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AI.II.M.R4FAA-S-ACS-25 · 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. 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. When a work overload situation exists, a pilot needs to stop, think, slow down, and prioritize.

FAA references

  1. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-4) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  2. PHAK ch. 2 (p. 2-24) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  3. AIM 8-1-5 (Illusions in Flight) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  4. AIM 4-3-19 (Taxi During Low Visibility) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  5. PHAK ch. 17 (p. 17-26) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  6. PHAK ch. 17 (pp. 17-9–17-10) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  7. PHAK ch. 2 (p. 2-22) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  8. RMH ch. 6 (p. 6-4) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  9. AFH ch. 2 (p. 2-14) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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