For arrival, which option best describes automation use when the workload is increasing?

For arrival, which option best describes automation use when the workload is increasing?

• A. Disable automation during arrival.
• B. Program and use automation until the workload increases to a level affecting safety and efficiency.
• C. Maintain automation at maximum during arrival.
• D. Fly manually.

Answer: (B)

As workload rises during arrival, automation is used to handle the increasing tasks—speed management, descent, sequencing, and spacing—so the pilot can monitor and intervene only as needed. The best approach is to program and use automation up to the point where the workload would affect safety and efficiency. In practice, you let automation do the heavy lifting while monitoring performance, and you’re ready to adjust or take manual control if the situation reaches a level where relying on automation could compromise safety or efficiency. Disabling automation would unnecessarily raise workload and risk safety; maintaining automation at maximum regardless of changing conditions can reduce the pilot’s ability to respond to evolving constraints; flying manually eliminates automation’s benefits when workload is climbing, making the approach less efficient and more demanding.

As workload rises during arrival, automation is used to handle the increasing tasks—speed management, descent, sequencing, and spacing—so the pilot can monitor and intervene only as needed. The best approach is to program and use automation up to the point where the workload would affect safety and efficiency. In practice, you let automation do the heavy lifting while monitoring performance, and you’re ready to adjust or take manual control if the situation reaches a level where relying on automation could compromise safety or efficiency.

Disabling automation would unnecessarily raise workload and risk safety; maintaining automation at maximum regardless of changing conditions can reduce the pilot’s ability to respond to evolving constraints; flying manually eliminates automation’s benefits when workload is climbing, making the approach less efficient and more demanding.