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