Aeronautical Decision-Making Training Mnemonics: Experts and Novices Evaluated Five Alternative Methods

W. C. Li, F. E. Wu and T. H. Li

ABSTRACT

The purposes of this study was to analyze the suitability of ADM mnemonics, from the perspectives of instructor pilots and cadet pilots, as a basis for ADM training across a range of different tactical environments.  Sixty instructor pilots and forty-seven cadet pilots in the Republic of China Air Force Academy participated.  They assessed the suitability of five different ADM mnemonics (SHOR –Wohl, 1981; PASS –Maher, 1989; FOR-DEC –Hormann, 1995; SOAR –Oldaker, 1995; and DESIDE – Murray, 1997) in the 6 different basic types of decision-making situation described by Orasanu (1993): go/no go decisions; recognition-primed decisions; response selection; resource management decisions; non-diagnostic procedure, and problem-solving. The findings indicated that SHOR was regarded as the most suitable mnemonic for application in time-limited and critical, urgent situations. DESIDE was thought to be superior for knowledge-based decisions which needed more comprehensive consideration but were less time limited.

KEYWORDS: Aeronautical decision-making (ADM), Human error, Situation assessment, Risk management, Time pressure.。

W. C. Li is a Ph.D. candidate of Human Factors Group, Cranfield University, U.K. F. E. Wu is an Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Management, Cheng-Shiu Institute of Technology. Mr. T. H. Li is in Tactical Fighter SQ, the 737th Wing, R.O.C. Air Force.

© 2006 Crisis Management Society, Taiwan, R.O.C.  Manuscript received 11,October, 2005; accepted 23, April, 2006     JCM060900529TPS