•  Planning a realistic flight route to maintain situational  awareness. For example, although the onboard  equipment allows a direct flight from Denver,  Colorado, to Destin, Florida, the likelihood of  rerouting around Eglin Air Force Base’s airspace is  high.  •  Being ready to verify computer data entries. For  example, incorrect keystrokes could lead to loss  of situational awareness because the pilot may not  recognize errors made during a high workload period. In a single-pilot environment, an autopilot system can  greatly reduce workload.  [Figure 7-4]  As a result, the pilot  is free to focus attention on other flight deck duties. This can  improve situational awareness and reduce the possibility of  a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accident. While the  addition of an autopilot may certainly be considered a risk  control measure, the real challenge comes in determining  the impact of an inoperative unit. If the autopilot is known  to be inoperative prior to departure, this may factor into the  evaluation of other risks. For example, the pilot may be planning a VOR approach  down to minimums on a dark night into an unfamiliar airport.  In such a case, the pilot may have been relying heavily on a  functioning autopilot capable of flying a coupled approach.  This would free the pilot to monitor aircraft performance.  A malfunctioning autopilot could be the single factor that  takes this from a medium to a serious risk. At this point, an  alternative needs to be considered. On the other hand, if the  autopilot were to fail at a critical (high workload) portion of  this same flight, the pilot must be prepared to take action.  Instead of simply being an inconvenience, this could quickly  turn into an emergency if not properly handled. The best way  to ensure a pilot is prepared for such an event is to study  the issue carefully prior to departure and determine well in  advance how an autopilot failure is to be handled. The key to working effectively with automation is getting  beyond the sequential process of executing an action. If a  pilot has to analyze what key to push next, or always uses  the same sequence of keystrokes when others are available,  he or she may be trapped in a rote process. This mechanical  process indicates a shallow understanding of the system.  Again, the desire is to become competent and know what to  do without having to think about “what keystroke is next.”  Operating the system with competency and comprehension  benefits a pilot when situations become more diverse and  tasks increase.  Contrary to popular belief, flight in aircraft equipped with  different electronic management suites requires the same  attention as aircraft equipped with analog instrumentation  and a conventional suite of avionics. The pilot should review  and understand the different ways in which EFDs are used  in a particular aircraft.  [Figure 7-5] The use of an electronic flight display (EFD) may not seem  intuitive, but competency becomes better with understanding  and practice. Computer-based software and incremental  training help the pilot become comfortable with the onboard  suites. Then, the pilot needs to practice what was learned  in order to gain experience. Reinforcement not only yields  dividends in the use of automation, it also reduces workload  significantly. Automation can assist the pilot in many ways, but a thorough  understanding of the system(s) in use is essential to gaining  the benefits it can offer. Understanding leads to respect,  which is achieved through discipline and the mastery of the  onboard systems. However, it is important to fly the airplane  without complete reliance on the PFD. This includes turns,  climbs, descents, and flying approaches.  As previously discussed, pilot familiarity with all equipment  is critical in optimizing both safety and efficiency. A pilot’s  being unfamiliar with any aircraft system will add to workload  and may contribute to a loss of situational awareness. This  level of proficiency is critical and should be looked upon  as a requirement, not unlike carrying an adequate supply of  fuel. As a result, pilots should not look upon unfamiliarity  with the aircraft and its systems as a risk control measure,  but instead as a hazard with high risk potential. Discipline  is the key to success.  Familiarity Autopilot Systems Respect for Onboard Systems Reinforcement of Onboard Suites Getting Beyond Rote Workmanship Understand the Platform  Figure 7-4. An example of an autopilot system. 7-8