Which of the following contributes to hazardous decision-making in pilots?

Complacency and overconfidence are significant contributors to hazardous decision-making in pilots. When pilots become complacent, they may undervalue risks and assume that everything will go smoothly, leading to a lack of attention to detail and preparation. This complacency can stem from routine experiences and familiarity with flight operations, causing pilots to overlook unusual situations or fail to adequately assess potential dangers.

Overconfidence often emerges from a pilot’s previous successes or a belief in their abilities, which may prevent them from seeking help or additional information when faced with challenging situations. This overestimation of their skills can result in poor decision-making, inadequate threat assessment, and an inability to recognize when to change course or abort a mission.

In contrast, strong communication skills and consistent risk management review generally enhance safety and decision-making in aviation. Likewise, while rule-following is essential for safe operations, excessive adherence to rules may sometimes hinder a pilot's ability to adapt and respond to unexpected challenges, but it does not inherently foster hazardous decision-making compared to the effects of complacency and overconfidence. Thus, complacency and overconfidence directly influence pilots’ judgments and actions negatively.