What may indicate that a pilot is experiencing significant stress?

Inconsistent decision-making is an important indicator of a pilot experiencing significant stress. When under stress, a pilot may struggle to process information effectively, leading to erratic or poor choices that differ from their normal decision-making patterns. Stress can impair cognitive functions and executive control, resulting in an inability to evaluate options calmly and logically. This inconsistency can manifest as hesitation, delayed reactions, or impulsive actions, all of which can jeopardize safety and operational efficiency.

Meanwhile, heightened situational awareness typically suggests that a pilot is effectively monitoring and responding to the dynamics of the environment, a state which can be compromised under stress. Increased confidence and improved communication with the crew may also reflect a pilot's ability to manage stress positively rather than indicate distress. Thus, the presence of inconsistent decision-making serves as a clear marker of stress and its potential negative impact on performance.