
• Go back and look at the
video again, if you don't
recognize some of the
steps.
Scenarios
Summary
A. Gathered new information
B. Summarized the situation
C. Looked for alternatives
D. Assessed the risks
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Maintain Vigilance
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Maintain Vigilance
• You must continue to be
aware of everything
that is going on, in and
out of the cockpit.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
You have completed the problem solving
strategies.
Please click on the Scenarios tab or the
Next button to continue.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
Scenarios
•
•
•
•
You have seen how Ben and Kathy reacted to their in-flight problems. Ben made a knee-jerk,
instinctive decision, and then failed to make any further efforts to diagnose the problem,
minimize the risks, or further evaluate his decision. However, Kathy used a much better
decision process in which she kept working to obtain additional information, confirming her
diagnosis and refining her plan throughout the flight.
Now let's look at two more scenarios and see how the SDRV process could be applied. In each
of these scenarios think of how you would apply the SDRV process. What would you do in
these situations?
Obviously this would be more effective if we could put you in a simulator and present the
scenarios there. But, just reading and thinking through these situations and how you would
apply the Situation Awareness - Diagnosis - Resolution- Vigilance process may be very
beneficial.
Here are two scenarios requiring some in-flight decision-making.
VFR Scenario
IFR Scenario
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
VFR Scenario
Condition - You have just completed your before landing checklist for arrival at your destination. After
selecting gear down, you notice that the in-transit light remains illuminated and you only get one green
light on your gear position indicator. You have 45 minutes of fuel remaining in your aircraft.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS (plane, path, people)
Plane - Cessna 182RG
Path - Your destination airport is uncontrolled and has a runway which is 2400 ft long, with a 50 ft
obstacle on either end. Winds are currently in line with the runway in-use at 15, gusting to 25 knots.
People - You are well rested and in good health. You have no passengers onboard.
An observer on the ground at your destination has visually verified that your main gear is not coming
down.
Commentary: The main objective here is to keep an emergency from becoming a disaster. If you were
maintaining good situational awareness during your flight, you should be aware of other airports in the
vicinity that might offer better facilities for a potential gear-up landing. You might also be aware of any
other resources, such as the phone number of the FBO that maintains your aircraft. It is always possible
that this has happened before (assuming this is a rental aircraft), and that the FBO could suggest a
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
solution.
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
VFR Scenario
DIAGNOSIS
Info - You have followed the prescribed emergency procedure and there is no change in the position
of your landing gear. Your map indicates that you are approximately 60 miles from the next suitable
airfield. It is controlled, and has a paved runway 5000 ft in length.
ATC is willing to provide radar vectors to the alternate airport if necessary. Contacting them confirms
the 60 NM distance.
FSS indicates that your potential alternate airport is open, no NOTAMS are on file, and the field is VFR.
Commentary: While the diagnosis seems clear in this case (the gear won't come down), the reason for
that failure has yet to be determined. You may wish to investigate further later, but for now the main
question is whether to land here, or to fly to the controlled airfield.
What are your considerations?
First, do you have the fuel required to make it to the other airfield? Second, what are the advantages
and disadvantages of landing there, as opposed to landing here? The wind is in your favor here,
blowing down the runway, so that your touchdown speed will be decreased. However, most
uncontrolled airports have little in the way of emergency equipment. Can you think of some other
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
factors to be considered?
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
Resolution
• Please choose a course of
action
1. Land at the nearest airport
2. Fly to the airport 60 NM away
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
Vigilance
Once you have made your decision, carry it out, but continue to monitor the situation closely. Maintain a heightened
situational awareness for any changes in the weather or in your aircraft -- perhaps the gear failure was just part of
some other problem. Reassess conditions regularly, referring to instrumentation, weather data, etc. Maintain
contact with ATC. Keep your options open, manage remaining risks and eliminate as necessary.
Commentary: If you elect to fly to the further airport, you might use that time to further diagnose the gear problem.
Check the circuit breakers one more time. Did the observer on the ground indicate that the gear was partially
extended -- perhaps just hanging loose? Maybe putting the aircraft into a shallow dive and pulling a couple of Gs will
make the gear drop into place and lock.
Have you alerted the tower at the further airport that you would like the emergency equipment standing by? If you
decided to land at the nearer airport, did you ask the CTAF ground operator to call the fire department?
What else could you do to further minimize the risks of a gear-up landing at either airport or to possibly solve the
gear problem?
Finally, are you keeping control of the aircraft? A gear-up landing need not be a tragedy -- except for the insurance
company. Landing short because you killed the engine to try and save the prop could be a fatal mistake.
Go to the IFR Scenario
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
IFR Scenario
Conditions: You have just noticed a light smoke/strong odor of melting plastic originating from behind the
instrument panel
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS (plane, path, people)
Plane - Cessna 172 equipped with dual Nav/Coms, IFR panel
Path - You are currently at 7,000 Ft (MEA), 105 KIAS, tracking a course of 015. The time is 2300, Fall Season. You are
on a IFR flight plan. Instrument Meteorological Conditions are prevailing. The freezing level is 9,000 Ft. Your
destination is approximately 30 minutes away. Your routing takes you over mountainous terrain.
People - You are well rested and in good health. Your passengers are your immediate family. They are becoming
agitated by the presence of the smoke and odor. ATC (Washington Center) is currently unaware of your problem.
There is light traffic on the frequency. When available, you notify them of your condition.
