STAY AHEAD OF THE AIRCRAFT
One common problem every pilot will have to work diligently at is staying ahead of the
aircraft. This means thinking several steps ahead of what the airplane is doing now, rather than
simply reacting to events as they happen. When a pilot gets behind the aircraft, tasks begin to
pile up, situational awareness decreases, workload increases, and the pilot will start to feel
overwhelmed also the likelihood of making an error goes up.
Chapter 2 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) explains that effective
Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) and sound risk management are essential to remaining
ahead of the aircraft. Good pilots continually evaluate the aircraft, the environment, and
themselves while anticipating what will happen next.
How to Stay Ahead of the Aircraft
Plan Ahead
Planning is one of the best ways to stay ahead of the aircraft. Before takeoff, pilots should
thoroughly review:
• Weather
• Route of flight
• Aircraft performance
• Fuel requirements
• NOTAMs
• Airport information
• Alternate airports and contingency plans
During flight, pilots should continue thinking ahead by preparing for:
• Upcoming checkpoints
• Altitude changes
• Radio frequencies and communications
• Navigation tasks
• Arrival and approach procedures
Preparing early spreads the workload throughout the flight instead of allowing it to build during
high-workload phases.
Manage Your Workload
Good workload management helps prevent becoming overwhelmed.
Pilots should:• Complete tasks when workload is low.
• Program navigation equipment before it is needed.
• Use checklists consistently.
• Keep the cockpit organized.
• Avoid unnecessary distractions.
Always remember the fundamental priority:
1. Aviate
2. Navigate
3. Communicate
Flying the aircraft always comes first.
Maintain Situational Awareness
Situational awareness means always knowing:
• Where you are.
• Where you’re going.
• What the weather is doing.
• How the aircraft is performing.
• What you’ll need to do next.
A helpful habit is continually asking:
“What will I need to do in the next five to ten minutes?”
Thinking ahead keeps the pilot proactive rather than reactive.
Use Automation Wisely
Automation can significantly reduce workload—but only when the pilot fully understands how
to use it.
Automation should:
• Support the pilot.
• Reduce workload.
• Never replace active monitoring.
• Never replace sound decision-making.
Pilots must remain mentally ahead of both the aircraft and its automated systems.
Reasons Pilots Get Behind the Aircraft1. Poor Preflight Planning
Inadequate weather briefings, fuel planning, performance calculations, route planning, failure to
load up the necessary navigation data needed for the flight, can create unexpected problems that
demand attention during flight.
2. Fixation (Task Saturation)
Focusing too long on a single task—such as programming a GPS or troubleshooting a problem—
can cause the pilot to neglect other instruments or even flying the aircraft itself.
3. Lack of Familiarity
Flying an unfamiliar aircraft, avionics system, airport, or airspace increases workload and slows
decision-making.
4. Failure to Prioritize
Focusing on radios or navigation before maintaining aircraft control can quickly lead to loss of
situational awareness. Remember:
Aviate → Navigate → Communicate
5. Inadequate Situational Awareness
Losing track of location, altitude, heading, weather, traffic, fuel status, or aircraft configuration
makes it difficult to anticipate what comes next.
6. High Workload During Critical Phases of Flight
Takeoff, climb, approach, landing, and busy terminal airspace naturally require greater attention.
Without preparation, workload can exceed the pilot’s capacity.
7. Delayed Decision-Making
Waiting too long to divert, go around, request assistance, or change plans allows small problems
to become larger ones.
8. Distractions
Passengers, electronic devices, unexpected ATC instructions, abnormal indications, or non-
essential conversation can interrupt the pilot’s workflow.
9. Lack of ProficiencySkills that haven’t been practiced recently require more mental effort, leaving less mental
capacity to manage unexpected events and stay ahead of the aircraft.
Additional Human Factors
Chapter 2 also discusses several hazards that commonly contribute to falling behind the aircraft,
including:
• Fatigue
• Stress
• Distractions
• Overconfidence
• Hazardous attitudes
Recognizing these hazards early allows pilots to make better decisions before they develop into
serious safety issues.
Conclusion
Ultimately, staying ahead of the aircraft is a mindset built on continuous planning,
prioritization, workload management, situational awareness, and timely decision-making.
Pilots who consistently think ahead instead of reacting to events are better prepared to handle
both routine operations and unexpected situations safely.
In addition to chapter 2 of the PHAK the FAA has published an entire handbook, the Risk
Management Handbook. This books goes in depth on great subjects the tie into staying ahead of
the airplane.
Fly Better!
-Gabriel Cox, CFII