In the context of flight training, what does "aviate, navigate, communicate" emphasize?

The phrase "aviate, navigate, communicate" emphasizes the importance of managing basic flying skills in a structured order. This principle is crucial in flight training because it provides a clear guideline for pilots to follow during flight operations, particularly in high-stress situations or emergencies.

Aviate refers to the fundamental requirement of controlling the aircraft, maintaining altitude, and ensuring safety. This is the first priority for any pilot. Once the aircraft is under control, the next step is to navigate, which involves understanding the aircraft's position, course, and situation relative to intended waypoints. Finally, communicate emphasizes the necessity of keeping in touch with air traffic control and other relevant parties to ensure safe and efficient operations.

By following this sequence, pilots can ensure that their primary focus remains on safely flying the aircraft before worrying about navigation and communicating with others. This structured approach helps pilots to effectively manage their workload and reduce the likelihood of missing critical flying tasks.