Automation management

Automation management: know at all times which autopilot modes are engaged and which are armed (PHAK ch.2).

• Verify an armed function (e.g. navigation tracking, altitude capture) engages when it should.

Complacency risk:

• Humans are poor monitors of automated systems: passive watching for faults or rare events gives worse performance, and the more reliable the system, the worse the performance.
• FAA advanced-avionics safety issue: unwarranted over-reliance, believing equipment compensates for pilot shortcomings.
• Continued VFR flight into IMC: recurring theme in fatal advanced-avionics accidents.
• Risk rises when the pilot stops monitoring systems and checking results.
• Hand-fly occasionally to keep stick-and-rudder proficiency.

Data entry (PHAK ch.2):

• Automation can make some errors more evident and hide others.
• Mistyped entries can cut situational awareness; high workload can hide them.
• Verify every entry.

EFD use (PHAK ch.2):

• EFD-equipped flight needs the same attention as analogue flight.
• Two rules:
  1. Fly the aircraft to the required flight test standard.
  2. Read and understand the installed electronic flight system manuals.
• EFDs do not replace basic flight knowledge and skills. They are a tool for improving flight safety.
• Risk rises when the pilot believes displays make up for lacking them.

Trap: armed is not engaged. Call out the arm, then confirm it engaged when expected.

Practice