Post by newflyer on Oct 8, 2015 19:51:26 GMT
| Name | Description | Antidote |
| Antiauthority | "Don't tell me..." | Follow the rules; they're usually right. |
| Impulsivity | "Do something quickly!" | Not so fast-Think first! |
| Invulnerability | "It won't happen to me...." | It could happen to me! |
| Macho | "I can do it." | Taking chances is foolish. |
| Resignation | "What's the use?" | I'm not helpless. |
Changing Bad Attitudes
Once we recognize that our decision making might be compromised by a hazardous attitude, we can apply a corrective mechanism to our thinking.
When the antiauthority attitude strikes, we need to remind ourselves that the rules are usually right. The regulations we fly by have literally been written in blood and exist for our protection.
When we find ourselves tempted to react impulsively, we can remind ourselves to think first. By reflecting briefly on a situation, we often choose a better course of action than simple reaction.
When we find ourselves thinking that bad things only happen to other pilots (invulnerability), we need to think again. Take mental note of all the factors influencing the safety of the flight. If we put these factors in the context of an accident report-our own-we can make better, more objective evaluations of our situation.
The same goes for the macho attitude. If we find ourselves about to take a chance, we need to reflect on the significance of our decision to fly. Ask yourself how important this flight will be five days or five years from now. Chances are it won't be that important.
Finally, we need to watch out for those times when our abilities become compromised by tunnel vision. When the resignation attitude develops, we must realize that we are not helpless and force ourselves to continue thinking and flying the airplane.
It may have been a harsh step to sell that motorcycle, but the experience reinforced a valuable lesson about human nature. Nobody wants an accident, but they happen all the time. To avoid them, we must constantly make the painstakingly difficult assessment of our own mental condition.