Avoid common automation surprises by focusing on critical flight priorities during complex instrument approaches. [Credit: Max Trescott]
Key Takeaways:
"Staying ahead of the airplane" involves identifying specific "next two things" (e.g., button pushes) and prioritizing critical flight parameters like rolling out on headings, leveling off at altitudes, and intercepting final approach courses.
While working ahead can reduce workload, premature automation activation (e.g., activating vectors to final too early) or incorrectly pre-setting altitudes can cause "automation surprises" and disrupt the flight plan.
Pilots must thoroughly understand their avionics, actively monitor autopilot actions to verify critical parameters, and know how to effectively recover from automation errors or unintended system changes.
Pilots are taught to “stay ahead of the airplane,” but there’s relatively little guidance on exactly what that means and how to do it. Years ago, a high-time CFII asked me if I knew the most important thing in instrument flying. I don’t recall my answer, but his was brilliant.
He said the most important thing was the “next two things.”
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
Max Trescott is the host of the Aviation News Talk podcast, which focuses on GA and safety. He’s the author of Max Trescott’s G1000 and Perspective Glass Cockpit Handbook and another book on the G3000. He was inducted into NAFI’s Flight Instructor Hall of Fame in 2026 and earned the 2008 National CFI of the Year.
![Avoid common automation surprises by focusing on critical flight priorities during complex instrument approaches. [Credit: Max Trescott]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_2341.jpg)
