While aircraft automation can improve efficiency and reduce pilot workload, recent accidents have shown that pilots who typically fly with automation can make errors when confronted with an unexpected event or transitioning to manual flying, according to a U.S. DOT Inspector General report issued late last week. The FAA estimates that automation is used 90 percent of the time in flight.
“Reliance on automation is a growing concern among industry experts, who have also questioned whether pilots are provided enough training and experience to maintain manual flying proficiency,” the DOT IG said. While pilots must be trained, tested and proficient in their aircraft, “The FAA does not have a sufficient process to assess a pilot’s ability to monitor flight deck automation systems and manual flying skills, both of which are important for identifying and handling unexpected events during flight.”
Thus, the DOT IG made two recommendations to enhance the FAA’s ability to ensure that operators sufficiently address pilot monitoring and manual flying skills. One focuses on pilot monitoring metrics that can be used to train and evaluate pilots. The other involves standards to determine whether pilots receive sufficient training to develop, maintain and demonstrate manual flying skills.