FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)Human Factors and ADMMedium
A pilot notices a rising level of workload during an instrument approach in turbulence and recognizes a decision point is approaching regarding a possible diversion. According to the DECIDE model, after Detecting the change, what should the pilot do next?
- AEvaluate the effects of the action taken
- BChoose the safest outcome immediately without further analysis
- CEstimate the need to react to the change
- DIdentify alternative courses of action
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Estimate the need to react to the change
The DECIDE model steps are Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, and Evaluate. After detecting a change, the next step is to Estimate the need to react — assessing whether the change requires action.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Evaluating effects is the final step, done after action is taken.
- B. Choosing a course of action comes later, after estimating and identifying options.
- D. Identifying alternatives comes after estimating the need to act.
DECIDE Model
A six-step ADM decision-making model: Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate.
- Used to structure decision-making under changing flight conditions
- Detect comes first, Evaluate is the final step
- Helps pilots systematically manage in-flight problems
Memory trick: Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate — DECIDE it step by step