Pilot Psychology
In aviation pilots have to deal with hundreds of different factors every time they go flying, most of these factors have to deal with the plain or the environment around you. Is the plane structurally sound, do I have enough fuel, is it properly loaded or whether or not the weather is flyable. These factors are usually the most obvious by the pilot and by others. However what if the pilot isn’t fit to fly? There a number of checklists that pilots do to make sure they are fit to fly like IMSAFE, which have pilots check their physical and emotional conditions or hazardous factors before flying, but what about hazardous factors or attitudes during flight?
Student pilots are required to learn and recognize hazardous attitudes during flight as a precaution and hopefully a way to avoid or overcome them. There are five common hazardous attitudes that have been mapped out by the FAA; Antiauthority, Impulsivity, Invulnerability, Macho, and Resignation. Each of these can be very dangerous and if not dealt with, get a pilot killed. Besides recognizing signs of these attitudes in yourself as well as a co-pilot, the FAA offers “antidotes” for each one. Follow the rules; they’re usually right. Not so fast-think first. It could happen to me. Taking chances is foolish. I’m not helpless (Rossier).