Commercial Pilot ACS Study Guide

-Flight Deck Management

Effective flight deck management begins before engine start. A commercial pilot must organize the cockpit, properly configure aircraft systems, brief passengers, and eliminate unnecessary distractions before the workload increases.

The objective is to create a flight deck that supports situational awareness, checklist discipline, sound decision-making, and positive aircraft control throughout the flight.

Passenger Briefing — CA.II.B.K1

The PIC is responsible for ensuring passengers understand the information necessary for a safe flight. A useful framework is SAFETY:

  • S — Seatbelts & Shoulder Harnesses: Operation and when they must be worn
  • A — Air Vents: Location and operation
  • F — Fire Extinguisher: Location and basic use
  • E — Exits & Emergency Procedures: Doors, exits, and evacuation procedures
  • T — Traffic & Talking: Encourage traffic awareness (clockwise specification) and explain sterile-cockpit expectations
  • Y — Your Questions: Address passenger concerns before departure

The briefing should also cover any aircraft-specific considerations and appropriate procedures in the event of an emergency.

A professional briefing is clear, concise, and appropriate for the passengers and flight.

Flight Deck Organization

Everything needed during flight should be accessible, secure, and organized before departure.

This includes:

  • Checklists
  • Charts and airport information
  • POH/AFM
  • EFB or navigation equipment
  • Writing materials
  • Headsets
  • Required documents
  • Personal items

Loose objects should be secured so they cannot interfere with the flight controls or become hazards during turbulence or an emergency.

Good cockpit organization reduces workload and allows the pilot to keep attention where it belongs—operating the aircraft.

Seats, Belts & Restraints

Before movement, verify that:

  • Seats are properly positioned and locked.
  • Seatbelts and shoulder harnesses are available and properly adjusted.
  • Passengers understand how to operate their restraints.
  • Required restraints are used in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.107.

Improper seat positioning or an unlocked seat can create a serious control hazard, particularly during takeoff.

Flight Controls & Aircraft Configuration

Before engine start and taxi, confirm the flight deck and aircraft controls are correctly configured.

Verify items such as:

  • Flight controls are free and correct.
  • Trim is properly set.
  • Fuel selector is correctly positioned.
  • Circuit breakers are checked.
  • Avionics and electrical equipment are configured appropriately.
  • Flight instruments indicate normally.
  • Doors, windows, and baggage compartments are secured.
  • Required checklists are completed.

Do not rely solely on memory. Commercial pilots should demonstrate consistent checklist usage and disciplined cockpit procedures.

Electronic Flight Bags & Automation

EFBs, GPS equipment, and other cockpit technology can reduce workload when properly managed, but they can also create distractions.

Before departure:

  • Verify databases and charts are appropriate and current.
  • Confirm sufficient battery power and charging capability.
  • Load and review the planned route.
  • Understand how to operate the equipment being used.
  • Have an appropriate backup available.

Do not become so focused on programming or troubleshooting equipment that aircraft control or situational awareness suffers.

Automation should reduce workload—not create it.

Distraction & Task Management

Commercial pilots must recognize when cockpit workload is becoming excessive.

Prioritize tasks using:

Aviate — Navigate — Communicate

Aircraft control always comes first. Navigation, communication, programming, checklists, and passenger requests are secondary when they interfere with safely controlling the airplane.

During critical phases of flight, minimize unnecessary conversation, programming, and other nonessential tasks.

Risk Management

Poor flight deck management can lead to:

  • Checklist omissions
  • Incorrect aircraft configuration
  • Distraction or fixation
  • Loss of situational awareness
  • Improper automation use
  • Loose-object interference
  • Missed radio calls or ATC instructions

Reduce these risks by completing as much preparation as possible before engine start and maintaining a disciplined cockpit throughout the flight.

What You Must Demonstrate

During the practical test, be prepared to demonstrate that you can:

  • Conduct an appropriate passenger briefing.
  • Properly organize and secure the flight deck.
  • Adjust and secure seats, restraints, and equipment.
  • Use checklists correctly.
  • Configure aircraft systems and controls appropriately.
  • Manage EFBs, avionics, and automation without losing situational awareness.
  • Prioritize tasks and minimize distractions.

The examiner is looking for a pilot who maintains an organized, controlled, and professional flight deck rather than simply completing individual checklist items.

Commercial Pilot Standard

At Angel Aviation, flight deck management is treated as part of professional pilot discipline. Preparation before engine start reduces workload later and allows the pilot to devote greater attention to aircraft control, traffic, communication, and changing conditions.

A well-managed cockpit should leave the pilot prepared to aviate, navigate, communicate, and make sound decisions without unnecessary distractions.

FAA References

  • Commercial Pilot for Airplane Category ACS, FAA-S-ACS-7B — Area of Operation II, Task B
  • FAA-H-8083-2 — Risk Management Handbook
  • FAA-H-8083-3 — Airplane Flying Handbook
  • FAA-H-8083-25 — Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
  • Aircraft POH/AFM
  • 14 CFR § 91.107 — Use of Safety Belts, Shoulder Harnesses, and Child Restraint Systems