Definition
A type of pilot error in which the pilot, having correctly perceived and understood the situation, makes a poor choice about how to handle it. The information was available and recognized, but the judgment applied to that information was flawed.
Plain English
You saw what was happening and knew what was going on — but you made the wrong call about what to do next.
Context Anchor
Seen in aeronautical decision-making, accident reports, safety training, and flight debriefs when discussing why a pilot’s choice led to added risk.
Derivation
Decision comes from a Latin word meaning “to cut off,” as in cutting off other options by choosing one path. Error comes from a Latin word meaning “to wander” or “go astray.” Together, the term points to a choice that sends the flight down the wrong path.
Why Pilots Care
Decision errors are a leading contributor to accidents and incidents; recognizing them early improves safety and judgment under pressure.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a decision error as only a mistake made by moving the controls wrong. The control inputs may be smooth and accurate; the problem is that the chosen plan or action was wrong for the situation.
Example Sentence 1
Continuing the approach below minimums after seeing the runway environment was not in sight is a classic decision error.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight briefing the instructor pointed out the decision error of skipping the fuel check before takeoff.