Expert, intermediate and novice performance during simulated pre-flight decision-making

This study involved a comparison between the process of information acquisition employed by expert, intermediate and novice pilots during simulated pre-flight decision-making. Using a process-tracing approach, comparisons were made between the types of information accessed, the sequence in which this information was accessed, and the decisions formulated during three pre-flight scenarios. Time-constraints, ranging from seven minutes to two minutes, were manipulated to assess the impact on information acquisition. Consistent with the hypothesis, a qualitative difference emerged between the information acquisition strategies employed by novice and intermediate level pilots, and the strategies employed by expert pilots. The implications of these differences are discussed in terms of the initiatives necessary to facilitate the acquisition of expertise amongst less experienced pilots.