Complacency in automation often leads to:

Complacency in automation can significantly impact the quality of decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or critical situations. When operators become overly reliant on automated systems, they may start to disengage from active monitoring and decision-making processes. This detachment can result in a failure to recognize potential issues or hazards that the automated system may not account for, ultimately leading to poor decisions.

For instance, an operator who trusts an automated flight management system may miss crucial changes in environmental conditions or system alerts, potentially compromising safety. The implications are especially critical in aviation and sUAS operations, where timely and informed decision-making can be the difference between success and failure.

In contrast, increased vigilance, improved situational awareness, and better communication among pilots are typically associated with active engagement and attentiveness during operations. These traits are important for safety but are less likely to be fostered when users fall into a complacent mindset due to over-reliance on automation. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the significant risk that complacency poses in automated environments, especially regarding decision-making during critical scenarios.