CRM Decision making in pilots

A Decison Making Model There is a tendancy to make decisions automatically rather than taking a systematic approach. It is still important to monitor yourself, and when possible follow this decision making model (Smith, 2002[2]): Detect - Detect that a change has occured Estimate - Estimate the need for action to adapt to the change Choose - Choose the most desirable outcome Identify - Identification of actions which will successfully control the change Do - Carry out the chosen actions Evaluate - Evaluate the effect of the action/s Factors Affecting Decision Making Physical Fitness There are many physical factors that can affect the efficiency of our brain. Pilots should follow the IMSAFE model, as a personal pre-flight inspection process. I - Illness M - Medication S - Stress A - Alcohol and Drugs F - Fatigue E - Eating and Drinking One thing that is important to note is that many pilots do not realise how much dehydration can affect them. Take a water bottle with you in flight, and make sure you keep drinking water through out the day. Stress Stress can have a huge affect on our ability to process information. There are many things that can help to reduce stress incuding: Before •Getting a good nights sleep •Looking after your physical fitness •Plan, Plan, Plan •Back up plans •Dont put yourself in a situation which may be stressful in the first place - Avoid weather such as thunderstorms/ Turbulence, fly a route which avoids certain stressful situtations. During •Control the physical environment (E.g. Temperature, wear sunglasses, etc.) •Manage workload by using times of low activity to plan ahead and prepare. •Shed unnecessary work items during high workload times (e.g. general chatter among crew members is usually ceased during take off and landing. This is called a "sterile cockpit". Information specific to the task is the only thing discussed.) Attitudes and Biases