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Operational Decision Games (ODGs) modeled [with permission] on Tactical Decision Games (TDGs) by John F. Schmitt, Mastering Tactics, Marine Corps Gazette, are designed to accelerate line experience by having players deal with operational situations. ODGs are roughly equivalent to the original concept of LOFT (Line Oriented Flight Training)—that is, before LOFT became a tool to condition pilots to serve Managements' interests—with one exception. ODGs can be played alone. Some games are excerpts of real event reports, some are fictional, some are a mix of real and fictional events. All games are intended to force the line pilot to make decisions within the allotted time. There are neither good nor bad solutions. The intent of ODGs is to encourage the line pilot to reflect on the situation presented and to draw his own conclusions. ODGs are not intended to replace processes such as Operating Procedures. Neither are they intended to prompt questions as to how a given situation developed as it did. The reader is encouraged to sit on the "hot seat" and make decisions based on available information. He should resist the temptation to wait for more information or to take longer than the allotted time to decide. He should also keep in mind that, once a decision has been made, communicated and executed, the exercise is complete.

Each game is divided into five or six parts. Part one presents the situation. Part two challenges the reader to decide and act in the allotted time and to specify his actions. After the allotted time has elapsed, part three prompts him to quote any relevant maxims. Since all scenarios are goal-oriented (the question being, What now...?), the maxim, "Ask what before how" is always assumed. Part four prompts the player to give his rationale for his decision.

Part five is the author's solution. It must be stressed that these are not the right solutions and that the reader is free to disagree with the author. The value of ODGs is in the completion of the exercise within the allotted time. Part six is a case history, if any.

All pilots are encouraged to add their own ODGs and to exchange games. They are also encouraged to stick to the rules. The games should be realistic, brief and simple to present. They should de-identify real events to the extent needed to protect those actually involved, and offer at least one realistic solution.

Good luck and enjoy the challenge.


1. You are the First Officer (FO) and Pilot Flying (PF) of a twin-jet transport, (it does not have a nose wheel steering on the FO's side). During the flight, you were discussing a recent B-737 crash caused by the failure of reverser doors following a go-around. It is 22:43, the weather (Wx) is overcast, 3 miles in rain and fog.

You just landed your A/C, deployed the thrust reversers and are pulling near maximum reverse thrust. Your eyes are on the runway and you notice that, as you modulate reverse, your A/C begins to swing to the right. You compensate first with left rudder then with left brakes too. You glance down at the Engine Pressure Ratio (EPR) gauges and notice that #2 EPR is still near maximum. The noise is deafening. Your airspeed is down to 105 knots and you still have better than 6000 feet of runway. You close both reversers.

As soon as the reverser doors close, your A/C swings violently to the left. You immediately apply maximum right rudder and right brakes, release the left brakes and regain directional control. You once again glance down at the instrument panel and notice that both reversers are stowed, the #1 engine is spooling down to idle, the #2 is in go-around thrust, and the airspeed is increasing through 115 knots.

What now, Mister?

2. In a time limit of 3 seconds, decide what actions or communications you will initiate. Be precise in your response by giving the exact wording of any commands or communications.

3. Quote any applicable maxims

4. State your rationale

Author's solution and case history: (to follow)

(G.N. Fehér, Beyond Stick-and-Rudder, Hawkesbury, 2013, p. 338-339)