DECIDE in ATC

 DECIDE in Air Traffic Control

 

    One of the major contributions to errors in aviation are mostly due to human error in the workplace.  There is an enormous amount of pressure to maintain an efficient and consistent workflow, and sometimes errors occur.  The FAA has formed of multiple systematic ways for combating stress, risk, and improving safety by creating their Safety Management System's set of ideals and the creation of several mnemonic devices such as the DECIDE model.  Many of the mnemonic devices found apply to situations that pilots would normally undergo, but can also extend to other sectors in aviation.  ATC provides services for pilots both in the air and on the ground and are subject to similar, if not the same, type of the stress that pilots experience in flight.  The DECIDE model helps the controller make decisions by detecting changes, estimating the need to counter the change, choosing a safe and desirable outcome, identifying the actions to could result in a successful change, doing that necessary action, and evaluating the effects of their action by countering the change (PHAK, 2016).  This model becomes especially critical during any emergency that occurs inside the controllers service area; they are expected to provide a well-thought, clear, and concise decision to the aircraft in distress.  Sometimes, that requires the controller coordinating with other controllers in adjacent airspace to produce the safest outcome for the aircraft in distress, or providing additional services for the pilot in order to reduce workload.

 

 Figure 2-14 DECIDE model (PHAK, 2016)

 

 

References

 
Federal Aviation Administration. (2016). 2: Aeronautical Decision-Making. In Pilot's handbook  aeronautical knowledge (PHAK) (pp. 2-19). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Standards Service.