Pilot’s Extraordinary Attention Span and the Influence of Internal Factors in Flight

For those unfamiliar, an attention span refers to how much time a person can concentrate on a task. Average attention spans range from 2 seconds to over 20 minutes. It is important to understand pilots’ attention span in aviation, examining their factors and influences and how they manage them, particularly during long-haul flights.

pilots attention span piloting
©Kevin Bluer

Pilots’s Necessary Multitasking Ability

When operating an airplane, the pilot’s tasks demand more attention than many of the customary activities of daily life. Flying the plane is difficult because it focuses on multiple tasks- the responsibilities of pilots during flight are numerous. It is clear the idea how complex pilots’ tasks are; on the other hand, it is important to remember pilots’ necessary skills for multitasking, from their functions of radio communication, collaboration with air traffic control, and great passenger management to the interpretation of weather conditions for optimal flights to the following of specific geographic coordinates.

The combination of these tasks makes flying a plane challenging, especially when the safety of passengers is the priority- focus and attention have to be the most important factor, as well as the ability to achieve techniques to deal with in-flight distraction and focus.

Pilot’s In-Flight Situational Awareness

pilot piloting
©Laurent Perren

Situational awareness when piloting an airplane is one of the most important skills a pilot needs to maintain, and it involves the ability to perceive, comprehend, and react to a situation. This process includes understanding the pilot’s current circumstances and tasks during flight that can involve:

  • Environmental Factors like weather conditions, terrain features, or other important elements must be considered.
  • Aircraft Conditions like the Airplane performance and systems to ensure all is working well in terms of safety, including risk assessment for the potential hazards aiming to make our journey hazard-free.
  • Communication with air traffic control, crew members, and other relevant parties regarding important information in flight.
  • Navigation and tracking aircraft position, waypoints, and flight plan.
  • Decision-making in any flight-changing situations, like sudden changes in air traffic or encounters with unexpected birds.
  • Monitoring and staying vigilant for any unexpected developments.

Situational awareness integrates all of these presented key points to ensure the pilot’s understanding of the aircraft’s surroundings and dynamic conditions, requiring maximum focus, attention, adaptability, and a quick procession of the information to ensure the safety of the flight.

Internal Factors Influencing Pilot’s Attention Span

Internal factors can compromise the pilot’s attention. Firstly, fatigue on long-haul flights and irregular schedules can influence the pilot’s attention and decision-making. That’s the reason pilots must be well-rested and consistently monitor their fatigue levels. Statistically, in a study conducted by Evangelia Demerouti, Wouter Veldhuis, Claire Coombes, and Rob Hunter, it has been proven that 40% of pilots have high levels of burnout based on an online survey among the members of a European Pilots’ Professional Association in 2017 and with survey filled answers by 1147 pilots, the study showcased an extremely significant number of pilot burnout.

model of burnout among pilots
Model of burnout among pilots
©Evangelia Demerouti,Wouter Veldhuis,Claire Coombes and Rob Hunter

Another factor that can compromise pilots’ attention span is the multitasking and increased workload in managing navigation, communication, systems monitoring, and decision-making simultaneously. Trying to handle everything at the same time can lead to cognitive overload. Stress greatly contributes to a pilot’s decreased attention during flights because it influences cognitive performance. The pilot needs to know how to manage stress using techniques that work best- such as taking breaks during “cruising-type” phases. Fortunately, some long-haul flights may have relief or additional pilots on board to provide breaks and rest to the primary flight crew aiming to help with the pilot’s overload.

Pilot’s Strategies to Deal with Distractions and Stress

Effective Distraction Management is an important step for aviation safety, and the Civil Aviation Authority shared in their Safety Sense leaflet important steps to deal with and manage in-flight distractions.

The presented strategies include useful steps:

  • Starting by identifying distractions as red flags and positively recognising them before responding to them.
  • Have the knowledge of the interruption’s urgency and the suspension/modification of other tasks as needed.
  • Using the technique of making mental notes to return to the original tasks, keeping in mind the verbalisation of the tasks. While multitasking is necessary, recognising the brain’s limitations and identifying when distractions will likely be more “disruptive” and minimising them. 
  • Pilots should keep hold of checklists during interruptions and restart longer checklists from where they left them off.
  • Ensuring clear communication with Air Traffic Control is extremely important, as well as using “standby” when necessary and prioritising aircraft piloting over responding to tasks.
  • Utilising Threat and Error Management (TEM) – is an important way to minimise mistakes.

Furthermore, the importance of the mentioned steps, regular mental health checks for pilots, and additional help from the entire crew when the pilot deems it essential on the flight are crucial aspects that should be considered to maximise flight safety.

What is your opinion on a pilot’s attention span and burnout? Please let us know in the comments below.

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Aleksandra Wasilewska
Aleksandra Wasilewska
Aleksandra known as Lexi is an Aviation Reporter Intern with a background in Aviation , previous work in Jet2.com and degree in Media and Communications. Her passion for travelling, storytelling, and exploring new cultures drives her enthusiasm for creating media content. Born in Poland, she spent her childhood in Portugal, and she currently lives in the vibrant city of London.
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