Making good decisions means deciding not to attempt to land from this position well before shooting the approach.

By Ray Leis

Pilots are always finding new and inventive ways to bend sheet metal, injure themselves and hurt their passengers. Many accidents are rightly attributed to pilot error, but could just as well be labeled “error in judgment,” despite the pilot’s skills. Unfortunately, it’s easier to develop good flying skills than it is good judgment.

But what is “judgment,” and how can pilots better learn to practice it and make better decisions? How does a lack of judgment result in accidents? And what tools are available to help us make better decisions? …