Bias in the Cockpit: The Decisions We Don’t Realise We’re Making

Pilots like to believe their decisions are logical, objective, and based on facts.

In reality, all humans, pilots included, are influenced by cognitive bias.

Bias shapes how we interpret information, assess risk, and justify decisions. And under stress, fatigue, or time pressure, those biases become stronger.

Common cockpit biases include:

• Plan-continuation bias (“We’ll just keep going”)

• Confirmation bias (focusing on information that supports our plan)

• Optimism bias (“It’ll probably be fine”)

• Experience bias (“I’ve done this before”)

The most dangerous part? Bias feels like confidence.

SRM training teaches pilots to recognise these mental traps and build deliberate pause points into their decision-making.

It encourages pilots to ask:

• What am I assuming?

• What evidence contradicts my plan?

• What would I advise another pilot to do in this situation?

Good decision-making isn’t about instinct alone. It’s about structured thinking, especially when emotions, pressure, or pride are involved.

SRM gives pilots permission to slow down, reassess, and change course.

Because sometimes, the most dangerous decision is the one that feels easiest.