Plain English Meaning

A way of thinking that pushes a pilot toward bad decisions. The FAA names five of these mental traps so pilots can spot them in themselves and shut them down before they cause trouble.

Full Definition

One of five specific patterns of thinking identified by the FAA that can lead a pilot to make unsafe decisions: anti-authority ("don't tell me"), impulsivity ("do something quickly"), invulnerability ("it won't happen to me"), macho ("I can do it"), and resignation ("what's the use"). Each pattern interferes with sound judgment and aeronautical decision-making, and each has a corresponding antidote the pilot is trained to apply when the attitude surfaces.

Context Anchor

Seen in aviation instructor training and discussions, especially when pilots to recognize unsafe thought patterns before they affect a .