Air Canada uses the mnemonic AVIATOR developed by Einer Westerlund.
Awareness, Verification, Investigation, Assessment, Tests, Options and
Resolution. This seven step model seemed too long when we
compared it others like;
SOLVE - Share info, Organize priorities, Look for ideas and solutions,
Verify, Evaluate
GRADE - Gather the information, Review, Assess the importance and
prioritize, Decide and Evaluate.
CLEAR - Clarify the problem, Look for ideas and share information, Evaluate
different solutions, Act on your decision, Review pewrformance.
Or a six step model like DECIDE (Transport Canada)- Detect change, Estimate
significance of change, Choose outcome objectives, Identify plausible
action options, Do best option, Evaluate progress. I believe that Bob H.
and Richard J. may have had a hand in the development of this model.
However Judith Orasanu recommends a process ( no mnemonic suggested perhaps
the group could suggest a few) that includes the following seven stages
1. Understand what the problem is before acting
2. Assess the risk and time factors
3. Match your response strategy to the features of the situation
4. Set up contingency plans whenever possible
5. Consider the implications
6. Manage workload to allow time for decision making
7. Create a shared mental model by communicating with the crew: Be sure all
understand what the problem is, what the plan is, and who is doing what.
Perhaps the key is not how many steps there are but how to train the crew
to apply the process in flight.
Norm Dowd