What is the relationship between crew workload and VNAV systems?

VNAV, or Vertical Navigation, significantly enhances the efficiency of altitude management in aircraft by automating many of the associated calculations and adjustments. This automation allows pilots to focus on other critical flight tasks rather than manually calculating altitude changes, descent rates, or complying with air traffic control instructions. As a result, VNAV systems can streamline the process of following a flight path, ultimately reducing the cognitive and physical workload on the flight crew.

When VNAV is engaged, the system can interpret route information, optimize vertical profiles, and execute altitude changes more efficiently than a human operator could do by hand. This means that pilots can maintain a higher situational awareness and better manage their attention on other operational aspects, rather than being bogged down with manual tasks.

The other options do not accurately reflect how VNAV systems operate or their impact on crew workload. While manual calculations would indeed increase workload, VNAV specifically aims to minimize such burdens. Arguing that VNAV does not affect crew workload overlooks the significant benefits it provides in reducing that workload. Additionally, while coordination is always a vital aspect of flight operations, VNAV does not fundamentally require additional crew coordination; instead, it serves to simplify processes that could otherwise complicate workload management.