Aeronautical Decision Making for Helicopter Pilots

Abstract

Aviation accident data indicate that the majority of aircraft mishaps are due to judgment errors. This training manual is part of a project to develop materials and techniques to help improve pilot decision making. Training programs using prototype versions of these materials have demonstrated substantial reductions in pilot error rates. The results of such tests were statistically significant and ranged from approximately 10% to 50% fewer mistakes. This manual is designed to explain the risks associated with helicopter flying activities, the underlying behavioral causes of typical accidents, and the effects of stress on pilot decision making. It provides a means for the individual pilot to develop an Attitude Profile through a self- assessment inventory and provides detailed explanations of pre-flight and in- flight stress management techniques. The assumption is that pilots receiving this training will develop a positive attitude toward safety and the ability to effectively manage stress while recognizing and avoiding unnecessary risk. The examples used are taken from real accident and incident reports. This manual is one of a series on Aeronautical Decision Making prepared for the following pilot audiences: (1) Student and Private (2) Commercial (3) Instrument (4) Instructor (5) Helicopter (6) Multi-Crew. Keywords: Human factors, Human performance, Aviation safety, Aviation training, Pilot error, Judgment, Rotorcraft.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA180325

Entities

People

  • Jack Thompson
  • Richard E Adams

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accidents
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Aviation Accidents
  • Cognitive Workload
  • Flight Training
  • Health Services
  • Human Behavior
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mental Processes
  • Navigation
  • Navigational Aids
  • Psychology
  • Radio Beacons
  • Students
  • Warning Systems

Readers

  • Aviation Safety Risk Assessment.
  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.