How does a pilot ensure compliance with an approach when flying solo?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of continuous situational awareness and monitoring instruments to ensure compliance with an approach during a solo flight. When a pilot is flying alone, they are solely responsible for monitoring the aircraft's performance, external conditions, and adherence to the approach procedures. This vigilance allows the pilot to make timely and informed decisions based on real-time data from the aircraft's instruments, which is crucial during critical phases of flight such as approaches and landings.

Maintaining situational awareness includes being aware of altitude, airspeed, heading, and any upcoming waypoints. This comprehensive approach helps the pilot to recognize any deviations from the planned approach and to correct them promptly, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of errors.

In contrast, relying exclusively on an autopilot system may not account for unexpected situations that require the pilot's immediate intervention or decision-making. Additionally, while cockpit resource management is important in a multi-crew environment, it may not be directly applicable when a pilot is flying solo. Briefing procedures with another pilot may provide valuable input, but the solo pilot must still effectively manage their own awareness and instruments during the approach. Thus, the choice highlighting continuous situational awareness and instrument monitoring aligns most closely with the skills necessary for successful solo operation.