What is a common behavior experienced pilots exhibit when moving from conventional displays to PFD?

When experienced pilots transition from conventional displays to a Primary Flight Display (PFD), they often become overly focused on minor altitude deviations. This behavior stems from the PFD's capability to present critical flight data in a more visually cohesive manner, which can lead pilots to concentrate on achieving perfect altitude control rather than maintaining a broader situational awareness. The design of the PFD emphasizes more modern, integrated information, which may inadvertently encourage pilots to fixate on small deviations, believing that the high fidelity of the display demands more precise control.

The PFD condenses essential flight data into a unified format, often causing pilots to place a greater emphasis on accuracy and perfection in their altitude management rather than adhering to a more holistic approach that considers overall flight path and situational awareness. This fixation can lead to over-correction and unnecessary changes in altitude that may not be warranted, detracting from the fundamental task of safely navigating the aircraft.

While it is important for pilots to monitor altitude closely, it is equally crucial to maintain a balanced approach to scanning all flight parameters to ensure safe and effective operation. Understanding this behavioral tendency can help flight instructors emphasize the importance of maintaining situational awareness and efficient scanning techniques to mitigate the risks associated with fixation on PFD data.