• Cockpit automation, if used with reason, has many advantages. It greatly reduces crew workload, as the automated systems take over routine tasks. However, if workload is reduced too much and the crew is left with nothing to do, it can easily happen that individual members become hypovigilant - which impairs situational awareness and crew communication. In order to minimise the risk of hypovigilance setting on, it is often recommended that computers should be regarded as additional crew members, implying that they are prone to error and require cross-check. It is paramount that the pilots create a mental picture of the current situation, think ahead and actively analyse what is going on, rathar than simply sit in their seat watching what the aircraft is doing (passive monitoring).

• One of the risks of automation is that pilots who are used to letting the aircraft fly itself are sometimes insufficiently trained in hand-flying, as they really practise their manual flying only in annual simulator check rides. Therefore, pilots should regularly disconnect automated system and practice hand-flying their aircraft to keep up their flying skills, which they might need when automation fails. In regular passenger flights, for example, an ILS approach does not necessarily need to be automatic until braking on the runway, pilots should be encouraged to disconnect the autopilot and perform the localiser and glide slope interceptions themselves.

Note1: Question 406853 is similar to this one.

Note2: Since the option ‘Adhere rigorously to Standard Operating Procedures and checklists, in order to ensure proper use of automation.’ is reported as correct in other exam questions with multiple answers, we would appreciate it if anyone who has encountered this question in the exams could confirm the given options. Thank you in advance!