Aeronautical Decision-Making Flashcards
7 cards from real RPC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Aeronautical Decision-Making flashcards as text
A remote pilot in command is flying a construction inspection when a bystander walks into the operating area. Using the DECIDE model, the 'Detect' step means the pilot should:
Answer: Recognize that a change has occurred that requires attention
In the DECIDE model, 'Detect' means recognizing that a deviation from the original plan or a new hazard has occurred.
Which hazardous attitude antidote corresponds to the 'Anti-authority' attitude?
Answer: 'Follow the rules — they are usually right'
The antidote for anti-authority is reminding yourself that rules and regulations exist for good reasons and have been developed from experience.
A remote pilot is asked to fly a photographic mission but realizes the area is in Class D airspace without authorization. Feeling pressure from the client, the pilot flies anyway. This best illustrates:
Answer: Anti-authority attitude and plan continuation bias
Disregarding airspace rules under client pressure reflects anti-authority (dismissing regulations) and plan continuation bias (proceeding despite a known hazard).
What does the 'E' (Emotion) element of the IMSAFE checklist prompt a remote pilot to assess?
Answer: Whether personal problems or anxiety are impairing judgment
The 'E' in IMSAFE asks the pilot to evaluate whether emotional state — grief, anger, anxiety — could compromise safe decision-making.
During an aerial photography job, the drone begins behaving erratically due to a suspected compass calibration issue. The BEST aeronautical decision is to:
Answer: Return to home immediately and land to inspect the aircraft
When a malfunction is suspected, the safest decision is to land the aircraft promptly and inspect it before resuming operations.
According to FAA guidance, which factor contributes MOST to the 'error chain' that leads to UAS accidents?
Answer: A series of individually minor decisions and events that compound into an accident
Most aviation accidents result from a chain of events where each link is a poor decision or missed opportunity to intervene — breaking any link can prevent the accident.
A remote pilot is mapping a site and notices a manned helicopter approaching at low altitude. The correct action under ADM principles is to:
Answer: Immediately descend and land, yielding right-of-way to the manned aircraft
sUAS must always yield right-of-way to manned aircraft; the safe and legally required response is to land or descend out of the conflict area immediately.