Instrument Flying Handbook Menu>Human Factors>Crew/Cockpit Resource Management>Information WorkloadHardware

Workloads need to be properly managed. The pilot flying in IMC is faced with many tasks, each with a different level of
importance to the outcome of the flight. For example, a pilot preparing to execute an instrument approach to an airport needs to review the approach chart, prepare the aircraft for the approach and landing, complete checklists, obtain information from Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) or air traffic control (ATC), and set the navigation radios and equipment.

The pilot who effectively manages his/her workload will complete as many of these tasks as early as possible to preclude the possibility of becoming overloaded by last minutes changes and communication priorities in the later, more critical stages of the approach. Figure 1-9 shows the margin of safety is at the minimum level during this stage of the approach. Routine tasks that have been delayed until the last minute can contribute to the pilot becoming overloaded and stressed, resulting in an erosion of performance.

Figure 1-9. The margin of safety.

By planning ahead, a pilot can effectively reduce workload during critical phases of flight. If a pilot enters the final phases of the instrument approach unprepared, the pilot should recognize the situation, abandon the approach, and try it again after becoming better prepared. Effective resource management includes recognizing hazardous situations and attitudes, decision making to promote good judgment and headwork, and managing the situation to ensure the safe outcome of the IFR flight.