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

Maintaining continuous situational awareness and monitoring instruments is essential for a pilot flying solo to ensure compliance with an approach. This practice involves being acutely aware of the aircraft's position, altitude, speed, and other critical flight parameters, which are crucial during the approach phase. Situational awareness helps the pilot make informed decisions and adjustments based on the current flight environment and conditions.

Monitoring the instruments also provides real-time data regarding the aircraft's performance, helping the pilot to stay aligned with the approach path and adhere to altitude and speed restrictions. This proactive monitoring allows the pilot to identify any discrepancies quickly and take corrective actions as needed, thereby enhancing safety and ensuring a successful approach.

In contrast, while cockpit resource management is important, it primarily applies to situations involving multiple crew members rather than solo flight operations. Relying solely on autopilot could result in a lack of engagement with the flight process, which is critical when flying solo, especially in a dynamic environment. Briefing approach procedures with another pilot is valuable for teamwork but isn’t applicable when flying alone, making continuous situational awareness the most effective strategy for compliance with the approach.