ABSTRACT
Technology is now reaching a point of maturity where decision support systems can be designed that utilise the information available on the modern flightdeck to provide an "intelligent cockpit-assistant". The primary intention behind flightdeck automation has been the increase of flight safety and efficiency. Flight crew judgement and decision making have been cited as a key area of weakness. The review of decision making theories led to the development of the integrated decision making (IDM). The IDM appears to provide a useful mechanism for characterising decision making processes although the question of automaticity requires attention. A decision support system could help the crew in determining the best course of action in a given situation. It could present the crew with an assessment of the situation, the options open to them, the probable outcome of each option and the actions required to achieve an outcome.
