Which statement best describes how pilots should balance automation and manual flying in high workload scenarios?

• A. Rely entirely on automation.
• B. Fly manually in all phases.
• C. Use automation to assist but fly the airplane first and maintain manual control when needed.
• D. Ignore automation changes.

Answer: (C)

In high workload situations, pilots should use automation to assist but fly the airplane first and maintain manual control when needed. Automation helps manage routine tasks, keep a steady flight path, and reduce workload, but it can misbehave, enter the wrong mode, or deteriorate under stress. Keeping the ability to take manual control preserves your hands-on sense of the aircraft, ensures you can intervene quickly if automation isn’t behaving as expected, and maintains overall situational awareness. The key is to monitor automation, verify that modes and configurations are correct, and be prepared to transition to manual flying during critical phases, unusual situations, or when the workload spike requires more direct control.

Relying entirely on automation can lull you into complacency and leaves you vulnerable if the system fails or modes become confusing. Flying manually in all phases ignores the benefits automation provides for precision and consistency, and it increases workload unnecessarily in many normal operations. Ignoring automation changes can lead to mode confusion, unexpected aircraft behavior, and missed opportunities to use automation effectively.