Definition
A six-step decision-making framework used by pilots to work through a changing situation in flight. The steps are: Detect that a change has occurred, Estimate the need to react to that change, Choose a desirable outcome for the flight, Identify actions that could control the change, Do the necessary action, and Evaluate the effect of that action. The model is designed to be applied continuously, with the pilot cycling back through the steps as the situation develops.
Plain English
A simple six-step checklist a pilot runs through in their head when something changes during a flight: notice the change, decide if it matters, decide what outcome you want, pick an action, do it, and then check whether it actually worked.
Context Anchor
Seen in aeronautical decision-making discussions, especially when a pilot must make a safe choice during changing flight conditions.
Derivation
DECIDE is an acronym formed from the first letter of each step: Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate. The word was chosen so it spells 'decide' — a memory aid that reminds the pilot the whole purpose of the model is to make a deliberate decision rather than react automatically.
Why Pilots Care
It gives pilots a repeatable structure for handling in-flight changes instead of guessing or freezing, which reduces errors and improves safety.
Intuition Check
DECIDE model does not mean simply “make up your mind.” In this FAA context, it means follow six ordered steps before and after taking action.
Example Sentence 1
When the ceiling started dropping below forecast, the pilot worked through the DECIDE model and chose to divert to the nearest suitable airport.
Example Sentence 2
Using the DECIDE model helped the student pilot choose the safest airport for an unscheduled landing.