The Impact of Doorway Effect on Pilot Performance: Overcoming Cognitive Transitions

A minimum equipment list (MEL) deferred action item must be performed before landing. Takeoff, climb & cruise are performed, but during descent, while preparing for the approach, the MEL action items are forgotten to be applied. Another action line for a Hydraulic Overheat is “When Overheat is Out…. Restore the Hydraulic system. During the approach, the crew forgot to restore the hydraulic system.

Have you ever walked into a room with a specific purpose in mind, only to forget what you would do as soon as you crossed the threshold? This common experience is known as the “doorway effect,” and it can impact more than just our daily lives—it can also affect the performance of pilots in the cockpit.

The “doorway effect” refers to the phenomenon where passing through a doorway causes us to forget what we intended to do. It happens because our brain compartmentalizes information associated with various spaces, and passing through a doorway signals a transition, prompting the brain to clear out the previous space’s information to make room for the new space’s details.

How the Doorway Effect Impacts Pilots

The doorway effect can manifest in the transition between different flight segments for pilots. For example, when moving from pre-flight checks to in-flight procedures, the mental shift that occurs can cause important details to be left behind.

Ways Pilots Can Overcome the Doorway Effect

1. Checklists: Using checklists can help pilots stay organized and lessen the impact of the doorway effect. By breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, pilots can mitigate the risk of forgetting crucial information when transitioning between phases of flight.
2. Ready reckoners: Using sticky notes or pads which remain in the pilot line of vision can prevent those items that are buried under pages of the FCOM or the ECAM from being forgotten.
3. Mental Rehearsal: Engaging in mental rehearsal can help pilots solidify their intentions and reduce the impact of transitioning between tasks. Repeatedly visualizing the steps and procedures for each phase of flight can help mitigate the effects of the doorway effect.
4. Spatial Memory Techniques: Leveraging spatial memory techniques, such as mentally “walking through” the cockpit or visualizing the layout of different aircraft segments, can help pilots encode and retrieve information more effectively as they move between spaces and tasks.

The Role of Spatial Memory in Pilot Performance

Spatial memory, or the ability to remember and navigate spaces and the objects within them, plays a critical role in pilot performance. Pilots must continuously process and recall spatial information, such as the cockpit’s layout, the position of controls, and the spatial relationships between their aircraft and other objects in the airspace.

According to a study published in the journal “Applied Cognitive Psychology,” spatial memory training has been shown to enhance pilot performance, particularly in the areas of route planning, navigation, and aircraft control.

“Spatial memory training can significantly improve pilots’ ability to maintain situational awareness and effectively navigate complex airspace environments.” – Applied Cognitive Psychology

Incorporating spatial memory training exercises into pilot training programs can help cultivate the cognitive skills necessary for pilots to overcome the challenges posed by the doorway effect and other cognitive phenomena.

Given the critical nature of spatial memory in aviation, pilots and aviation professionals need to recognize the impact of the doorway effect and proactively implement strategies to mitigate its effects.

mindFly analysis: Pilots and Spatial Memory

In conclusion, the doorway effect presents a unique challenge for pilots as they navigate the complexities of flight operations. By understanding the cognitive mechanisms at play and implementing targeted strategies, pilots can enhance their spatial memory and mitigate the impact of the doorway effect on their performance.

The doorway effect is more prominent when the workload increases. It may not always happen when the workload is high, but as the cognitive capacity gets loaded. The effects begin to show up.

As pilots continue to refine their skills and adapt to evolving demands in the aviation industry, addressing cognitive phenomena like the doorway effect will be instrumental in ensuring safe and efficient flight operations.

So, the next time you step through a doorway, remember the impact of spatial memory and cognitive transitions—not just in everyday life but also in the high-stakes world of aviation. Pilots, in particular, can leverage this understanding to enhance their performance and ensure a smoother journey for themselves and their passengers.