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distance. During an afternoon flight with an indefinite ceiling, slight precipitation and the rumble of thunder is encountered. Should the pilot stay aloft, trusting the weather briefing’s assertion that “there is no precipitation in the area,” or land at the first available site as soon as possible? 

• Operation—the interaction between the pilot, the balloon, and the environment is greatly influenced by the purpose of each flight operation. The pilot must evaluate the three previous elements to decide on the desirability of undertaking or continuing the flight as planned. It is worth asking why the flight is being made, how critical it is to maintain the original intent, and if the continuation of the flight is worth the risks? 

## Situational Awareness 

Situational awareness is the accurate perception and understanding of all the factors and conditions within the four fundamental risk elements that affect safety before, during, and after the flight. To maintain situational awareness, a pilot needs to understand the relative significance of these factors and their future impact on the flight. When a pilot is situationally aware, he or she has an overview of the total operation. 

Some obstacles to maintaining situational awareness include (but are not limited to) fatigue, stress, and work overload; complacency; and classic behavioral traps such as the drive to meet or exceed flight goals. Situational awareness depends on the ability to switch rapidly between a number of different, and possibly competing, information sources and tasks while maintaining a collective view of the environment. Experienced pilots are better able to interpret a situation 

because of their base of experience, but newer pilots can compensate for lack of experience with the appropriate fundamental core competencies acquired during initial and recurrent flight training. SRM training helps the pilot maintain situational awareness, which enables the pilot to assess and manage risk and make accurate and timely decisions. To maintain situational awareness, all of the skills involved in ADM are used. 

## The Decision-Making Process 

Understanding the decision-making process provides a foundation for developing the necessary ADM skills. Some situations, such as an extinguished pilot light, require an immediate response using established procedures. While pilots are well trained to react to emergencies, they are not as prepared to make decisions that require a more reflective response. The ability to examine any changes that occur during a flight, gather information, and assess risk before reaching a decision constitutes the steps of the decision- making process. 

## Defining the Problem 

Problem definition is the first step in the decision-making process. Defining the problem begins with recognizing a change has occurred or an expected change did not occur. A problem is perceived first by the senses and then is distinguished through insight and experience. This “gut” reaction, coupled with an objective analysis of all available information, determines the exact nature and severity of the problem. 

## Choosing a Course of Action 

After the problem has been identified, the pilot must evaluate the need to react to it and determine the actions that need 

