Naturalistic decision making in aviation: Understanding the decision making process of experienced naval aviators during novel or unexpected situations in flight

This study examines the decision making process of experienced naval aviators during novel or unexpected situations in flight. Specifically, the study focuses on problems that these aviators encountered and examines what information and strategies were used by these individuals in dealing with their issues.; Eleven experienced F/A-18 naval aviators were interviewed using the Critical Decision Method. Data from these interviews was then analyzed in two steps: (a) first, separately for each participant (within-participant analysis); and then (b) across participants (between-participant analysis) in order to identify themes and patterns that emerged. Additionally, two member checks occurred during the study, after each step of data analysis.; Findings of the study address the following six areas: (a) the types of problems that arose; (b) how the aviators identified problems as novel or unexpected; (c) how the aviators first identified the existence of a problem; (d) cues and factors that were noticed and considered by the aviators throughout their decision making process; (e) strategies utilized by the aviators; and (f) difficulties that the aviators encountered in selecting and implementing these strategies.; Findings of the study are discussed in relation to the literature on decision making, aviation, and human factors. Support is found for Klein's Recognition-Primed Decision model, Orasanu and Fischer's Aviation Decision-Process model, and Endsley's work on situation awareness. Additionally, the findings identify the importance of two contextual factors in the aviation environment that have not been addressed previously: (a) the purpose of the flight (combat versus non-combat); and (b) the flight operation environment (shore-based versus carrier-based). These two factors were found to influence each other in addition to impacting the saliency of certain cues and factors for the aviators. Based on these findings, a model of the Aviator Decision Making Process is developed, thereby contributing to current aviation decision making theory. Implications of the findings for practice are discussed, including the importance of educating aviators on cues and factors that they should be considering in various types of situations, such as when flying off of aircraft carriers or engaging in combat. Limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are also provided.