What Is the 3P Model and When Should It Be Used?

3P Model Overview

In the 3P model, the intended flow is:

While PAVE identifies hazards, CARE can help you think deeper about those hazards, which may cause you to notice additional hazards you missed initially.

Here's a concrete example:

1️⃣ Perceive using PAVE

Pilot: fatigue

EnVironment: marginal weather

2️⃣ Process using CARE

Consequences → fatigue + weather = poor decision making

Alternatives → delay flight

Reality → conditions worsening

External pressures → meeting tomorrow

During that CARE step you might suddenly realize:

➡️ I’m also under time pressure.

That becomes another hazard you now perceive. So the process is iterative.

For the PAR exam and checkride, remember:

PAVE → CARE → TEAM

PAVE identifies hazards

CARE evaluates the risk

TEAM manages the risk

How the 3P Model Fits With Other Models

3P and ADM

Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) is the broad philosophy: it's a systematic approach to identifying hazards, assessing risk, and making safe decisions. The FAA provides several tools to implement ADM, and the 3P model is one of those tools.

Think of it like this:

3P and IMSAFE

Specificially, IMSAFE fits within PAVE: the Pilot category can be evaluated using IMSAFE.

IMSAFE evaluates pilot readiness:

• Illness
• Medication
• Stress
• Alcohol
• Fatigue
• Emotion

3P and 5Ps

5Ps is a trigger for the 3P cycle: the 5Ps model helps pilots know when to run the 3P cycle.

The five variables are:

• Plan
• Plane
• Pilot
• Passengers
• Programming

Pilots review the 5Ps at key decision points during the flight. When something changes, the pilot runs the 3P process.

3P and DECIDE

DECIDE is another structured decision model:

• Detect
• Estimate
• Choose
• Identify
• Do
• Evaluate

It serves a similar purpose to the 3P model but is more detailed. Many instructors consider 3P the simplified operational version of DECIDE, and can can be thought of as an alternative model to aid with decision making.