The other day, I had the rare treat of flying with a senior First Officer about to upgrade to Captain. With the current pace of training in the industry, I typically fly with new First Officers or Captains. The change of pace was refreshing to say the least. He didn’t need me to hover over him as he programmed the FMC (Flight Management Computer), or entered the data for PWB (Performance Weight and Balance). I never had to wait on him to set up his flight deck switches or start a checklist. He flew the aircraft and managed the energy without my input. In a word, he was proficient. Professionally proficient.

Professional proficiency is a superpower.

Task loading is defined as the amount of time needed to accomplish tasks vs the time available to accomplish tasks. High or low task loading can decrease performance and increase risk. High task loading means that you have a lot to do in a short amount of time. When you find yourself task loaded, you have two options: create more time, or reduce the amount of time needed to accomplish the tasks. Unless you have the reality-bending skills of Neo from “The Matrix,” your options are limited.

Fuel can be described as ‘time in the tanks.’ If you have enough fuel, you can create more time for decision making by delaying an approach, holding, or going around for another approach. In essence, you can create more time to accomplish the tasks. However, this isn’t always an option if you’re low on fuel, or have a malfunction that requires an immediate landing.

If you fly a crew aircraft, you can create more time by balancing the workload among the crew. Designate one pilot to focus solely on flying the aircraft and maintaining aircraft control while the other pilot works diligently to accomplish the tasks in the available time. You don't actually create more time, but you effectively reduce the amount of time required for the necessary tasks.

In some situations, you simply have to offload the tasks based on exigent circumstances. If a cabin fire threatens the lives of everyone on board, sending a message to Dispatch isn't a high priority and can be offloaded and left unaccomplished. Other normal tasks like running PWB, briefings, or external coordination may become a hindrance to doing the most important thing—safely landing the aircraft.

How else can you manage task loading? You can be professionally proficient. Professional proficiency is the one factor you can control and prepare for that reduces the amount of time required to accomplish the tasks at hand. Proficiency with a non-normal checklist, with flows, with flying the aircraft, with automation, with communication, and with coordination reduces the amount of time required to accomplish the tasks. A new First Officer with minimal proficiency needs significantly more time to accomplish the same tasks, compared to a seasoned and professionally proficient FO. High task loading is mitigated because the time required for the tasks is reduced through proficiency. Like a superpower, professional proficiency reduces the impact of high task loading.

How do you develop this superpower? Practice and experience. Spend time reviewing non-normal checklists so they are familiar to you when you need them. Rehearse your flows and cockpit set up. Be familiar with the FMC. Understand the workings of your PWB system. Review aircraft systems and limitations on a regular basis. Maintain basic instrument flying knowledge and skills. Know the external resources available to you and how to interface with them.

You may not be able to control time like Neo, but you certainly CAN develop the professional proficiency required to reduce the impact of high task loading. When you do, it will feel like a superpower.

Manage risk. Achieve safety. Expedite expertise.

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