DECIDE

Decision-Making Model

A structured six-step decision loop:

• Detect a change needing attention
• Estimate the need to counter or react to the change
• Choose the most desirable outcome for the flight
• Identify actions to successfully control the change
• Do something — take the action needed to adapt to the change
• Evaluate the effect of the action countering the change

Also covered in the FAA Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2).

Source FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25), Aeronautical Decision-Making↗ · checked 26 Aug 2026