What does it mean to "Fly the Airplane First"?

"Fly the Airplane First" emphasizes the importance of maintaining control of the aircraft as the top priority, particularly in situations where attention may be divided. This principle teaches pilots to focus on flying the aircraft before becoming preoccupied with diagnosing or resolving issues that may arise during a flight.

When faced with an abnormal situation, such as an engine failure or electrical malfunction, it is crucial for the pilot to ensure the airplane remains under control while analyzing the situation. This approach allows the pilot to manage the risk effectively, as tasks like troubleshooting can require cognitive bandwidth that might detract from maintaining safe flight operations. By ensuring the aircraft is under control, the pilot can handle potentially life-threatening scenarios more effectively, potentially saving lives and preserving the aircraft.

In this context, while immediate control in emergencies and securing instruments are important, they do not encapsulate the priority focus as succinctly as the need to concentrate on flying first. Prioritizing passenger comfort is also important, but it is secondary to ensuring the fundamental operation of the aircraft is not compromised.