FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)Human Factors and ADMHard
During a single-pilot IFR flight, an engine begins running rough while the pilot is also trying to copy a complex reroute clearance from ATC. Applying sound crew (single-pilot) resource management principles, the pilot should first:
- AAsk ATC to repeat the clearance while continuing to troubleshoot the engine
- BImmediately declare an emergency and divert without further analysis
- CIgnore the engine issue since it is likely minor and complete the readback first
- DAdvise ATC of the problem and prioritize flying the aircraft and diagnosing the engine before copying the reroute
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Advise ATC of the problem and prioritize flying the aircraft and diagnosing the engine before copying the reroute
Sound task management under CRM/SRM principles follows 'aviate, navigate, communicate' — flying the airplane and addressing the immediate mechanical problem takes priority over copying a non-urgent clearance, and ATC should be advised of the workload issue.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Trying to do both simultaneously without prioritizing the engine problem increases risk of task overload.
- B. Declaring an emergency immediately without first assessing the problem is premature and not necessarily appropriate.
- C. Ignoring a rough-running engine is unsafe and violates good risk management.
Single-Pilot Resource Management (SRM)
The effective use of all available resources by a single pilot to manage workload, tasks, and decision-making safely.
- Prioritization follows 'Aviate, Navigate, Communicate'
- Encourages task shedding of non-critical duties during high workload
- Includes use of automation, checklists, and ATC as resources
Memory trick: Aviate, Navigate, Communicate — fly first, talk later