PA.X.A.R5FAA-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, which 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. Effective workload management ensures essential operations are accomplished by planning, prioritizing, and sequencing tasks to avoid work overload.

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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