Aeronautical Decision Making (AC 60-22)
Advisory Circular 60-22, Aeronautical Decision Making, is a free FAA publication that provides guidance on improving pilot judgment and decision-making skills. It introduces the ADM process, hazardous attitudes and their antidotes, crew resource management concepts adapted for single-pilot operations, and stress management techniques.
Why This Document Matters
This AC is the foundation of everything the FAA teaches about pilot judgment. It introduced the five hazardous attitudes (anti-authority, impulsivity, invulnerability, macho, resignation) and their antidotes that are heavily tested on every FAA knowledge exam. While the PHAK Chapter 2 summarizes ADM concepts, this AC is the original source material with deeper case studies and practical scenarios. For CFI candidates, understanding this document thoroughly is essential since teaching ADM is a core responsibility.
Chapter-by-Chapter Guide
What each section covers and the key topics to study
1The ADM Process
The systematic approach to aeronautical decision-making including risk assessment and situation awareness.
The ADM Process
The systematic approach to aeronautical decision-making including risk assessment and situation awareness.
Key Topics
2Hazardous Attitudes
The five hazardous attitudes that interfere with good judgment and their corresponding antidotes.
Hazardous Attitudes
The five hazardous attitudes that interfere with good judgment and their corresponding antidotes.
Key Topics
Study Tips
- Memorize all five hazardous attitudes and their antidotes — this is one of the most frequently tested topics on every FAA knowledge test.
- Practice identifying hazardous attitudes in scenario questions. The knowledge test will describe a pilot behavior and ask you to identify which attitude it represents.
- Understand the DECIDE model: Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate. The DPE may ask you to walk through a decision using this framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the five hazardous attitudes in aviation?
The five hazardous attitudes are: Anti-authority ('Don't tell me'), Impulsivity ('Do something quickly'), Invulnerability ('It won't happen to me'), Macho ('I can do it'), and Resignation ('What's the use'). Each has a specific antidote that pilots should internalize.
Is this AC still current even though it was published in 1991?
Yes. AC 60-22 has never been superseded or canceled. The ADM concepts, hazardous attitudes, and decision-making frameworks it introduced remain the foundation of FAA human factors education and are heavily referenced in current handbooks like the PHAK.
Quick Facts
- Document ID
- AC 60-22
- Last Updated
- 1991
- Cost
- Free
- Publisher
- FAA
Applies To
Study Smarter
Get AI-powered study tools that turn the AC 60-22 into interactive flashcards, practice questions, and personalized study plans.
Try VectoredOps FreeNo credit card required
Master These Documents with AI-Powered Learning
VectoredOps turns FAA handbooks into interactive study tools. AI-generated flashcards, practice oral exams, and spaced repetition help you retain what you read.
Try VectoredOps FreeNo credit card required
Aeronautical Decision Making (AC 60-22) is an official FAA publication available at FAA.gov
VectoredOps is not affiliated with the Federal Aviation Administration. Always verify you have the most current version of any document before use.