22
17. Autopilot:
• Use the autopilot when other operational tasks could
distract from positive airplane control and for precise
navigation.
• Use the flight director as desired for precise manual
airplane control and to monitor autopilot performance.
• When flying manually using the flight director, keep it
zeroed or turn it off.
18. In flight, continuously ask yourself these questions:
• Where am I now?
• Where am I going?
• What should I be doing now?
• What should I be doing next?
19. At every opportunity, fly an instrument approach at the
destination.
• Alternate precision and non-precision approaches.
• Alternate autopilot coupled and manually flown
approaches.
Indications of loss of SA
Several sources identify a number of indicators of loss of situational
awareness or links in a developing error chain. The existence of any one of
these indicators does not necessarily indicate an impending problem, but
taken individually or in combination these indicators may indicate a need to
re-assess your situation and take action to improve your situational
awareness and develop alternative courses of action. Be alert for any of the
following indications:
• Failure to meet targets
• Using an undocumented procedure
• Deviating from SOP
• Violating limitations or minimums
• No one flying the airplane
• No one looking out the window
• Communications
• Ambiguity of information
• Unresolved discrepancies
• Preoccupation or distractions
• Confusion or empty feeling