In any distracting situation, what should clients prioritize first?

In any distracting situation, prioritizing aviate is crucial because it emphasizes the fundamental principle that flying an aircraft safely is the top priority. Pilots must maintain control of the aircraft before addressing any other tasks or problems that may arise. By focusing on aviate first, pilots ensure that the aircraft remains stable and within safe parameters, which enables them to address navigation, communication, and workload management more effectively after they have secured the flight's safety.

This principle is often summarized by the mantra: “Aviate, Navigate, Communicate." It serves as a reminder that when faced with distractions, especially in high-stress situations, securing the safe operation of the aircraft should always come first. This ensures that the pilot is in a position to make informed decisions about navigation and communication without compromising the aircraft's control.