Definition
FAA Advisory Circular 60-22 is the foundational FAA publication on Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM). It defines ADM as a systematic approach to the mental process used by pilots to consistently determine the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances. The circular introduces concepts such as hazardous attitudes, risk management, stress management, and the DECIDE model, and provides guidance for instructors and pilots on developing sound judgment in flight operations.
Plain English
It is the FAA's official guidance document that explains how pilots should think through decisions in the cockpit, recognize attitudes that get pilots into trouble, and weigh risks before and during a flight.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA training material when discussing aeronautical decision-making, pilot judgment, risk management, and human factors.
Derivation
An Advisory Circular (AC) is a non-regulatory FAA document that provides guidance and accepted methods for complying with regulations or improving safety. The number 60-22 identifies its place within the AC numbering system (the 60-series covers airmen). Knowing it is 'advisory' tells you it is recommended best practice, not a regulation you can be violated for ignoring -- though its content underpins material that is tested and expected.
Why Pilots Care
The material helps pilots reduce the judgment errors that lead to most general-aviation accidents.
Intuition Check
Do not read Advisory Circular as just casual advice with no value. It is not usually a regulation by itself, but it is official FAA guidance that instructors, pilots, and examiners may use to understand safe practice.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor referenced AC 60-22 when introducing the five hazardous attitudes during the student's first cross-country planning session.
Example Sentence 2
Reviewing AC 60-22, Aeronautical Decision Making helped the student apply better risk management on cross-country flights.