Risk Analysis, Pilot Motivation, and Decision-Making: Application of the PAVE Personal Minimums Checklist to Pilot Decision-Making in Three General Aviation Accidents

Abstract

This paper addresses the relative effects of risk and pilot motivation on decisions made by three general aviation pilots. Using the PAVE (Pilot, Aircraft, environment, External pressures) personal minimums checklist, various risk elements related to the flights and information available to the pilots prior to/during flight are considered. The motivation behind each pilot’s decision to go ahead with the flight in spite of adverse conditions is also discussed. Use of the checklist as an in-flight decision-making tool, as well as go/no-go decision-making are considered, and suggestions for further research are offered.