FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Human Factors and CRMMedium

An airline crew is using the DECIDE model to resolve an in-flight decision about a hydraulic system caution light. After detecting the problem and estimating its significance, the next step in the model requires the crew to:

  1. ADo the necessary action
  2. BEvaluate the outcome of the action taken
  3. CChoose a course of action
  4. DIdentify alternative actions
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. Identify alternative actions

The DECIDE model steps are Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate. After Detect and Estimate, the crew must Choose a desired outcome, then Identify alternative actions to achieve it, before Doing the action and Evaluating the effect.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Doing the action comes after alternatives have been identified and selected.
  • B. Evaluating the outcome is the final step, after action has been taken.
  • C. Choosing the desired outcome actually comes immediately after estimating significance, before identifying alternatives.

DECIDE Model

A six-step aeronautical decision-making model used to help pilots systematically work through in-flight problems.

  • Detect: recognize a change has occurred
  • Estimate: determine the significance of the change
  • Choose: select a desired outcome for the flight
  • Identify: identify alternative actions to achieve the outcome
  • Do: take the selected action
  • Evaluate: assess the effect of the action taken

Memory trick: Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate — DECIDE it step by step

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