FlyProficient

Task Management

  • Effective task management is the ability to prioritize and perform tasks efficiently and safely, ensuring that critical functions are always addressed
  • Developing strong task management skills involves understanding priorities, managing workload effectively, and employing strategies to avoid common pitfalls like fixation and distraction

Fixation & Distraction

Fixation

Occurs when a pilot focuses excessive attention on a single task or problem, neglecting other critical information or duties

Distraction

Involves diverting attention from essential tasks due to irrelevant stimuli, either internal (ex: worrying about a personal issue) or external (ex: a non-critical conversation)

Sterile Cockpit Rule

FAR 121.542 / 135.100

Prohibits non-essential conversation during critical phases of flight

Situational Awareness

  • requires continuously monitoring the aircraft’s state, location, surrounding traffic, weather conditions, and anticipating future developments
  • involves effective instrument scanning, listening to communications, and looking outside
  • avoid complacency

Collision Avoidance

Flight Deck Management

Workload

  • the amount of mental and physical effort required to perform flight tasks
  • anticipating phases of flight with high workload (departures, approaches, weather encounters) allows pilots to prepare mentally and organize materials beforehand
  • ahead of aircraft (radio frequencies, reviewing charts, planning maneuvers)

Prioritization

1. Aviate

  • maintain control of the aircraft
  • stick-and-rudder skills, proper trim usage, and managing automation effectively

2. Navigate

  • determine the aircraft’s position and ensure it is heading towards the intended destination or an appropriate alternate
  • using navigation instruments, charts, visual references and planning for course changes, descents, or approaches

3. Communicate

  • as necessary with air traffic control, other aircraft, or passengers/cabin crew
  • includes making required position reports, receiving instructions, requesting assistance, or declaring emergencies

Single Pilot Resource Management (SRM)

  • single pilots can manage workload by staying ahead of the aircraft – planning maneuvers, tuning radios, and reviewing charts well in advance

Crew Pilot Resource Management (CRM)

  • clear delegation of tasks and effective communication (CRM principles) are vital

Automation

  • utilizing automation appropriately can reduce workload, but pilots must remain proficient in manual flying and constantly monitor the automation’s performance
  • excessively low workload can lead to complacency and reduced vigilance