l information available and project multiple eventualities to prepare for any events that may occur in the future. Normally this is a fairly simple predictable process and is a lifesaver in tasking situations. You must consider future contingencies as well and these may save your life. Events such as emergencies, equipment failures, and unplanned maneuvers by other aircraft are examples of useful projections. Thinking through the 'what', 'where', 'when', and 'who' of a potential unexpected occurrence may be just enough prior planning to make the difference between success and failure. Finally have a plan. All of the SA and future projections in the world are useless unless you consider alternatives in advance and at least mentally implement them to judge their effectiveness. No matter how much you focus, evaluate and, plan many other variable will compete for your attention. Here are some traps that may try to steal your SA and ways to avoid them. Focus on the right Information at the right time. A lapse in judgment can occur at any time to anyone. Keep your priorities straight. If flying watch your altimeter lest the ground come up and smite thee. If on the ground, pay attention to street signs and right of way indicators. If something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t. The human senses though limited, present you with enormous amounts of information. After through observation and planning you may think everything is going well but can’t shake the nagging feeling something is out of place, listen! It may mean the difference between life and death. Missing an approach or being late for dinner is a small price to pay for ensuring you and passengers eventually arrive safely at the intended destination. Be wary of both task saturation and boredom. Studies show that boredom is at least as likely to cause lapses in judgment as task saturation if not more so. Human nature is such that unchallenging situati...
