Definition
The skill of operating, monitoring, and supervising automated aircraft systems — such as autopilots, flight management systems, and electronic flight displays — so the pilot remains in command of the flight at all times. It includes knowing what the automation is doing, why it is doing it, when to use it, when to reduce its level, and when to turn it off and hand-fly the aircraft.
Plain English
Knowing how to use the aircraft's automatic systems properly — when to let them fly the airplane, when to take over yourself, and always staying aware of what they are doing.
Context Anchor
Used in flight training whenever a pilot works with panel displays, navigation equipment, or systems that can hold a heading, altitude, or route.
Derivation
Automation comes from a Greek word meaning “self-acting.” Management comes from older words connected with handling or directing something. Together, the term reminds the pilot that even a self-acting system still has to be directed and supervised.
Why Pilots Care
Poor automation management leads to mode errors, loss of situational awareness, and increased risk of incidents.
Analogy
It is like using cruise control in a car. The system can help hold speed, but the driver still chooses the speed, watches the road, and takes over when needed.
Intuition Check
Automation management does not mean the aircraft is managing itself. It means the pilot is managing the automated systems and remains responsible for what the aircraft does.
Example Sentence 1
Good automation management means the pilot always knows which mode the autopilot is in and what the aircraft will do next.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach briefing the instructor stressed automation management to keep the student aware of the aircraft's energy state.