Have you ever wondered what pilots are actually doing in the cockpit while cruising tens of thousands of feet in the air, especially when the autopilot is engaged? It’s a common misconception that pilots are just passive observers during these phases of flight. In reality, their role is far more complex and dynamic. Let’s figure out.

Weather

Despite the widespread use of autopilot in modern aviation, pilots play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and efficient flight. One of their primary responsibilities during all phases of flight, including when the autopilot is engaged, is weather avoidance. Pilots are tasked with navigating around convective weather, such as thunderstorms, and in rarer cases, avoiding volcanic ash or wildfire smoke. Weather conditions are incredibly dynamic, requiring constant vigilance and assessment by the pilots.

Using sophisticated software on iPads and other electronic flight bag devices, pilots track developing weather patterns. These tools, connected to the aircraft’s dedicated WiFi network, provide updated information on various weather phenomena. During flights near or through storms, pilots’ discussions primarily focus on weather avoidance, strategizing about optimal altitudes and deviation routes. Engaging the autopilot during these critical decision-making processes helps pilots conserve mental energy and focus on these essential navigational tasks.

Monitoring Systems and Air Traffic Control

Another key responsibility for pilots, even when the autopilot is active, is monitoring the aircraft’s systems. Modern airliners are equipped with advanced technologies that alert pilots to potential or existing issues. Pilots regularly check the aircraft’s hydraulics, electrical systems, air conditioning, pressurization, and fuel systems, ensuring everything functions as expected. In case of any anomalies, pilots are prepared to perform quick reference handbook (QRH) checklists and take appropriate actions.

Apart from monitoring onboard systems, pilots also keep a close eye on the air traffic control (ATC) system throughout the cruise phase. Coordinating with dispatchers and controllers, they build mental models of potential delays, shortcuts, holds, reroutes, and diversions, which are crucial for managing fuel strategies and making decisions about potential holding patterns or diversions. Constant communication with ground personnel and ATC ensures pilots stay ahead of any changes or challenges in their flight path.

The Human Element in Automated Flight

While automation like autopilot handles the repetitive task of keeping the aircraft stable and on course, human pilots excel in overseeing these automated processes, especially when their attention is divided across multiple tasks. During the cruise segment, pilots are not just passive observers but active participants, maintaining a broader view of the flight situation. Their ability to monitor and react to various factors, from weather changes to system alerts, underscores the critical role of human expertise in complementing technological advancements in aviation.

The reliance on autopilot in modern aviation does not diminish the importance of pilots; rather, it highlights their crucial role in overseeing flight safety and efficiency. From weather navigation to system monitoring and coordination with ATC, pilots are integral to the successful operation of a flight, even when automation is at work. Their expertise and decision-making skills continue to be indispensable in the increasingly automated world of commercial aviation.