Aeronautical Decision-Making

given a vector, or decrease speed, ATC assists and becomes but result in accidents as the pilot diverts attention to the integrated as part of the crew. The services provided by ATC perceived problem and neglects proper control of the aircraft. can not only decrease pilot workload, but also help pilots make informed in-flight decisions. Workload Management Effective workload management ensures essential operations The Flight Service Stations (FSSs) are air traffic facilities are accomplished by planning, prioritizing, and sequencing that provide pilot briefing, en route communications, VFR tasks to avoid work overload. [Figure 2-19] As experience search and rescue services, assist lost aircraft and aircraft is gained, a pilot learns to recognize future workload in emergency situations, relay ATC clearances, originate requirements and can prepare for high workload periods Notices to Airmen (NOTAM), broadcast aviation weather during times of low workload. Reviewing the appropriate and National Airspace System (NAS) information, receive chart and setting radio frequencies well in advance of when and process IFR flight plans, and monitor navigational aids they are needed helps reduce workload as the flight nears the (NAVAIDs). In addition, at selected locations, FSSs provide airport. In addition, a pilot should listen to ATIS, Automated En Route Flight Advisory Service (Flight Watch), issue Surface Observing System (ASOS), or Automated Weather airport advisories, and advise Customs and Immigration of Observing System (AWOS), if available, and then monitor transborder flights. Selected FSSs in Alaska also provide the tower frequency or Common Traffic Advisory Frequency TWEB recordings and take weather observations. (CTAF) to get a good idea of what traffic conditions to expect. Checklists should be performed well in advance so Situational Awareness there is time to focus on traffic and ATC instructions. These Situational awareness is the accurate perception and procedures are especially important prior to entering a high- understanding of all the factors and conditions within density traffic area, such as Class B airspace. the five fundamental risk elements (flight, pilot, aircraft, environment, and type of operation that comprise any given Recognizing a work overload situation is also an important aviation situation) that affect safety before, during, and after component of managing workload. The first effect of the flight. Monitoring radio communications for traffic, high workload is that the pilot may be working harder but weather discussion, and ATC communication can enhance accomplishing less. As workload increases, attention cannot situational awareness by helping the pilot develop a mental be devoted to several tasks at one time, and the pilot may picture of what is happening. begin to focus on one item. When a pilot becomes task saturated, there is no awareness of input from various sources, Maintaining situational awareness requires an understanding so decisions may be made on incomplete information and the of the relative significance of all flight related factors and their possibility of error increases. [Figure 2-20] future impact on the flight. When a pilot understands what is going on and has an overview of the total operation, he or she When a work overload situation exists, a pilot needs to stop, is not fixated on one perceived significant factor. Not only think, slow down, and prioritize. It is important to understand is it important for a pilot to know the aircraft’s geographical how to decrease workload. For example, in the case of the location, it is also important he or she understand what is cabin door that opened in VFR flight, the impact on workload happening. For instance, while flying above Richmond, should be insignificant. If the cabin door opens under Virginia, toward Dulles Airport or Leesburg, the pilot IFR different conditions, its impact on workload changes. should know why he or she is being vectored and be able to Therefore, placing a situation in the proper perspective, anticipate spatial location. A pilot who is simply making turns without understanding why has added an additional burden to his or her management in the event of an emergency. To maintain situational awareness, all of the skills involved in ADM are used. Obstacles to Maintaining Situational Awareness Fatigue, stress, and work overload can cause a pilot to fixate on a single perceived important item and reduce an overall situational awareness of the flight. A contributing factor in many accidents is a distraction that diverts the pilot’s attention from monitoring the instruments or scanning outside the aircraft. Many flight deck distractions begin as a minor problem, such as a gauge that is not reading correctly, Figure 2-19. Balancing workloads can be a difficult task. 2-24