The Problem with Automation: Humans vs. Machines | Aviation International News

The Problem with Automation: Humans vs. Machines

Automation reduces workload, creates efficiencies and is highly dependable, but can present pilots with an unexpected, obscure, or highly complex scenario.

digital head — The problem with automation management is twofold; it’s the human and the machine and how they interface with each other. (Photo: Adobe Stock)

By Stuart “Kipp” Lau • Contributor - Safety

November 15, 2021

Mastering automation is a foundational skill required to safely operate any modern state-of-the-art aircraft. Under normal circumstances, automation reduces workload, creates efficiencies and, to a fault, is highly dependable. On rare occasions, these highly reliable systems present pilots with an unexpected, obscure, or highly complex scenario that if mismanaged may quickly deteriorate and jeopardize the safety of flight.

The challenge for professional pilots is to not only understand their own human cognitive limitations but to fully comprehend their aircraft’s automated systems and how each relate. From a practical operational standpoint, those same pilots must maintain proficiency, become experts at monitoring, combat complacency, adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP), and mentally stay out in front of these aircraft during all modes of operation.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Become a Member

Already a member? Sign In

ACSF Data Shows Stable Bizav Risk Amid 2026 Pressures

Altitude and course deviation, traffic proximity remain top categories

ACSF Graphic

Faulty Comms Preceded Marine One/Envoy Close Call

Aircraft remained within separation guidance but neared each other after the presidential helicopter was unable to alert ATC

The White House

NTSB Vice Chair Michael Graham To Retire October 2

Graham leaving agency within months of confirmation to another term

NTSB member Michael Graham

AINsight: Go-arounds Are a Normal and Expected Outcome

UK CAA concerned over rise in unstable approaches continuing to land

business jet from rear

TSB: Rotorcraft More Prone To Loss-of-visual-reference Accidents

Helicopters more than twice as vulnerable to loss of visual reference accidents than airplanes

Photos of a accident site in Nunavut in 2021, taken hours apart, showing the snow-covered, featureless terrain; an overcast sky; and flat white conditions.

EASA: Atmospheric Icing Insufficiently Understood

European air safety agency calls for more comprehensive studies into phenomenon

Article preview image

Embry-Riddle Introduces ‘Safer Skies’ Video Podcasts

First episode features three-time space shuttle veteranJanet Kavandi

Article preview image

Li-ion Thermal Runaways on the Rise in Aircraft Cabins

Numbers are rising and the risk of a serious incident is increasing

Fire containment bag