FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)Human Factors and ADMMedium

After an in-flight equipment malfunction, a pilot thinks, 'There's nothing I can do about it now, so why try?' and stops actively managing the situation. This is an example of which hazardous attitude?

  1. AImpulsivity
  2. BMacho
  3. CResignation
  4. DAnti-authority
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. Resignation

Resignation reflects a feeling of helplessness where a pilot gives up control, believing their actions won't matter, which is dangerous because it stops corrective action.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Impulsivity involves acting hastily, not giving up.
  • B. Macho involves risk-taking bravado, not helplessness.
  • D. Anti-authority involves resisting rules, not helplessness.

Hazardous Attitude: Resignation

A hazardous attitude where a pilot feels powerless to influence the outcome of a situation, leading to inaction.

  • Antidote thought: 'I'm not helpless, I can make a difference'
  • Leads pilots to stop problem-solving during emergencies
  • One of five FAA-identified hazardous attitudes

Memory trick: AIM for safety: Anti-authority, Impulsivity, Invulnerability, Macho, Resignation.

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