Fixating is defined as which behavior?

• A. Staring at a single instrument, thereby interrupting the cross-check process.
• B. Constantly scanning all instruments to maintain cross-check.
• C. Turning off instruments to focus on attitude.
• D. Rapidly switching between autopilot and manual control.

Answer: (A)

Fixating means focusing on a single instrument for too long, which interrupts your cross-check of all flight instruments. The cross-check is the continuous, systematic scanning of multiple instruments to maintain situational awareness and to catch any mismatches or unusual readings. When you fixate on one gauge, you miss other cues—such as attitude, altitude, or heading—that could alert you to a developing problem. For example, staring at the airspeed indicator while neglecting the attitude indicator can allow bank or pitch changes to go unnoticed, potentially leading to an unstabilized or unsafe attitude. The proper habit is to maintain a broad, ongoing scan and integrate information from several sources so you stay aware of the overall flight picture.