Why can high automation increase workload?

Why can high automation increase workload?

• A. Automation reduces all workload.
• B. Programming and verifying the FMS can task-saturate both pilots.
• C. Automation eliminates the need for human pilots.
• D. High automation improves efficiency.

Answer: (A)

High automation shifts workload from manual control to planning, programming, monitoring, and managing automated behavior. When systems are highly automated, pilots spend a lot of time configuring and validating the automation—inputting route data, performance parameters, and mode settings, then continuously verifying that the automation is following the intended plan and catching any discrepancies. This can keep both pilots very busy, especially during transitions or abnormal situations, because several tasks must be done in parallel and timely intervention may be required if the automation misbehaves. That’s why the most fitting explanation is that programming and verifying the FMS can saturate both pilots with tasks. While automation can reduce some manual effort, it does not eliminate workload and can even increase cognitive and supervisory demands. The other statements misrepresent the reality by suggesting workload is always reduced, that humans aren’t needed, or that efficiency alone resolves the issue.

High automation shifts workload from manual control to planning, programming, monitoring, and managing automated behavior. When systems are highly automated, pilots spend a lot of time configuring and validating the automation—inputting route data, performance parameters, and mode settings, then continuously verifying that the automation is following the intended plan and catching any discrepancies. This can keep both pilots very busy, especially during transitions or abnormal situations, because several tasks must be done in parallel and timely intervention may be required if the automation misbehaves. That’s why the most fitting explanation is that programming and verifying the FMS can saturate both pilots with tasks. While automation can reduce some manual effort, it does not eliminate workload and can even increase cognitive and supervisory demands. The other statements misrepresent the reality by suggesting workload is always reduced, that humans aren’t needed, or that efficiency alone resolves the issue.