Blog 32: Flight Risk Assessment and Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)

Aalisha Sugur
Jun 29
2 min read

“Flying is all fun and games until you remember that smart decisions keep you in the air—and not on the runway.” — Aalisha, Student Pilot | Princeton Flying School

When I was starting out, I thought flying was all about stick-and-rudder skills and following checklists. Over time, I realized the single most important skill is decision making—knowing when to go, when to hold, and how to evaluate risks constantly. Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) is the structured process pilots use to assess and mitigate risk for safer flights.

In this blog, I’ll walk through the key concepts of ADM and practical strategies I’ve used to make better, safer flying decisions.

What is Aeronautical Decision Making?

ADM is a systematic approach pilots use to identify hazards, assess risk, and choose the best course of action. It combines knowledge, experience, and situational awareness, helping pilots avoid accidents caused by human error.

The DECIDE Model: A Handy ADM Framework

Detect: Identify the hazard.
Estimate: Assess the degree of risk it poses.
Choose: Select a course of action.
Identify: Find options to mitigate the risk.
Do: Implement the chosen action.
Evaluate: Review the outcome and adapt if needed.

I use this mental checklist to keep my decisions clear and rational, especially under pressure.

Common Risks to Assess

Weather changes or deterioration
Aircraft mechanical issues or performance limits
Personal health, stress, fatigue
Airport or airspace congestion
Navigational uncertainties

Each flight brings new and unique challenges—being proactive is the key.

Tools and Tips for Effective ADM

Pre-flight briefings and personal minimums help establish go/no-go criteria.
Continuous in-flight risk reassessment prevents complacency.
Use technology and resources like weather updates and flight following.
Discuss plans and concerns openly with instructors or fellow pilots.

My Personal ADM Lessons

Having to cancel a flight due to marginal weather was tough, but it was a powerful lesson: arriving safely is more important than flying. Learning to say ‘no’ is as important as learning to fly.