Flight Management

Flight management denotes the ability of a pilot to utilize all available resources, both pre-flight and in-flight.  Here is the summary provided by Transport Canada in the Flight Test Guides, which sets out—in broad terms—the qualities of good flight management:

 

Problem Solving and Decision Making

  • anticipates problems far enough in advance to avoid crisis reaction
  • uses effective decision-making process
  • makes appropriate inquiries
  • prioritizes tasks to gain maximum information input for decisions
  • makes effective use of all available resources to make decisions
  • considers “downstream” consequences of the decision being considered

Situational Awareness

  • actively monitors weather, aircraft systems, instruments, ATC communications
  • avoids “tunnel vision” - awareness that factors such as stress can reduce vigilance
  • stays “ahead of the aircraft” in preparing for expected or contingency situations
  • remains alert to detect subtle changes in the environment 

Communication

  • provides thorough briefings
  • asks for information and advice
  • communicates decisions clearly
  • asserts one’s position appropriately

Workload Management

  • organizes cockpit resources well
  • recognizes overload in self
  • eliminates distractions during high workload situations
  • maintains ability to adapt during high workload situations