PA.IX.A.R4FAA-S-ACS-6C · 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. Many flight deck distractions begin as a minor problem, such as a gauge that is not reading correctly, but result in accidents as the pilot diverts attention to the perceived problem and neglects to properly control the aircraft. 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. AIH ch. 1 (p. 1-13) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  3. AFH ch. 5, Human Factors (p. 5-2) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  4. AIH ch. 1 (p. 1-26) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  5. AFH ch. 18 (p. 18-9) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  6. PHAK ch. 9 (p. 9-4) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  7. AFH ch. 2 (p. 2-14) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  8. RMH ch. 6 (p. 6-4) — FAA-H-8083-2A
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