What is aeronautical decision-making (ADM)?

Aeronautical decision-making (ADM) is fundamentally a systematic approach to assessing and managing risks that pilots encounter during flight. It encompasses the processes involved in making informed decisions, considering both immediate and long-term safety and operational factors. This systematic approach is crucial because it allows pilots to evaluate potential hazards, assess their own personal capabilities, and determine the best course of action to mitigate any risks. By relying on structured decision-making techniques, pilots can improve their judgment and enhance flight safety overall.

The other choices are more specialized techniques or preferences that do not capture the essence of ADM. For example, a preference for flying at night addresses a specific type of flying scenario without incorporating the broader decision-making processes involved in managing diverse flight-related risks. Similarly, techniques for fuel management and learning flight maneuvers through observation do refer to important areas of aviation, but they do not encapsulate the comprehensive risk assessment and management component that defines aeronautical decision-making.