An instrument-rated pilot notices deteriorating weather ahead and unexpectedly reduced fuel reserves during a night IFR flight. Using the DECIDE decision-making model, after detecting the change and estimating the need for action, which step comes next in the six-step process?
- ADo the action immediately without further analysis
- BChoose a course of action after identifying alternatives
- CDelegate the decision to air traffic control
- DEvaluate the outcome of the flight after landing
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Choose a course of action after identifying alternatives
The DECIDE model follows six steps: Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate. After detecting a change and estimating the need to react, the pilot must identify alternative courses of action and then choose the best one before implementing (Do) and evaluating the outcome. Note: some versions list Identify before Choose, but the pilot must select the best alternative before acting.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Acting immediately without identifying and choosing alternatives skips essential steps and risks a poor decision.
- C. The DECIDE model is a personal decision-making tool for the pilot in command, not a delegation process to ATC.
- D. Evaluating the outcome occurs at the end of the process, after the action has been taken, not before choosing a course of action.
DECIDE Model
A six-step aeronautical decision-making process: Detect, Estimate, Choose (a course of action based on identified alternatives), Identify, Do, and Evaluate, used to systematically resolve in-flight problems.
- Detect: recognize a change requiring attention
- Estimate: determine significance of the change
- Identify/Choose: identify alternatives and choose the best action
- Do: implement the action; Evaluate: assess the outcome and repeat if needed
Memory trick: Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate—repeat as needed