8.8 5 Hazardous Attitudes - Practice Questions

Identify the hazardous attitude or characteristic a remote pilot displays while taking risks in order to impress others?

• Impulsivity

• Invulnerability

• Macho

Answer explanation

Machismo (or Macho) is a hazardous attitude that describes remote pilots who are always trying to prove that they are better than everyone else are thinking, "I can do it – I'll show them." Pilots with this type of attitude will try to prove themselves by taking risks in order to impress others. And no, this is not just a male characteristic! Women are equally susceptible to macho attitudes. Many times, the basic drive for a pilot to demonstrate the "right stuff" can have an adverse effect on safety, by generating tendencies that lead to practices that are dangerous, often illegal, and may lead to a mishap.

You have been hired as a remote pilot by a local TV news station to film breaking news with a small UA. You expressed a safety concern and the station manager has instructed you to “fly first, ask questions later.” What type of hazardous attitude does this attitude represent?

• Machismo

• Invulnerability

• Impulsivity

Answer explanation

Impulsivity is the hazardous attitude of people who frequently feel the need to do something, anything, immediately. They do not stop to think about what they are about to do; they do not select the best alternative, and they do the first thing that comes to mind.

What is the first step in neutralizing a hazardous attitude in the ADM process?

• Dealing with improper judgement.

• Recognition of hazardous thoughts.

• Recognition of invulnerability in the situation.

Answer explanation

The first step toward neutralizing a hazardous thought is to recognize it. Then, you label it. Finally, you prescribe the appropriate antidote.

What are some of the hazardous attitudes dealt with in Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)?

• Anti Authority (don't tell me), impulsivity (do something quickly without thinking), macho (I can do it)

• Risk management, stress management, and risk elements

• Poor decision making, situational awareness, and judgment.

Answer explanation

The 5 hazardous attitudes dealt with in Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) are Anti-Authority, Impulsivity, Invulnerability, Machismo (or Macho), and Resignation.

What is the antidote when a pilot has the hazardous attitude of “Impulsivity?”

• It could happen to me.

• Do it quickly to get it over with.

• Not so fast, think first.

Answer explanation

Impulsivity describes the attitude of people who frequently feel the need to do something, anything, immediately. They do not stop to think about what they are about to do; they do not select the best alternative, and they do the first thing that comes to mind.

The antidote for this hazardous attitude is, "Not so fast -- think first." Most situations do not require one-second snap decisions. You have time to evaluate and choose an action.

What is the antidote when a pilot has the hazardous attitude of “Antiauthority?”

• Rules do not apply in this situation.

• I know what I am doing.

• Follow the rules.

Answer explanation

Anti-authority describes the attitude of people who do not like anyone telling them what to do. In a sense, they are saying, "No one can tell me what to do." They may be resentful of having someone tell them what to do, or may regard rules, regulations, and procedures as silly or unnecessary. Of course, it’s always your prerogative to question authority if you feel it is in error. But don’t be anti-authority.

The antidote for this hazardous attitude is, "Follow the rules -- they are usually right."" Do not bend the rules to get your way, as it will backfire.

What is the antidote when a pilot has the hazardous attitude of “Macho?”

• I can do it.

• Taking chances is foolish.

• Nothing will happen.

Answer explanation

Machismo (Macho) describes the attitude of remote pilots who are always trying to prove that they are better than everyone else are thinking, "I can do it – I'll show them." Pilots with this type of attitude will try to prove themselves by taking risks in order to impress others. And no, this is not just a male characteristic! Women are equally susceptible to macho attitudes. Many times, the basic drive for a pilot to demonstrate the "right stuff" can have an adverse effect on safety, by generating tendencies that lead to practices that are dangerous, often illegal, and may lead to a mishap.

The antidote for this hazardous attitude is "Taking chances is foolish." Although a certain amount of confidence is required for flying and you are feeling more capable when your skills improve, it’s important to keep a realistic view.

What is the antidote when a pilot has the hazardous attitude of “Resignation?”

• What is the use?

• Someone else is responsible.

• I am not helpless.

Answer explanation

Resignation describes the attitude of remote pilots who think, "What's the use?" and do not see themselves as being able to make a great deal of difference in what happens to them. When things go well, the pilot is apt to think that it is good luck. When things go badly, the pilot may feel that someone is out to get them or attribute it to bad luck. The pilot will leave the action to others, for better or worse. Sometimes, such pilots will even go along with unreasonable requests just to be a "nice guy."

The antidote for this hazardous attitude is, "I'm not helpless -- I can make a difference."" Keep to a safety mindset and decide for yourself if a flight is safe, instead of letting outside pressures push you to the final go / no-go decision.

A pilot feels that accidents never happen to him. He recognizes this as a hazardous attitude. To counter this old attitude, he should have a new attitude that

• whatever will happen will happen.

• it could happen to him.

• he knows what to do.

Answer explanation

This is the hazardous attitude of Invulnerability, where many remote pilots feel that accidents happen to others but never to them. They know accidents can happen, and they know that anyone can be affected, but they never really feel or believe that they will be personally involved. Remote pilots who think this way are more likely to take chances and increase risk.

The antidote for this hazardous attitude is "Yes, it can happen to you!" Just because you’ve never had a motor fail or weather turn bad, that does not mean it will never happen to you.

What should a pilot do when recognizing a thought as hazardous?

• Correct this hazardous thought by making a thorough risk assessment.

• Label the thought as hazardous and then correct that thought by stating the corresponding antidote.

• Avoid allowing this hazardous thought to develop.

Answer explanation

The first step toward neutralizing a hazardous thought is to recognize it. Then, you label it. Finally, you prescribe the appropriate antidote.