12
Resource Management
Single pilot resource management (SRM) was developed as a doctrine by the
FAA under the FAA/Industry Training Standards (FITS) program. It builds on
the concepts of crew resource management (CRM) pioneered by the airline
community and is tailored for single pilot operation of technically advanced
aircraft (TAA). SRM integrates risk management (described in the previous
section), automation management, task management, and situational
awareness.
SRM also balances two important elements: workload drivers and pilot
resources available. The Eclipse 500 pilot’s task is to use SRM techniques and
procedures to ensure that resources always exceed the work load imposed on
the pilot.
Automation Management
The autopilot, auto-throttle, flight management system (FMS), and cockpit
displays and sensors are important tools for SRM as well as for precise
navigation. The pilot must clearly understand the flight automation modes and
be able to select confidently from among the various modes.
Autopilot
The autopilot can provide workload relief and precise lateral and vertical
navigation. To be effective, it must be properly managed.
The pilot should use the autopilot in high workload situations such as high
traffic density in terminal areas where communications and navigation
demands are most likely to be high. It also should be used for instrument
approaches at or near minimums. Using the autopilot enables the pilot to
devote more time to other aspects of flight management, such as situational
awareness and traffic surveillance. However, when pilot workload is light,
hand flying helps to maintain proficient flying skills.
Autopilot Mode Awareness
The pilot should remain aware of what the autopilot is doing and about to
do. The only reliable indications of autopilot active and armed pitch and roll
modes and mode changes are displayed on the Flight Mode Annunciator
(FMA) at the top of the Primary Flight Display (PFD). Make a practice of
scanning the FMA as you would scan any other instrument or synoptic
page.
It is good practice to monitor the FMA for proper response to mode selection
every time a different autopilot mode is selected. Autopilot mode changes
are a two-step process:
1. Select the action on the ACP