During recovery from an upset, what should a pilot do regarding automation?

During recovery from an upset, it is crucial for pilots to prioritize control of the aircraft and situational awareness. Reducing the level of automation by disengaging the autopilot and autothrottles allows the pilot to have direct control of the aircraft's flight path and performance. In an upset situation, the aircraft may be in an unusual attitude or experiencing extreme flight dynamics, and the autopilot might not be programmed to handle such unexpected conditions effectively.

By manually flying the aircraft, the pilot can respond to real-time changes in the aircraft's behavior, make more intuitive adjustments based on their training and experience, and execute appropriate recovery actions tailored to the specific scenario. Moreover, autopilot systems can sometimes overcomplicate recovery procedures or react improperly, which can exacerbate the problem rather than mitigate it. Thus, directly controlling the aircraft is often the most effective way to regain safe flight and stability.

Engaging the autopilot or relying on automation during an upset can lead to confusion, delays in response, or further complications, which is why reducing the level of automation is advised in this situation. Understanding this principle is vital for managing unexpected flight scenarios effectively.