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Aviation glossary

Hazardous Attitudes

What is hazardous attitudes?

FAA handbook figure illustrating hazardous attitudes

The five hazardous attitudes are dangerous mental patterns that contribute to poor pilot judgment and decision-making: anti-authority ("don't tell me"), impulsivity ("do something quickly"), invulnerability ("it won't happen to me"), macho ("I can do it"), and resignation ("what's the use"). Recognizing a hazardous thought is the first step toward neutralizing it, after which you apply the corresponding antidote to redirect your thinking and take correct action. On the test: know all five attitudes and their antidotes—recognition always comes first.

Also known as: five hazardous attitudes, anti-authority, impulsivity, invulnerability, macho, resignation

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