Augmenting Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) With Error and Threat Management Training in Young Pilots

Abstract

The purpose of the presentation is to share best practices used to teach the Threat and Error Management (TEM) framework as a decision-making starting point to adolescent pilots (under 18 years). There is limited research data available on the use of BATD/AATD for teaching aeronautical decision-making and risk management in private pilot certificate training. FAA-S-ACS-6B does not adequately address the strategies and learning outcomes necessary for evaluating aeronautical decision-making other than stating that the evaluator must reference risk management elements of the ACS tasks and develop scenarios “that incorporate and combine tasks appropriate to assessing the applicant’s risk management in making safe aeronautical decisions”. Why adolescent pilots? There are a growing number of high schools offering concentrations in STEM and aerospace to teach critical skills needed to fill jobs and build the pipeline of pilots. The shortage is so severe that the Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) recently applied for an FAA age Waiver Exemption to 16-years for the Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF) Private Pilot Scholarship Flight Academy program. One of the key factors in the decision to grant such a waiver relates to whether or not 16-year-olds are mature enough to make aeronautical decisions. In this presentation, we will share the efforts, lessons learned, and results of the authors to teach aeronautical decision-making to pilots under 18 years as a means to improve safety, reinforce judgment and instill professionalism at an early age.

Authors

• Childs, Joe, D.B.A. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Brewer, Kimberly Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• Aeronautical Decision Making
• ADM
• Threat and Error Management
• TEM
• Young Pilots
• Simulator
• Stem
• FAA
• Age Waiver
• Educational Methods
• Educational Psychology
• Secondary Education