Aeronautical decision-making (ADM) is a critical aviation skill that helps pilots assess risks, manage workload, and make safe operational decisions during flight. Effective ADM improves situational awareness and reduces the likelihood of human-error-related accidents.
ADM is decision-making in the unique environment of aviation. It is a systematic approach pilots use to consistently determine the best course of action. It reflects the actions a pilot chooses based on the most current available information.
The importance of learning and understanding effective ADM skills cannot be overemphasized. While progress is continually being made in the advancement of pilot training methods, aircraft equipment and systems, and services for pilots, accidents still occur.
Despite all the changes in technology to improve flight safety, one factor remains the same: human factors that contribute to errors. It is estimated that approximately 80 percent of all aviation accidents are related to human factors and the vast majority of these accidents occur during landing (24.1 percent) and takeoff (23.4 percent). [Figure 1]
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| Figure 1. The percentage of aviation accidents as they relate to the different phases of flight. Note that the greatest percentage of accidents take place during a minor percentage of the total flight |
ADM also involves effective risk assessment and stress management. Understanding ADM also requires understanding how personal attitudes influence decision-making and how those attitudes can be modified to enhance safety in the flight deck. It is important to understand the factors that influence human decisions and how the decision-making process can be improved.
This discussion focuses on helping pilots improve their ADM skills with the goal of mitigating the risk factors associated with flight. Advisory Circular (AC) 60-22, “Aeronautical Decision-Making,” provides background references, definitions, and other pertinent information about ADM training in the general aviation (GA) environment. [Figure 2]
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| Figure 2. Advisory Circular (AC) 60-22, “Aeronautical Decision Making,” carries a wealth of information for the pilot to learn |
The following sections explain the key principles of aeronautical decision-making, including risk management, situational awareness, human behavior, and decision-making in dynamic flight environments.
Aeronautical Decision-Making
1. History of Aeronautical Decision-Making
Explore how ADM concepts developed to improve aviation safety and pilot judgment.
View Topic →2. Risk Management
Learn how pilots identify, assess, and manage operational risks during flight.
View Topic →3. Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Single-Pilot Resource Management
Understand how available resources and teamwork improve decision-making and flight safety.
View Topic →4. Hazard and Risk
Examine the relationship between operational hazards and acceptable risk levels in aviation.
View Topic →5. Human Factors
Learn how physical, psychological, and environmental factors influence pilot performance.
View Topic →6. Human Behavior
Understand how attitudes, emotions, and habits affect pilot judgment and actions.
View Topic →7. The Decision-Making Process
Explore the structured process pilots use to make safe and effective operational decisions.
View Topic →8. Decision-Making in a Dynamic Environment
Discover how pilots adapt decision-making strategies during changing flight conditions.
View Topic →9. Situational Awareness
Learn the importance of maintaining awareness of aircraft status, terrain, weather, and traffic.
View Topic →10. Automation
Understand how cockpit automation affects pilot workload, monitoring, and flight safety.
View Topic →