FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)Human Factors and ADMMedium
A pilot uses the DECIDE model to work through an in-flight decision. Which of the following correctly lists the first two steps of this model, in order?
- ADetect and Estimate
- BEstablish and Change
- CConsider and Evaluate
- DIdentify and Do
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Detect and Estimate
The DECIDE model steps are Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, and Evaluate. The first step is to Detect that a change has occurred, and the second is to Estimate the need to react.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Establish and Change are not steps in the DECIDE model.
- C. Consider and Evaluate are not the actual labeled first two steps of the model.
- D. Identify is a later step, and 'Do' comes near the end, not the beginning.
DECIDE Model
A six-step decision-making process used in ADM to work through a problem: Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate.
- Used for continuous in-flight decision making
- Cyclical process—Evaluate feeds back to Detect
- Helps pilots systematically manage changing conditions
Memory trick: 'Dogs Eat Cats In Dark Evenings' = Detect Estimate Choose Identify Do Evaluate