Advisory Circular 60-22: Navigating Aeronautical Decision Making
TL;DR
Advisory Circular 60-22 is a guidance document from the FAA that serves as a foundational resource for Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM). It outlines best practices for risk management, situational awareness, and human factors to help pilots make informed and safe choices in the cockpit.
Advisory Circular 60-22 focuses on Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM), a crucial mental process for pilots. Created by the FAA, this guide discusses key topics to help you navigate the complexities of decision-making while flying.
What is Advisory Circular 60-22?
An Advisory Circular is a form of guidance issued by the FAA to communicate advice and best practices to the aviation community. AC 60-22 zeroes in on Aeronautical Decision Making, covering topics such as:
- Risk Management: Techniques for evaluating and mitigating flight risks.
- Situational Awareness: Keeping tabs on your environment, including weather conditions, air traffic, and the state of your aircraft.
- Human Factors: The psychological and physiological factors that can affect your decision-making process, like stress or fatigue.
Why It Matters
A simple mistake in the cockpit can have dire consequences. This circular serves as an essential guide for pilots at all levels, aiming to equip you with the tools to make safer, more informed decisions.
Practical Takeaways
AC 60-22 provides actionable advice, offering frameworks like:
- The PAVE Checklist: An acronym for Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, and External pressures, PAVE helps you holistically evaluate the factors impacting your flight.
- The 5P Approach: This involves continually updating your understanding of the Plan, the Plane, the Pilot, the Passengers, and the Programming to make real-time decisions.
- The DECIDE Model: A quick decision-making tool that stands for Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, and Evaluate.