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AA.III.F.R5FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Risk management

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

Bottom line

A contributing factor in many accidents is a distraction that diverts the pilot's attention from monitoring the instruments or scanning outside the aircraft. The first effect of high workload is that the pilot may be working harder but accomplishing less. When a work overload situation exists, a pilot needs to stop, think, slow down, and prioritize.

FAA references

  1. PHAK ch. 2 (p. 2-24) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  2. PHAK ch. 2 (p. 2-22) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  3. AFH ch. 5, Human Factors (p. 5-2) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  4. AIM 7-6-14 (Flying in Flat Light, Brown Out Conditions, and White Out Conditions) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  5. RMH ch. 6 (p. 6-4) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  6. SEA ch. 3 (p. 3-3) — FAA-H-8083-23
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