Title:
NAFI 2026 - Automation Complacency - Teaching Pilots to Own the Aircraft Again
Topic:
This Presentation Examines How Automation Dependency Develops, How It Fails, and Why the CFI Remains the Last Line of Defense
Brief Description:
Glass panels, autopilots, and AI-powered EFBs have made general aviation safer in many measurable ways, but they have quietly created a new and dangerous kind of pilot, one who manages the aircraft instead of flying it. In the wake of the FAA’s March 2025 General and Business Aviation Call to Action, where the FAA Deputy Administrator, Chris Rocheleau, declared that “complacency is the enemy of safety,” this session discusses what that complacency looks like in the cockpit, and what flight instructors can do about it. Through three NTSB case studies, current accident data, and peer-reviewed research, this presentation examines how automation dependency develops, how it fails, and why the CFI remains the only line of defense that no app or avionics suite can replace. Listeners will leave with a practical ‘heads up flying’ instructional framework they can implement in their next lesson, because the aircraft doesn’t care what’s on the flight director when things go wrong.
Select Number:
EA13145371
Location of Seminar:
NAFI Professional Development Center
Wittman Regional Airport
Booth 354
Oshkosh, WI 54902
Directions to Venue:
Booth 354, east of hangar B - just behind the Garmin booth, white tent with a huge NAFI logo.
View Map
Seating:
Check Additional event Information below for possible registration requirements.
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
Sean Parsons is a CFI/CFII/AIGI based in West Jordan, Utah. He is also a FAASTeam Representative out of the SLC-FSDO. Professionally, he enjoys mentoring other instructors, working with students, and helping improve the flight training environment. Outside of aviation, Sean has been an active member of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue team for the past 9 years. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two young kids.
NAFI is the National Association of Flight Instructors and is the largest association dedicated exclusively to flight instruction. NAFI’s vision is ‘Safer pilots through flight instruction excellence.’ NAFI’s mission throughout its 59-year history is to promote flight instruction excellence with education, mentorship, and advocacy. This is accomplished by providing instructors with tools and resources that help them deliver the best professional training and service possible. Anyone may join NAFI to take advantage of the many educational and flight tools, products, and discounts available. www.nafimentor.org. Contact nafi@nafimentor.org 866-806-6156.
PRESENTED DURING THE EAA AIRVENTURE FLY-IN. NO FEE FOR THE NAFI PRESENTATIONS, BUT AN ENTRANCE FEE IS REQUIRED BY EAA AIRVENTURE TO ENTER THE GROUNDS.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EAA AIRVENTURE ADMISSIONS, VISIT https://www.eaa.org/airventure
Equal Access Information:
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the “Contact Information” area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
Credit Applicability:
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 3
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
Safety Promotion Outreach for Pilots
Additional Event Documents:
