FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)Human Factors and ADMMedium
A commercial pilot flying a light twin decides to fly a demanding low approach in gusty crosswinds to impress a passenger, despite having a calmer alternate runway available. This decision is most consistent with which hazardous attitude?
- AAnti-authority
- BInvulnerability
- CResignation
- DMacho
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Macho
The macho attitude drives pilots to take unnecessary risks to prove themselves capable or impressive to others. The antidote is 'Taking chances is foolish.'
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Anti-authority involves resisting rules or instructions, not showing off skill.
- B. Invulnerability is a belief that accidents happen only to others, distinct from actively showing off.
- C. Resignation involves feeling actions don't matter, the opposite of trying to impress.
Macho Hazardous Attitude
A hazardous attitude in which a pilot takes unnecessary risks to prove superiority or capability to themselves or others.
- Antidote: 'Taking chances is foolish'
- Often triggered by having an audience or passenger
- Can affect pilots of any experience level or gender
Memory trick: Showing off in gusty winds shows a macho mind.