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Advanced Avionics Errors

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A primary cause of pilot errors with advanced avionics is inadequate mode awareness and failure to verify correct system configurations, leading to issues like selecting the wrong navigation source, autopilot mode, or mismanaging sequencing.
  • Overreliance on automation, such as using moving maps for primary navigation or trusting VNAV without mental planning, can diminish pilot engagement, situational awareness, and fundamental flying skills.
  • Safe and effective operation of advanced avionics necessitates a deep understanding of how and why systems function (correlation learning), not just rote memorization, complemented by thorough pre-flight briefings and continuous cross-checking.
See a mistake? Contact us.

The FAA and NASA have identified errors commonly made by pilots using advanced avionics. Each of the errors discussed below were unearthed during research in which pilots and flight instructors took part. If we can exorcise these mistakes, our advanced avionics can deliver on their promises of increased safety and utility. Let’s walk through these errors one by one.

Wrong Navigation Source

Center advises you are left of course, but the HSI is centered. Oh, that little NAV source annunciator says you’re on GPS 2 when you thought you were on GPS 1. Set to GPS 2, the autopilot corrects. You resolve to pay that small indicator more attention.

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