INTRODUCTION OF PILOT DECISION MAKING TO THE GLIDER PILOT

Abstract

This paper addresses the history, formulation, and execution of a decision making program presently being presented to glider pilots in the United States by the Soaring Safety Foundation and the Soaring Society of America. The teaching of judgment training and decision making has, since flying began, been passed over lightly in favor of teaching the mechanical aspects of flying, with some instructors believing that judgment could not be taught, but was inborn. The SSF and SSA believe that the application of this course to all glider pilots will cause a significant reduction in accidents. This reduction will not be obvious for several years, but it is anticipated that with proper indoctrination, we will see a steady decrease in judgmental related accidents by as much as 3O% over the 5 year test period. The introduction of the concepts, followed by practice during training, should provide the new pilot (and those receiving this training during recurrent training) a solid foundation for recognition of hazardous situations, whether mental or physical, and more thoroughly complete the training cycle.