What is a primary reason to monitor environmental factors during flight?

Monitoring environmental factors during flight is crucial for maintaining optimal flight safety. Environmental factors such as altitude, weather conditions, and cabin pressure can significantly influence the performance and well-being of both pilots and passengers. For instance, a sudden change in cabin pressure can lead to hypoxia, which impairs cognitive function and can be dangerous if not addressed. By keeping a close eye on these factors, pilots can make informed decisions that contribute to the safety of the flight, including adjustments to altitude, airspeed, and routing to avoid hazardous weather.

In contrast, while compliance with flight regulations is important for operational adherence, it does not directly address the immediate safety concerns related to environmental conditions. Likewise, passenger comfort and reliance on automated systems are relevant factors but secondary to the overarching goal of flight safety. Ensuring that all environmental parameters are within safe limits takes precedence, as any failure in this regard could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.