The evaluation of the effect of a short aeronautical decision-making training program for military pilots

Many aeronautical decision-making (ADM) mnemonic-based methods exist, but there is no empirical research to suggest that they are actually effective in improving decision making. In this study, a short ADM training course was constructed around 2 mnemonic methods, SHOR and DESIDE. A total of 41 pilots from the Republic of China Tactical Training Wing participated: Half received a short ADM training course and half did not. Their decision-making skill was evaluated during a series of emergency situations presented in a full-flight simulator on the dimensions of situation assessment, risk management, and response time. As a result of the training, significant improvements were noted in the quality of pilots' situation assessment and risk management, but this was usually at the expense of response speed. The results do strongly suggest, though, that ADM is trainable and is demonstrably effective in improving decision making.