Flying Magazine warns pilots about automation surprises in technically advanced aircraft

Flying Magazine has published guidance on staying ahead of automation in technically advanced aircraft, cautioning that pilots who push buttons in advance to simplify high-workload situations risk triggering unexpected behaviour from their avionics.

The article addresses a common misunderstanding among pilots flying technically advanced aircraft. When asked what they need to do next during instrument approaches, pilots typically give general answers about descending and turning, but rarely mention the specific button inputs required to make those actions happen. Working out which buttons to push in advance can simplify a missed approach, but the process creates pitfalls.

Prioritization and workload management

Flying Magazine reports that instrument instructors teach pilots to prioritise three tasks above others: rolling out on headings, leveling off at altitudes, and intercepting final approach courses. When these are occurring, other tasks can usually wait. The highest workload typically occurs toward the end of a flight, during instrument approaches or traffic patterns.

One strategy is to move setup tasks earlier in the flight to reduce end-of-flight workload. However, working ahead can lead to errors and what the article calls "automation surprises"—unexpected avionics behaviour triggered by button inputs made too early.

The approach activation problem

Flying Magazine identifies a specific source of confusion: when to "activate an approach." If flying to an initial approach fix without vectors, no activation is needed; autosequencing of waypoints should occur automatically. However, if an approach is loaded with vectors to final, pilots typically need to activate vectors to final at a later point. Activating too early or at the wrong time can lead to unexpected sequencing of waypoints or navigation guidance.

The reporting does not specify what consequences a pilot faces if automation behaves unexpectedly during a high-workload phase, nor does it detail other automation surprises beyond the approach activation issue. Neither does it say whether these issues affect all technically advanced aircraft or particular avionics systems.