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CA.X.A.R5FAA-S-ACS-7B · 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, which 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. AIH ch. 1 (p. 1-13) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  2. PHAK ch. 2 (p. 2-24) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  3. AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-36) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  4. AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-30) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  5. PHAK ch. 2 (p. 2-20) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  6. FAAP874066 Landing Gear Selected Up, OEI Climb Performance Adequate — FAA-P-8740-66
  7. PHAK ch. 2 (p. 2-22) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  8. RMH ch. 6 (p. 6-4) — FAA-H-8083-2A
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