What steps should be taken if you encounter a perceived reduction in overall cockpit performance during high workload?

• A. Redouble CRM, use checklists, prioritize critical tasks, assign clear roles, and coordinate with ATC as needed.
• B. Reduce workload by turning off nonessential systems.
• C. Increase speed to compensate for performance loss.
• D. Stop the flight and request diversion.

Answer: (A)

When workload is high, the priority is to stabilize safety by tightening crew coordination and sticking to established procedures. Redoubling CRM means clearer communication, explicit task sharing, and a shared mental model so everyone knows who is handling which duties and what the plan is. Using checklists anchors actions, ensuring that critical steps aren’t missed even when attention is split. Prioritizing the most safety‑critical tasks first keeps the aircraft properly controlled and the flight path safe. Assigning clear roles prevents duplicated effort and gaps; one crewmember can fly and manage automation, another can monitor performance and call for help if needed, while a third handles tasks like navigation, checklists, and communications, stepping in as workload changes. Coordinating with ATC as needed helps manage traffic, obtain necessary clearances or re-routes, and can reduce burdens on the cockpit by offloading some coordination tasks, allowing the crew to concentrate on flight safety.

Turning off nonessential systems might seem to reduce load, but it can undermine safety by removing helpful monitoring or control features and may not be permissible or advisable under SOPs; it’s not a universal remedy for high workload. Stopping the flight and requesting diversion is an extreme step that isn’t warranted solely by higher workload and should be considered only after a full safety assessment in coordination with ATC and other factors.