Flight management denotes the ability of a pilot to utilize all available resources, both pre-flight and in-flight. Here is the summary provided by Transport Canada in the Flight Test Guides, which sets out—in broad terms—the qualities of good flight management:
Problem Solving and Decision Making
- anticipates problems far enough in advance to avoid crisis reaction
- uses effective decision-making process
- makes appropriate inquiries
- prioritizes tasks to gain maximum information input for decisions
- makes effective use of all available resources to make decisions
- considers “downstream” consequences of the decision being considered
Situational Awareness
- actively monitors weather, aircraft systems, instruments, ATC communications
- avoids “tunnel vision” - awareness that factors such as stress can reduce vigilance
- stays “ahead of the aircraft” in preparing for expected or contingency situations
- remains alert to detect subtle changes in the environment
Communication
- provides thorough briefings
- asks for information and advice
- communicates decisions clearly
- asserts one’s position appropriately
Workload Management
- organizes cockpit resources well
- recognizes overload in self
- eliminates distractions during high workload situations
- maintains ability to adapt during high workload situations
