The No 8 Helicopter Wing, Air Force Base Takoradi, hosted a forum on Aeronautical Decision Making during adverse weather operations on Thursday 24 July 2025.

In his opening remarks, the Base Commander, Air Force Base Takoradi, Air Commodore Eric Yirenkyi, underscored the critical role of decision-making during hazardous weather. He made this assertion at the Ashley Lassen Hangar Conference Room, where Commanding Officers, pilots, aircrew, meteorological and fire professionals gathered to strengthen operational readiness.

He emphasised that aviation safety goes beyond technical flying skills and described flying as a discipline of continuous decision-making and sound judgement, particularly in poor weather conditions such as low visibility, turbulence, icing, and storms.

He observed that it is often not the severity of the weather, but the quality of decisions made under pressure that determines mission outcomes. Citing incidents like the MI-171 SH landing at Bosokrom, he reminded participants that weather risks are immediate and demand constant vigilance.

Describing the forum as timely and necessary, he called for the integration of decision-making training into the Air Force’s curriculum and operational culture to transform safety from a regulation into a shared value.

Air Commodore Yirenkyi urged personnel to train their mind, teach the crew, and trust the process, stressing that the skies reward disciplined and deliberate decisions.

Squadron Leader Peter Honyenuga shed light on the psychological and procedural aspects of aeronautical decision-making. His presentation focused on how crew members make decisions under stress and highlighted common pitfalls during missions affected by poor weather.

The forum featured expert presentations, scenario-based discussions, and collaborative strategy sessions between Flight Crews and Meteorological Officers, all aimed at enhancing mission readiness and reinforcing safety.