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Poor Judgement Chains

Not all bad judgements are harmful. The evidence indicates that serious incidents and accidents rarely result from a single error. The more common process is that one poor judgement increases the probability that another will follow and as the poor judgement chain grows, the alternatives for safe flight decrease. Breaking a poor judgement chain relies on:

  1. Recognizing poor judgements.
  2. Checking for stress.
  3. Engaging in problem resolving.
  4. Understanding the influences on our actions.
  5. Searching for other poor judgements.
  6. Reviewing original poor judgement.

Not all of the above steps are immediately useful in the cockpit. Promotion of situational awareness, and good fundamental flying habits are helpful in the first three areas. The last two are more for after the fact, which if successful will help with future situations.