How to apply mnemonic-methods for improving pilots in-flight decision-making

Two ADM mnemonic-based methods, SHOR (Wohl, 1981) and DESIDE (Murray, 1997), have been demonstrated to significantly improve military pilots’ in-flight decision-making performance in six different tactical situations (Li & Harris, 2005). However, there is little research concerning how to apply these mnemonics in real world. Method: This research applied focus groups consisting of three senior flight instructors and one aviation human factors specialist, to investigate how to apply the SHOR and DESIDE techniques in different types of decision-making scenarios. Results: The qualitative data suggested that SHOR was the best mnemonic in the recognition-primed decision making scenarios; DESIDE was the best mnemonic for the scenarios concerning non-diagnostic procedural decisions and creative problem-solving. Discussion: Pilots would apply SHOR in time-limited and urgent situations as a result of its concise, logical structure. They chose to use DESIDE when time was available for a more comprehensive consideration of the situation.