Automation Dependency in the P-8A Poseidon
Abstract
On September 08, 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration released a study completed by the Flight Deck Automation Working Group. The group identified multiple areas of vulnerability that are having negative effects on aviation safety. One of the areas of concern is degradation of pilot knowledge and skills. In over 60% of the aircraft incident reports reviewed by the working group, errors in manually handling the aircraft were a factor. One of the causes of the handling errors is degradation of pilot stick and rudder skills, which was caused by automation overuse and the lack of manual flight practice. Operational deployments will be the prime time P-8A pilots could suffer from automation dependency. The lack of simulators and pilot training availability in the aircraft could set up pilots to exhibit the effects of automation overuse. Squadrons must take steps to promote the practice and upkeep of manual flying skills to reduce the possibility of pilots' basic flying skills atrophying. The responsibility for continued growth in knowledge and exercise of stick and rudder skills will also fall on the pilots' shoulders. As a professional aviator, a P-8 pilot must hold him or herself to the highest standard and not accept becoming a slave to automation. If both squadrons and pilots take the proper steps, the safe operation of the Navy's newest aircraft will continue.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1175994
Entities
People
- John C. Perkins
Organizations
- Marine Corps University