Introduction to Glider Flying > Introduction to Glider Flying > Factors Affecting Decision Making > Workload Management

Effective workload management ensures that essential operations are accomplished by plan-ning, prioritizing, and sequencing tasks to avoid work overload. As experience is gained, you learn to recognize future workload requirements and can prepare for high workload periods during times of low workload. Reviewing the appropriate chart and setting radio frequencies well in advance of when they are needed helps reduce workload as your flight nears the airport. In addition, you should listen to the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS), Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS), or Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), if available, and then monitor the tower frequency or the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to get a good idea of what traffic conditions to expect. Checklists should be performed well in advance so there is time to focus on traffic and ATC instructions. These procedures are especially important prior to entering a high-density traffic area, such as Class B airspace.

To manage workload, items should be prioritized. For example, during any situation, and especially in an emergency, you should remember the phrase “aviate, navigate, and communicate.” This means that the first thing you should do is make sure the glider is under control. Then begin flying to an acceptable landing area. Only after the first two items are assured, should you try to commu-nicate with anyone.

Another important part of managing workload is recognizing a work overload situation. The first effect of high workload is that you begin to work faster. As workload increases, attention cannot be devoted to several tasks at one time, and you may begin to focus on one item. When youbecome task saturated, there is no awareness of inputs from various sources, so decisions may be made on incomplete information, and the possi-bility of error increases.

Accidents often occur when flying task require-ments exceed pilot capabilities. The difference between these two factors is called the margin of safety. Note that in this example, the margin of safety is minimal during the approach and land-ing. At this point, an emergency or distraction could overtax pilot capabilities, causing an acci-dent. [Figure 1-10]

Figure 1-11. All experienced pilots have fallen prey to, or have been tempted by, one or more of these tendencies in their flying careers.

When becoming overloaded, you should stop, think, slow down, and prioritize. It is important that you understand options that may be available to decrease workload.