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A good strategy for maintaining situational awareness of information management should include practices that help ensure that awareness is enhanced by the use of automation, not diminished. Two basic procedures are to always double- check the system and conduct verbal callouts. At a minimum, ensure the presentation makes sense. Was the correct destination fed into the navigation system? Callouts—even for single-pilot operations—are an excellent way to maintain situational awareness, as well as manage information. 

Other ways to maintain situational awareness include: 

• Performing a verification check of all programming. Before departure, check all information programmed while on the ground. 

• Checking the flight routing. Before departure, ensure all routing matches the planned flight route. Enter the planned route and legs, to include headings and leg length, on a paper log. Use this log to evaluate what has been programmed. If the two do not match, do not assume the computer data is correct, double check the computer entry. 

• Verifying waypoints. 

• Making use of all onboard navigation equipment. For example, use VOR to back up GPS and vice versa. 

• Matching the use of the automated system with pilot proficiency. Stay within personal limitations. 

