# Aviation Decision Making

> Models and biases affecting pilot decisions.

- **Subject:** 040 — Human Performance Limitations
- **Section:** 040-03 — Basic Aviation Psychology
- **Topic code:** 040-03-03
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-04-01
- **Author:** Pablo Asensio Martínez
- **HTML version:** https://pilotsyllabus.com/en/human-performance-limitations/basic-aviation-psychology/decision-making/

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## Decision Making Models
Structured methods to solve problems under pressure.

### FOR-DEC
1.  **F (Facts)**: What is happening?
2.  **O (Options)**: What can we do? (Hold, Divert, Continue).
3.  **R (Risks/Benefits)**: Evaluate each option.
4.  **D (Decide)**: Choose the best option.
5.  **E (Execute)**: Do it.
6.  **C (Check)**: Is it working? (Review loop).

### DODAR
Diagnosis, Options, Decision, Assign tasks, Review.

## Cognitive Biases

![Cognitive bias codex](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Cognitive_bias_codex_en.svg)

Mental shortcuts (Heuristics) that can lead to errors.
*   **Confirmation Bias**: Seeking information that confirms our hypothesis and ignoring evidence that contradicts it.
    *   *Example*: Ignoring a "Gear Unsafe" light because you "know" you put the gear down.
*   **Sunk Cost Fallacy (Get-there-itis)**: Continuing a course of action because of resources already invested (time, fuel), even when it's unsafe.
*   **Groupthink**: Desire for harmony overrides realistic appraisal of alternatives.
*   **Expectation Bias**: Seeing what you expect to see.

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Free study notes from pilotsyllabus.com. Not a substitute for training at an approved ATO.