A Review of Pilot Attention Needs and Issues During Flight

Abstract

Automation has been a norm for commercial air travel for many decades, including the first automatic landing by Pan Am in the 1960s. Unfortunately, with automation comes less manual operation, or hand-flying, by pilots. Although this development appears beneficial to both pilots and aviation safety, it has sometimes led to overtrust of the systems, resulting in preventable accidents. It also means pilots may become bored with their jobs and stop using their skills. This loss of skill may result in either unsafe activities or loss of attention. The literature review indicates that automation can lead to less attention, unrelated thoughts, and increased errors. When automation is used, more direct interaction between pilots and the plane, such as occasional manual operation, is recommended to assist with task focus. This inquiry serves as a cautionary example of how automation, while beneficial, can lead to unintended consequences such as skill degradation, over-reliance on technology, disengagement, and error-prone environments. In business, fostering a balance between automation and human involvement is crucial for maintaining performance, attention, and engagement, ensuring employees and systems operate optimally.