Safer Flight Maneuvering

In this series first installment ("The Problem With Flight Training," March 2008), we identified a few of the systemic errors and omissions committed during flight training, and how they feed into typical aviation accidents. We dealt primarily with issues pertaining to the mechanics of flying an airplane. In this second of three articles, well look at some of the psychological aspects involved. A lot of educational material has been generated in recent years on aeronautical decision making, hazardous attitudes and cockpit resource management. The FAA has been actively promoting the Perceive-Process-Perform (P-P-P) risk management decision path as well. Perceiving risk in the P-P-P model is aided with the PAVE checklist; processing levels of risk is facilitated with the CARE checklist; and performing risk management is prompted by the TEAM checklist (see the sidebar on page 6 for more).

Key Takeaways:

• The article argues that while risk management tools exist, inherent human psychological biases—such as prioritizing avoiding obvious losses over maximizing survivability—often lead pilots to make dangerous decisions.
• Maneuvering flight, particularly the controversial 180-degree turnback, accounts for a high percentage of fatal stall/spin accidents, a risk often compounded by these biases and inadequate understanding of elevator control.
• Inconsistent guidance and training within the aviation community regarding critical maneuvers perpetuate these risks, underscoring the need for a unified approach to overcome human nature and improve situational awareness for true safety gains.

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