The DECIDE model is a decision-making framework that is widely used in aviation to help pilots make logical and informed decisions during flight operations. It consists of six steps: Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, and Evaluate.
The model provides a systematic approach to decision-making, which helps pilots to evaluate situations objectively and make the best decisions possible.
Logical decision-making is crucial in aviation, as it can mean the difference between a successful flight and a disaster. Pilots must be able to think critically and make informed decisions quickly, even in high-pressure situations.
By using the DECIDE model, pilots can reduce the risk of making impulsive or emotional decisions, and instead, take a rational and methodical approach to decision-making.
The DECIDE Model
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Detect | Recognize a change or expected change, determine the nature and severity of the problem |
| Estimate | Evaluate the need to react, avoid overreaction and fixation, consider influencing factors |
| Choose | Determine the desirable outcome, select a course of action |
| Identify | Formulate or follow a plan or checklist, determine solutions |
| Do | Implement the selected solution, take necessary actions |
| Evaluate | Determine the effectiveness of the solution, repeat the process if necessary |
Detect
The Detect stage is the first step in the decision-making process. It involves recognizing a change that has occurred or an expected change that has not occurred.
The problem is perceived first by the senses and then distinguished through insight and experience.
The pilot uses sensory perception and analysis, as well as an objective analysis of all available information, to determine the nature and severity of the problem.
It is important to correctly detect the problem to avoid critical errors in the decision-making process.
Estimate
When a problem is detected, the next step is to estimate the need to react. This involves evaluating the severity of the problem and determining whether it requires immediate action.
However, it’s important to avoid overreaction and fixation, which can lead to unsafe outcomes.
The pilot’s experience, discipline, awareness, and knowledge all influence how they rank a problem.
For example, a minor issue on a clear day may be perceived as low risk, while the same issue during an IFR climb in IMC conditions with light intermittent turbulence in rain may be considered a higher risk factor.
Ultimately, the pilot must use their judgement to determine the appropriate level of response.
Choose
After detecting and estimating the problem, the pilot must determine the desirable outcome and choose a course of action.
This involves considering all available options and selecting the best one that will lead to the desired outcome.
The pilot must consider various factors such as safety, time, resources, and regulations when choosing a course of action.
Ultimately, the goal is to choose a solution that will lead to a safe and successful outcome.
Identify
During this stage of the DECIDE model, the pilot formulates a plan or follows a checklist to achieve the desired outcome.
They determine possible solutions to the problem at hand. It is important to consider all available options and choose the most appropriate one for the situation.
Do
Once the pathway to resolution is identified and the most suitable solution is selected, the pilot must implement the chosen course of action and take the necessary steps to resolve the problem.
This step involves putting the plan into action and executing the selected solution in a timely and efficient manner.
It is crucial for the pilot to remain focused and avoid becoming fixated on the process to the exclusion of making a decision. The pilot must take swift and appropriate action to achieve the desired outcome.
Evaluate
After implementing the chosen solution, it is important to evaluate its effectiveness. This step involves determining whether the outcome matches the desired result.
If the solution did not produce the desired results, it may be necessary to repeat the process and make a new decision.
Evaluation helps to identify areas for improvement and can inform future decision-making processes.
Example of the DECIDE Model
Scenario: You are a private pilot flying a Cessna 172 on a cross-country flight from Boston to New York City. As you approach the New York City area, you notice that the engine oil pressure gauge is reading low.
DECIDE Model Steps:
- Detect: You detect that the engine oil pressure gauge is reading low.
- Estimate: You estimate the severity of the problem and the need to react. Low oil pressure could indicate a serious problem that could lead to engine failure, so you decide to take action immediately.
- Choose: You choose to divert to a nearby airport to land and have the problem checked by a mechanic.
- Identify: You identify the necessary actions to take to divert to the nearest airport, including selecting the airport and communicating with air traffic control to request clearance for a diversion.
- Do: You implement the identified actions, including flying to the chosen airport and communicating with air traffic control to obtain clearance.
- Evaluate: After safely landing at the airport and having the problem checked by a mechanic, you evaluate the effectiveness of your decision-making process. You determine that your use of the DECIDE model allowed you to make a quick and informed decision, resulting in a safe outcome.
In this example, the pilot followed the DECIDE model to quickly and effectively make a decision when faced with a potential problem. By using the DECIDE model, the pilot was able to take appropriate action and ensure a safe outcome.
Crew Resource Management
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the DECIDE model?
- The DECIDE model is a decision-making framework used in aviation to help pilots make logical and safe decisions in high-pressure situations.
- Why is logical decision-making important in aviation?
- Logical decision-making is important in aviation because the consequences of poor decisions can be catastrophic. By following a structured decision-making process, pilots can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of their passengers and crew.
- What are the steps in the DECIDE model?
- The steps in the DECIDE model are Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, and Evaluate.
- What is the purpose of the Detect step?
- The purpose of the Detect step is to recognize a problem or change in the situation. This step involves using sensory perception and objective analysis to identify the nature and severity of the problem.
- What is the purpose of the Estimate step?
- The purpose of the Estimate step is to determine the need to react to the problem. This step involves assessing the level of risk and considering influencing factors such as experience, discipline, awareness, and knowledge.
- What is the purpose of the Choose step?
- The purpose of the Choose step is to determine the desired outcome and select a course of action to achieve that outcome.
- What is the purpose of the Identify step?
- The purpose of the Identify step is to formulate a plan or follow a checklist to identify solutions to the problem.
- What is the purpose of the Do step?
- The purpose of the Do step is to implement the selected solution and take necessary actions to resolve the problem.
- What is the purpose of the Evaluate step?
- The purpose of the Evaluate step is to determine the effectiveness of the solution and repeat the process if necessary.