Commentary: Well, this is certainly a nasty situation. You are in the clouds at night over mountainous terrain, and
something is burning behind the instrument panel. Before you go on to the next screen, stop and think about how
you would react to this situation. The key here is not to let an emergency turn into a disaster. This could just be a
minor melt-down of some component, but if you lose control of the aircraft in the clouds or try to make a night
landing on some unlit mountain road, things could go from bad to fatal very quickly.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
Diagnosis
Gather Info - Engine and other instruments appear normal. You have followed the prescribed emergency procedure
and there is no change in the presence of light smoke and burning odor. After performing the emergency procedure,
you turn your Master/Avionics Master switches On intermittently so that you can keep at least one NAV/COM radio
operation. You have tried switching between both radios. All other non-essential electrical items are OFF.
Communicate --ATC indicates that your nearest airport is 18 NM, heading 180. Current weather there is 1 mile
visibility ceiling 100 Ft, Variable 300 Ft. Your lowest approach minimum at this airport is 1/2 mile and 200 Ft AGL.
Your destination airport is 60 NM, heading 020. Weather there is VFR. There are no forecasted changes in weather at
either airport for the immediate future.
ATC is standing by for your decision.
FSS - Flight Service can only confirm weather information already provided by ATC.
Commentary: You've followed the book, and hopefully you have cut off the power to whatever it is that is melting.
Since you are in the clouds at night, you will certainly have to keep power occasionally to one of the radios so that
you will know where you are.
Is there anything else you can think of to do? Have you added any new equipment recently? Maybe something has
come loose there.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
Resolution
•
Please choose a course of action
•
Commentary: Have you carefully considered the pros and cons of each action? Have
you taken into consideration not just the condition of the aircraft, but your own
personal condition? That is, are you sufficiently cool, calm, and collected to execute a
landing to minimums at night under these conditions? Be honest! If you have never
done this before, do you want to try it now under these conditions? On the other
hand, if you go toward VFR weather and the alternate airport, you are gambling that
the electrical problem does not get worse. If that happens, are you prepared to do an
emergency landing at night in this terrain? Think about how you could minimize the
risks for both of these alternatives.
1. Go to the nearest airport
2. Continue towards the original destination
3. Continue towards VFR weather, execute a forced
landing if necessary
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
IFR Scenario -- Vigilance
Regardless of which alternative you chose, your task now is to Assess and Manage remaining risks, while maintaining
good situational awareness.
Commentary: What are the risks at this point? Obviously, the one foremost in your mind is the possibility of a fire in
the cockpit, and you are doing everything you can to minimize that risk. But, there are also the risks of simply being
in the clouds at night in a very stressful situation. Are you maintaining control of the aircraft?
Are you holding your course toward the airport you selected? What about your altitude over those mountains? It
would be really tragic if you flew into terrain and the accident investigation board later determined that the cockpit
smoke was caused by some minor problem that you fixed when you cut off the non-essential power.
Have you located the fire extinguisher and do you have one of the passengers holding it, ready for use if necessary?
Finally, do you have a flashlight? If all electrical power is lost (which is a distinct possibility), then you will need the
flashlight to see the instruments. (You DO carry a flashlight in an accessible location on all night flights, don't you?)
One of the main ideas behind the SDRV process is that you keep looping through the steps, even after you have
made an initial diagnosis and chosen a course of action.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
IFR Scenario – Vigilance
Some examples of things your should be considering:
Are you maintaining situational awareness? Have you considered how you will make a forced
landing at night if you are forced to do so? Are there any major highways that you might use?
Are you continuing to attempt to diagnose the problem? Are the kids in the back seat playing with
some electronic toys that run off the 12VDC power outlets? Maybe something has shorted there.
Can ATC paint you with their radar as a primary target? If so, perhaps you could switch off the
transponder.
Is your solution still viable? Is the airport you are headed toward still open? Are you sure you have
the fuel required to make it there?
Are you still trying to minimize risks: Do you have a back-up hand-held transceiver? (I'll bet you
buy one if you survive this flight!) Now would be a good time to see if it works, so you could keep
the nav/com radios turned off.
Go to the VFR Scenario
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
Summary
Good judgment is an important skill for a pilot to develop.
Situational Awareness should be maintained at all times
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
• Problem solving
strategy
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
Summary
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
Summary
Remember and practice these components of our overall Problem Solving Strategy
for ill-defined problems in the air:
Situation Awareness
- Monitor
- Evaluate
- Anticipate
- Consider the Plane, Path and People
Diagnosis
- Gather new information
- Maintain control
- Attempt to solve the problem
- Seek outside assistance
- Deep safe options open
- Summarize the situation
Resolution
- Continue to Gather Information
- Summarize and Look for Alternatives
- Manage the Risks
Vigilance
- Maintain Vigilance
- Maintain Situation Awareness
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter
STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
Introduction
Strategies
Scenarios
Summary
THE END
I hope you found the program interesting and that it helps you to be a better,
safer pilot.
Please visit our web site for more evaluation and training exercises:
www.avhf.com
CREDITS
This program is adapted from a program titled, "Progressive Decision-Making for General Aviation
Pilots."
I changed the title because I think that "structured" better captures the concepts behind this training
approach.
The original course was developed by Dr. Richard Jensen and a team of graduate students at The Oho
State University around 1998. Dr. David Hunter (that's me) was the project director for the FAA.
A great deal of credit goes to Ms. Sarah Barber, who based her Masters thesis on this program. Ms.
Barber's research showed that pilots who completed this program actually performed significantly better
on simulator-based tests of in-flight decision-making.
Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter