Understanding and Managing Cockpit Control Confusion in Operations

 As aviation professionals, we recognize that safety is not merely a procedural formality; it is fundamental to the integrity of our operations. Recently, I viewed an insightful video focused on Crew Resource Management (CRM), prompting reflection on the complexities often encountered in the cockpit, particularly concerning automation. This article aims to address how we can enhance safety by proactively confronting these challenges.

The Role of CRM in Aviation Safety

CRM serves as a cohesive force that binds flight crews in an environment where automation can lead to confusion. The essential principle here is that no one individual should assume the entire burden of decision-making alone. Engaging the entire crew in open and effective communication is critical for safely navigating both manual and automated processes.

Key CRM Strategies for Mitigating Cockpit Confusion

Communication: Speak Up and Be Heard!

 

Effective and assertive communication is vital during high-pressure situations. For instance, consider a scenario in which an aircraft is approaching its destination, and the captain inadvertently selects an incorrect altitude. If a junior crew member observes this but refrains from voicing their concern due to perceived hierarchical barriers, the resulting oversight could escalate into a serious issue. By fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue, such concerns can be swiftly addressed, mitigating potential confusion and enhancing overall safety.

Situational Awareness: Maintain Continuous Awareness (Always Be in the Know )

Situational awareness is paramount, particularly in the context of automation. If an autopilot unexpectedly disengages during a critical phase of flight, a lack of consistent information sharing may hinder the crew’s ability to regain control effectively. An illustrative example occurred when a crew encountered an unexpected autopilot disengagement just before landing; the captain, engaged in configuring the aircraft for approach, failed to communicate this critical event, leading to momentary disorientation and heightened stress levels in the cockpit. Emphasizing the importance of ongoing communication ensures that all crew members remain informed about the flight's status and any necessary operational adjustments.

Team Dynamics: Cultivate Trust and Collaboration

Trust is a fundamental element in effectively navigating the challenges posed by automation. For instance, during a busy operational phase, a crew member may mistakenly assume that thrust management is fully automated and neglect to monitor engine parameters. This could lead to an undesired aircraft configuration. By fostering a culture of trust and collaboration, crew members can rely on one another to manage shared responsibilities competently, especially when automation systems falter.

Leadership: Setting the Pace

Effective and strong leadership is crucial in times of cockpit confusion. A captain who acknowledges the complexities introduced by automation and actively invites input from all crew members creates an inclusive environment. For example, when adjusting for an unexpected weather change, a captain who actively invites input from crew members can unveil different perspectives on the evolving situation. This inclusive approach can prompt timely corrective actions when a crew member identifies unusual behavior within the automated systems, thereby preventing the escalation of potential issues. In contrast, a captain who solely relies on automated systems without encouraging crew participation may miss vital inputs that could prevent unwanted deviations from the intended flight path.

Addressing Challenges Related to Automation Mismanagement

Overreliance on Automation: 

A prevalent issue arises when crews become excessively reliant on systems such as autothrust, leading to a failure to monitor critical parameters like airspeed. For instance, an incident occurred in which a flight crew, overly reliant on autothrust, neglected airspeed control during a climb, resulting in an unexpected descent due to a stall warning activation. If manual adjustments become necessary, this disengagement can render recovery efforts more challenging.

Automation Bias and Automation Complacency

Automation bias refers to the tendency to trust and prioritize information provided by technology, such as an FMGS display, while disregarding manual information sources that may present conflicting data, even when these sources are accurate, like PFD/ND display information. Similarly, automation complacency is a related concept that describes the reduced monitoring of technology due to a diminished suspicion of errors and an increased confidence in its reliability.

Miscommunication During High-Workload Phases:

In scenarios where flight crews manage multiple automated systems, miscommunication can lead to operational chaos. For example, during an approach, if one pilot prepares to disengage the autopilot for landing while the other simultaneously focuses on programming the Flight Management Computer (FMC) for a go-around, the abrupt transition can complicate the landing sequence and elevate the risk of errors, such as misconfigured approach settings leading to unstable approaches.

Cultural Differences in Automation Interaction: 

In multicultural crews, divergent approaches to automation may lead to significant misunderstandings. A notable incident involved a crew member accustomed to a particular airline's automation philosophy misinterpreting standard procedures in a new operational environment, resulting in a failure to follow critical pre-landing checklist items. This exacerbated confusion during a crucial stage of flight and could have led to a hazardous situation.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement Through Training and Feedback

A noteworthy conclusion from the video is the critical need for ongoing CRM training. Engaging in real-world scenario simulations—particularly those involving automation mismanagement—can significantly enhance our preparedness. Regular crew debriefings provide invaluable opportunities to reflect on challenges experienced during flights and to collaboratively identify strategies for improving communication and situational awareness.

Conclusion

As we continue our careers in aviation, we must integrate CRM principles that specifically address the challenges posed by cockpit confusion and automation. By prioritizing clear communication, maintaining situational awareness, enhancing team dynamics, and promoting effective leadership, we can significantly improve safety outcomes in our operations. Let us collectively commit to these principles, aspiring to create safer skies for all. Remember, a unified cockpit is essential for successfully navigating the complexities associated with automation in our flight operations.