Task Management; Sterile Cockpit - Eclipse Aviation Eclipse 500 Flight Manual

Automation is a tool to be mastered and used by the pilot. It is always the
pilot's responsibility to manage workload, set priorities, and use automation
as a tool to improve situational awareness. It is important for the pilot to
manage the automation and to be continuously aware of automation modes,
the potential for input or programming errors, and the possibility of
automation failure. Eclipse recommends adoption of the following
automation policies:
1. Use automation appropriate for your circumstances and
conditions of flight. Differing circumstances may require different
levels of automation.
2. If any autopilot function is not operating as expected, disconnect
it.
3. If the automation does something unexpected, revert to manual
flight or to a lower level of automation.
4. If you do not fully understand what the automation is doing,
revert to manual flight or to a lower level of automation.
5. When conducting a self-briefing, briefing another pilot, or
transferring the controls to another pilot, include the current or
intended level of automation in the briefing. Plan ahead for how
you intend to use automation.
6. Be aware of too much heads-down time.

Task Management

Although the Eclipse 500 provides the pilot with advanced technology important
for effective SRM, the pilot will also find that the use of effective procedures will
lower workload and assist with task management.

Sterile Cockpit

Eclipse encourages the use of the "sterile cockpit" concept in ground and
flight operations in order to minimize distractions. Air carriers are required
by law to regulate the performance of pilot duties during critical phases of
flight. This rule prohibits crew members from engaging in any activities other
than those required for the safe operation of the aircraft during taxi, takeoff,
landing, and all flight operations below 10,000 feet except cruise flight.
This "sterile cockpit" rule prohibits such activities as calling for ground
transportation, eating meals, filling out paperwork or reading publications
that are not required for the safe operation of the aircraft, engaging in non-
essential conversation with passengers or other pilots, etc.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
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