A recent video on the FAA’s YouTube channel explores the myth of multitasking — we think we are being more efficient doing two or three things at once, but it can set us up for an incident or accident.
The video shows how a pilot listening to ATC and texting a friend at the same time is distracted and does not fully capture ATC’s instructions.
I’d like to leave a reply but I can’t type and take a nap..
Driving distances, unaware of our passing actions while lost in other thought, is evidence that the subconscious can and does perform important functions that the conscious mind is not required to participate in. We stop at lights, make turns and negotiate obstacles, despite conscious attentions being diverted elsewhere. Flying must certainly include that ability.
Multi-tasking seems to me a demonstration both of that mental magic, and the disciplined approach to procedures a good pilot is trained to prioritize. Doing the many required tasks, in the right order and with the proper attentions paid, is key. But there is also another component of bedroom alarm clocks in the mix. You could call it a spider-sense for lack of a better term.
A really good pilot will receive internal reminders, like seatbelt and open door warnings. The totality of all that advanced spark plug firing, and the ability to listen and perform internalized ATC playbacks of clearances combine to cause absolute wonder in the less current. I have always maintained that the legal currencies are inadequate to the high demand of IFR flight.
This is particularly true during emergencies and extreme weather that most pilots never experience but should nevertheless prepare for. But since the average aviator is not prepared by virtue of trade and career, greater caution and humility is an absolute necessity.