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When Not Following Procedures Is a Safer Way: A Study on Selective Intentional Non-Compliance

Ankersø, Daniel LU and Nielsen, Søren (2025) FLYL01 20251
School of Aviation
Abstract (Swedish)
This study investigates the concept of Selective Intentional Non-Compliance
(SINC) in aviation. Deliberate, context-driven deviations from procedures
motivated by safety in response to dynamic operational conditions. Based on
a survey of 39 European commercial pilots, we analysed the prevalence,
motivations, and perceived outcomes of procedural deviations. Nearly 43%
reported deviating from standard operating procedures (SOPs) occasionally
or frequently in the past year. Of these, 29% indicated safety as the primary
reason. The study found that rigid adherence to SOPs is not always perceived
as the safest course of action and that well-judged deviations may enhance
safety in complex operational scenarios. The findings... (More)
This study investigates the concept of Selective Intentional Non-Compliance
(SINC) in aviation. Deliberate, context-driven deviations from procedures
motivated by safety in response to dynamic operational conditions. Based on
a survey of 39 European commercial pilots, we analysed the prevalence,
motivations, and perceived outcomes of procedural deviations. Nearly 43%
reported deviating from standard operating procedures (SOPs) occasionally
or frequently in the past year. Of these, 29% indicated safety as the primary
reason. The study found that rigid adherence to SOPs is not always perceived
as the safest course of action and that well-judged deviations may enhance
safety in complex operational scenarios. The findings also revealed
underreporting of such deviations, likely due to fear of reprisal or
normalization of success-driven deviations. The research supports the view
that adaptive decision-making based on situational awareness is a critical
safety asset. SINC appears to be a real, underrecognized behaviour that, when
properly understood and supported, could inform procedural design and pilot
training. The study highlights the need to reframe non-compliance in safety
management systems and training to reflect the nuanced realities of dynamic
flight operations. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Ankersø, Daniel LU and Nielsen, Søren
supervisor
organization
course
FLYL01 20251
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Aviation Safety, Selective Intentional Non-Compliance (SINC), Human Factors, Procedure Compliance, Pilot Behaviour, FLYL01
language
English
id
9213938
date added to LUP
2025-10-15 08:56:23
date last changed
2025-10-15 08:56:23
@misc{9213938,
  abstract     = {{This study investigates the concept of Selective Intentional Non-Compliance 
(SINC) in aviation. Deliberate, context-driven deviations from procedures 
motivated by safety in response to dynamic operational conditions. Based on 
a survey of 39 European commercial pilots, we analysed the prevalence, 
motivations, and perceived outcomes of procedural deviations. Nearly 43% 
reported deviating from standard operating procedures (SOPs) occasionally 
or frequently in the past year. Of these, 29% indicated safety as the primary 
reason. The study found that rigid adherence to SOPs is not always perceived 
as the safest course of action and that well-judged deviations may enhance 
safety in complex operational scenarios. The findings also revealed 
underreporting of such deviations, likely due to fear of reprisal or 
normalization of success-driven deviations. The research supports the view 
that adaptive decision-making based on situational awareness is a critical 
safety asset. SINC appears to be a real, underrecognized behaviour that, when 
properly understood and supported, could inform procedural design and pilot 
training. The study highlights the need to reframe non-compliance in safety 
management systems and training to reflect the nuanced realities of dynamic 
flight operations.}},
  author       = {{Ankersø, Daniel and Nielsen, Søren}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{When Not Following Procedures Is a Safer Way: A Study on Selective Intentional Non-Compliance}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}