The pilot of a small single-pilot business jet counts over 10 000 hours on type. He/she has spent the day flying his/her passengers on a shopping round trip through European cities. On the way home, at around 8 pm, the passengers start feeling anxious to finally get home. Before departure, the weather conditions at the destination were reported to be fairly good, however the latest ATIS gives visibility and cloud base just above the aircraft’s minima. During the initial approach, he/she is informed of a further deterioration of weather conditions, which will presumably not permit him/her to see the runway at minimum height. Still, he/she decides to continue the approach nonetheless and lands safely at his/her home base.
What is a likely cause for the pilot’s decision to land in below-minimum conditions?
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A
As an experienced pilot, he/she was sure that the weather would improve enough to permit a successful landing.
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B
His/her great experience with the aircraft and the airport gave him the capability to land safely under the given conditions.
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C
The pilot wanted to avoid a delay or even diversion to fulfil the perceived needs of his/her passengers.
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D
His/her decision does not pose a problem, as he/she has landed safely.
A decision shall always be made considering its expected consequences. Still, there is also pressure on any flight crew to consider passenger expectations, as well as flight economy. While these considerations must never interfere with flight safety, decision-making in less critical situations should take all the side effects into account. Any pressure we feel can lead to stress and stress can lead to human error.
- In this case, it seems that the pressure to land on time influenced the pilot to incorrectly decide to continue. Remember that ultimately, it is your responsibility as a pilot to resist on-time pressure and fly safely within the rules.
"Don't press on, press TOGA"
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