An increasing amount of instrument flying is done using technologically advanced airplanes and sophisticated avionics. Correct use of automation improves safety immensely by giving pilots the time to monitor systems, gather information, and plan ahead. But researchers have found that as a group we do not use automation effectively. Automation presents additional challenges. Over reliance or incorrect use can quickly get us in trouble. To take advantage of the benefits of automation, a pilot must use it at the correct time and have a strategy to maintain proficiency.
Automation Awry
Key Takeaways:
- Automation significantly enhances safety in instrument flying when used correctly, but ineffective use, over-reliance, or insufficient proficiency can quickly lead to hazardous situations.
- Pilots must understand and strategically apply the four progressive levels of automation, selecting lower levels for high-workload or time-critical tasks and higher levels for pre-planned operations, to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
- Extensive automation use can cause essential manual flying skills to atrophy; therefore, pilots must maintain proficiency through frequent and recent practice and always prioritize basic aircraft control ("fly the airplane") when unexpected events occur.
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