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:
- While aviation automation enhances safety by reducing pilot workload, improper use, over-reliance, or fixation on complex systems can lead to critical errors, loss of situational awareness, and compromised safety margins.
- Pilots must effectively manage automation by understanding its four progressive levels and knowing when to use lower levels for timely, dynamic inputs and emergencies, versus higher levels that require extensive pre-planning.
- Maintaining manual flight proficiency through frequent and recent practice is crucial, as extensive automation use can cause essential hand-flying skills to atrophy, making basic stick-and-rudder competency the ultimate safety barrier.
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