Plain English Meaning

The urge to act fast without stopping to think. The pilot does the first thing that pops into their head instead of pausing to work out the right thing to do.

Full Definition

One of the five hazardous attitudes identified by the FAA. Impulsivity is the tendency to act immediately, without thinking, when a situation arises in flight. The pilot feels they must do something — anything — right now, and chooses the first option that comes to mind rather than the best one.

Context Anchor

Seen in aeronautical decision-making training, especially when learning to recognize hazardous attitudes before they affect a flight.

Derivation

From Latin 'impulsus' meaning 'a push' or 'driven onward.' The word captures the feeling of being pushed into action by the situation itself, rather than choosing the action deliberately.