040.03.04.04.14: Describe the limitations of communication in situations of high workload in the flight crew compartment in view of listening, verbal, non-verbal and visual effects.

Particular emphasis must be placed on the importance of communications, as good communication skills can mean the difference between a successful and unsuccessful flight. In the actual environment of flying, several threats exist which can hamper or even prevent good communication. One of the biggest threats is high workload. Information overload has always been one of the biggest communication barriers.

When several tasks require a lot of conscious attention, people tend to reduce communication, because also communication uses up mental resources. Distractions and interruptions can severely compromise flight safety if they occur during critical phases of flight.

Interruptions and distractions may be brief, but they can be deadly. They can cause you to lose focus, which could lead to catastrophic errors. Interruptions and distractions break your train of thought, but sometimes they can also convey information that is critical for safe flight. The key is to learn how to safely manage the inflow of competing information.