Lesson Overview

The student should develop knowledge of the elements related to cockpit management. The student should maintain an organized cockpit and properly position all controls for correct use. All equipment should be fully understood in order to assist in utilizing all possible resources.

References : Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C)

Key Elements

  1. Good Housekeeper

  2. Passenger Briefings

  3. Internal and External Resources
Elements

  1. Arranging and Securing Materials and Equipment

  2. Use and Adjustment of Cockpit Items

  3. Occupant Briefing

  4. Resource Utilization
Schedule

  1. Discuss Objectives

  2. Review material

  3. Development

  4. Conclusion
Equipment

  1. White board and markers

  2. References
IP Actions

  1. Discuss lesson objectives

  2. Present Lecture

  3. Ask and Answer Questions

  4. Assign homework
SP Actions

  1. Participate in discussion

  2. Take notes

  3. Ask and respond to questions
Completion Standards

The student can efficiently and safely complete a flight as described in cockpit management.

Instructor Notes

Attention

All pilots need to learn to be good housekeepers. An orderly cockpit helps facilitate a safe flight.
Overview

Review Objectives and Elements/Key ideas
What

Cockpit management (single pilot resource management) is a process that combines you, the airplane, and the environment for safer and more efficient operations.
Why

Understanding the elements behind cockpit management (single pilot resource management) provides for a considerably more efficient and safer flight.

Lesson Details

A safe flight utilizes a number of materials and equipment. At times the workload on the pilot can become high, and knowing exactly where the information and equipment needed at any given moment can help insure that the required work items get performed in a timely and safe manner. Therefore it is important to arrange and secure all materials and equipment for the flight.

First ensure that all necessary equipment, documents, checklists, and charts are on board. They should be neatly organized to make them readily available to the pilot. Any wires for portable equipment should be routed such that they do not interfere with the safe motion and operation of aircraft controls. Any items that could be tossed around in turbulence should be adequately secured. Everything which may be accessed or utilized during flight should be readily available, and well organized.

Adjustment of Cockpit Items

The pilot must be able to see both inside and outside references. Therefore all seats should be adjusted optimally so that the pilot has good visibility. Seat belts should be used, and adjusted for a comfortable but snug fit. Belts should be worn at all times during aircraft operations.

Rudder pedals, if adjustable, should be adjusted so that the knees are slightly bent. With the pilot’s heels on the floor and balls of feet on the pedals, there should be a full range of pedal movement. It should also be possible to actuate the brakes fully. These adjustments should be completed on the ground prior to engine start for safety.

Occupant Briefing

Each occupant must be briefed on how to fasten and unfasten the safety belts and/or harness (91.107). You cannot taxi, takeoff, or land without notifying and insuring that each person has fastened their safety belts.

Passengers must be briefed on the proper use of any safety equipment, and information on exiting the aircraft must be given as well. Passengers must fully understand how to use the safety belts and what to do in an emergency.

Resource Utilization

For the pilot to be able to make informed decisions they must be aware of the various resources (both inside and outside the cockpit) available to them. Internal resources can include the aircraft POH, checklists, and equipment. The pilot should know how to use all the equipment in the aircraft and what information it can provide. Modern GPSs have a wealth of information, but some training may be needed to effectively make use of them.

Engage passengers as resources, having them watch for traffic. Encourage them to raise questions if they detect something unusual …​ such as odd smells or noises. However, don’t rely on inexperienced or untrained individuals, and view their input as supplementary.

External resources are available as well. ATC, maintenance technicians, and flight service personnel can be sources of information. Flight service can provide weather and airport information. Other aircraft can provide pilot reports (PIREPS) regarding conditions, and can relay messages to ATC if experiencing communications problems. ASOS/AWOS stations can provide weather information during flights. In the event of an emergency ATC and Flight Service specialists can assist with information.

Common Errors

  • Failure to place and secure essential materials and equipment for easy access during flight

  • Failure to properly adjust cockpit items, such as safety belts, shoulder harnesses, rudder pedals, and seats

  • Failure to provide proper adjustment of equipment and controls

  • Failure to provide occupant briefing on emergency procedures and use of safety belts

  • Failure to utilize all resources required to operate a flight safely

Conclusion

By combining all of the elements of cockpit management (single pilot resource management), the pilot will have a safer and more efficient flight due to a reduced workload and reduced mental stress and fatigue.

ACS Requirements

To determine that the applicant:

  1. Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of cockpit management by describing:

    1. Proper arranging and securing of essential materials and equipment in the cockpit.

    2. Proper use and/or adjustment of cockpit items such as safety belts, shoulder harnesses, rudder pedals, and seats.

    3. Occupant briefing on emergency procedures and use of safety belts.

    4. Proper utilization of all resources required to operate a flight safely; dispatchers, weather briefers, maintenance personnel, and air traffic control.

  2. Exhibits instructional knowledge of common errors related to cockpit management by describing:

    1. Failure to place and secure essential materials and equipment for easy access during flight.

    2. Failure to properly adjust cockpit items, such as safety belts, shoulder harnesses, rudder pedals, and seats.

    3. Failure to provide proper adjustment of equipment and controls.

    4. Failure to provide occupant briefing on emergency procedures and use of safety belts.

    5. Failure to utilize all resources to operate a flight safely.

  3. Demonstrates and simultaneously explains cockpit management from an instructional standpoint.