The Five Hazardous Attitudes
The thought patterns that undermine good decisions in the cockpit — and the antidote to each.
Most accidents trace back not to a lack of stick-and-rudder skill but to a decision. The FAA identifies five [hazardous attitudes](/glossary/hazardous-attitudes) that quietly steer pilots toward bad choices. Recognising one in yourself is the first step; each has a deliberate verbal antidote to say and believe.
The five attitudes
1. Anti-authority — *“Don’t tell me.”* Resentment of rules and procedures. Antidote: *Follow the rules. They are usually right.* 2. Impulsivity — *“Do something quickly!”* Acting on the first idea without thinking it through. Antidote: *Not so fast. Think first.* 3. Invulnerability — *“It won’t happen to me.”* Believing accidents happen to others. Antidote: *It could happen to me.* 4. Macho — *“I can do it.”* Taking risks to prove yourself. Antidote: *Taking chances is foolish.* 5. Resignation — *“What’s the use?”* Feeling events are out of your control. Antidote: *I’m not helpless. I can make a difference.*
Using them in flight
Aeronautical decision-making teaches you to pause when pressure builds — a deteriorating ceiling, a late arrival, a “get-home-itis” pull — and ask which attitude might be driving the urge to press on. Naming it (“that’s invulnerability talking”) and reciting the antidote restores a moment of rational choice.
Pair this with a personal-minimums checklist and the PAVE (Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures) and IMSAFE self-assessments. Skill keeps an aeroplane flying; judgement keeps it out of situations that need it.
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*Reference and training only — not for navigation. Always consult the current AIM, your aircraft’s POH/AFM and a certificated flight instructor.*