Compulsion - Actions that are Irrational
The term compulsion refers to an individual's irresistible tendency to perform an action, even though he realizes it is irrational.
For a pilot, this "compulsion" to go on in the face of weather conditions that were quickly deteriorating is a good example.
The feeling, irrational as it was, signaled that the weather condition was "circumnavigable" and that it would be better to the West. All of us have correctly thought such thoughts and made decisions based on new information from observatios or the FSS and had the decision turn out well.
Reasonable reponses to such thoughts is different from compulsion. An irrational response, one that could lead to an accident, may be compared to a physiological change you already know about; i.e., hypoxia or alcohol related.
Compulsion can be recognized if the pilot is alert. It is a feeling that is not backed up by information. The "Get-home-itis" feeling, which we have all experienced, is not a compulsion. A compulsion is more subtle. It relies on less obvious thoughts and personality factors. Those less obvious factors can lead a VFR pilot to continue flight into adverse weather conditions that are beyond his ability to handle.
This leads into a discussion of the intensity of the compulsion. The intensity is directly related to:
These less obvious factors may push the pilot into an irrational act based on compulsion.
What we, as pilots, need to do is recognize early that we are in emotional danger. When cold, hard facts or experience say "Do not go on!" Make the conservative decision.
If you can recognize the trap of compulsion and arrive at the "right" decision...you will be safe and a loved one will be very glad that you did.
The term compulsion refers to an individual's irresistible tendency to perform an action, even though he realizes it is irrational.
For a pilot, this "compulsion" to go on in the face of weather conditions that were quickly deteriorating is a good example.
The feeling, irrational as it was, signaled that the weather condition was "circumnavigable" and that it would be better to the West. All of us have correctly thought such thoughts and made decisions based on new information from observatios or the FSS and had the decision turn out well.
Reasonable reponses to such thoughts is different from compulsion. An irrational response, one that could lead to an accident, may be compared to a physiological change you already know about; i.e., hypoxia or alcohol related.
Compulsion can be recognized if the pilot is alert. It is a feeling that is not backed up by information. The "Get-home-itis" feeling, which we have all experienced, is not a compulsion. A compulsion is more subtle. It relies on less obvious thoughts and personality factors. Those less obvious factors can lead a VFR pilot to continue flight into adverse weather conditions that are beyond his ability to handle.
This leads into a discussion of the intensity of the compulsion. The intensity is directly related to:
- The amount of success a pilot that has received praise for overcoming obstacles
- The number of times he has cut corners successfully
- What it means to him as a pilot
- The thrill of skirting danger.
These less obvious factors may push the pilot into an irrational act based on compulsion.
What we, as pilots, need to do is recognize early that we are in emotional danger. When cold, hard facts or experience say "Do not go on!" Make the conservative decision.
If you can recognize the trap of compulsion and arrive at the "right" decision...you will be safe and a loved one will be very glad that you did.
