The Pitfall of Sticking to a Failing Plan
đŹ The Hidden Risk in the Cockpit: Understanding Plan Continuation Bias
Youâre on final approach after a demanding dutyâexhausted, yet relieved to be almost home. But as the runway nears, the weather deteriorates far beyond the forecast. Your co-pilot grows uneasy. You should consider diverting, but you think: âWeâre so closeâŚâ Sound familiar?
This psychological trap has a nameâPlan Continuation Biasâand it can lead even experienced pilots into dangerous situations.
In this article, weâll explore what Plan Continuation Bias is, why it occurs, and how you as an EASA aviation student can recognize and avoid it in your training and future flights.
âď¸ What Is Plan Continuation Bias?
Plan Continuation Bias (PCB), also known as get-there-itis, is a cognitive bias where pilots stick to their initial planâeven when changing circumstances clearly warrant a safer alternative.
Itâs especially dangerous in high-stress, time-critical phases like descent and approach when mental workload is already high.
Pilots under the influence of this bias might ignore red flags, dismiss input from crew members, or underestimate environmental threats, all to follow through with an original plan.
đ¨ââď¸ Why Are Pilots Vulnerable to PCB?
Understanding the causes of Plan Continuation Bias is key to preventing it:
– Fatigue influences judgment and reaction time
– Confidence in ability may override awareness of risk
– Desire to complete a long duty or reach a destination on time
– Time pressure and operational demands can encourage âpressing onâ
– Lack of assertiveness or CRM breakdowns can prevent voicing concerns
These factors can combine under pressure, especially during complex operations or in degraded weather conditions.
đ Real Consequences: When “Just Sticking to Plan” Goes Wrong
History provides multiple case studies of tragic outcomes linked to PCBâfrom commercial airliners continuing unstable approaches to private flights persisting into storms.
Many accidents and incidents investigated by EASA and local aviation authorities in Europe have highlighted this cognitive trap as a major contributing factor.
đ Spotting the Signs Mid-Flight
As a student pilot, building situational awareness includes recognizing when your judgment might be compromised. Warning signs include:
– Ignoring updated weather reports or NOTAMs that contradict your plan
– Dismissing logic-based input from your instructor or co-pilot
– Feeling âcommittedâ to the route despite emerging risks
– Pushing onward due to schedule pressure, not safety
đ§ How to Avoid Plan Continuation Bias: Practical Steps
Taking a few deliberate actions during flight planning and execution can help interrupt PCB:
1. Create a âdecision gateâ:
– At set points (TOD, approach fix, etc.), objectively reassess flight continuation.
2. Embrace crew resource management (CRM):
– Encourage active communication and challenge-checking among all crew members.
3. Stick to alternate planning:
– Always have a realistic alternate and be mentally prepared to use it.
4. Set personal safety limits:
– It helps to agree beforehand when a diversion will be called.
5. Use checklists that include judgment prompts:
– âIs continuing still safe?â can be part of descent/approach briefing.
âď¸ Building Better Pilots Through Awareness
As someone training under EASA rules in Europe, understanding human factors like PCB is not just about passing examsâitâs about preparing for real-world challenges. By recognizing how our brains can lead us astray under pressure, we become safer, more competent pilots.
Whether it’s in your ATPL theory sessions, flight training, or crew briefings, always keep safety and flexibility at the forefront of your decision-making.
đ§ Conclusion: Learn to Pause Before You Push Forward
Flying is about managing risk, not just completing a plan. Plan Continuation Bias is a silent hazardâbut one you can actively guard against through training, awareness, and teamwork.
Continue sharpening your airmanship with high-quality resources designed for EASA students across Europe.
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