Module 1 — The pilot as part of the system · Lesson 1 of 4 · 10 min
Memory, attention and workload
Pilots process a constant stream of information. To manage it safely, it helps to know how human memory and attention actually work.
Two kinds of memory
- Working (short-term) memory holds what you are using right now — a clearance, a heading, a frequency. It is small (a handful of items) and fades within seconds unless rehearsed.
- Long-term memory stores knowledge, procedures and experience. It is large, but recall depends on training, practice and cues.
Attention is limited too
We cannot truly attend to several complex tasks at once. What feels like multitasking is rapid switching, and every switch costs time and accuracy. Interruptions are particularly dangerous: it is easy to resume a task at the wrong step.
How professionals protect themselves
| Limitation | Countermeasure |
|---|---|
| Working memory is small | Write clearances down; use checklists |
| Switching costs accuracy | Clear PF/PM roles; one task at a time in critical phases |
| Interruptions cause slips | Pause, mark your place, restart the checklist item |
| High workload | Plan ahead, brief early, use automation appropriately |
Knowledge check
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