Press Kit

Thank you for your interest in Managing Automation: A Pilot’s Guide to Automation, Glass Cockpit Operations, and Human Factors.

I wrote the book to make research on cockpit automation and human performance accessible to pilots and aviation readers. This page brings together book information, author materials, images, and contact details for interviews, articles, podcasts, and aviation events.

I welcome thoughtful conversations about the book, the research behind it, and what pilots can learn from the evolving relationship between people and automated systems. For media or speaking inquiries, please use the contact information below.

Right click to download a cover image:

0j0k82c1bvpmylle2243q0zerqwy 1.28 MB
Photo
Download
Biography

Matthew James McDermott is an instrument-rated private pilot, FAA-certificated Advanced Ground Instructor and Instrument Ground Instructor, and aviation writer based in Rochester, New York. He writes about automation, glass-cockpit operations, human factors, and the judgment pilots bring to increasingly capable aircraft.

The son of a pilot, Matthew grew up around airplanes and airports. He remains active in aviation through his local Experimental Aircraft Association chapter and Civil Air Patrol. Managing Automation is his first published book.

For all his interest in modern avionics, the airplane he would most like to fly is a Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing.

You can sign up to get updates about his writing here.

Books
Other Information

Suggested Conversation Topics

  • What pilots can do when automation behaves differently than expected
  • The difference between watching a system and actively monitoring it
  • How accident investigations and human-factors research informed Managing Automation
  • Why the book considers both the benefits and limitations of cockpit automation
  • How researching the book changed my own approach to flying

Book Facts

  • Title: Managing Automation: A Pilot’s Guide to Automation, Glass Cockpit Operations, and Human Factors
  • Author: Matthew James McDermott
  • Publisher: Contact Departure Press
  • Publication date: October 1, 2026
  • Formats: Paperback, hardcover, and eBook
  • Print edition: 203 pages; 6 × 9 inches
  • Language: English

ISBNs

  • Paperback: 979-8-9973298-0-8
  • Hardcover: 979-8-9973298-1-5
  • eBook: 979-8-9973298-2-2

Subjects: Aviation, cockpit automation, pilot decision-making, and human factors

Book information: contactdeparturepress.com

For interview, event, or review copy inquiries, please use the Contact page.


Contact

Thank you for your interest in Managing Automation. I welcome questions about the book, thoughtful feedback from readers, and inquiries about aviation writing, interviews, or presentations for pilot and aviation groups.


If you’re reporting a possible correction, please include the edition, chapter, page or location, and any source that would help me review it. I take accuracy seriously and appreciate readers who help keep the book current.


Please use the form below to get in touch.