Crew Resource Management

Mobility Forum, Jul/Aug 2004 by Meintel, Julie

Anyone who has ever flown a mission, or attended a flying training school, or even listened in on a mission brief has heard the term Crew Resource Management, or CRM for short. Most of us are even pretty sure of what it is, and know how to use it as a tool for safe and effective mission operations. And, when you get right down to it, that should be the bottom line of any mission in the whole Air Force - safe and effective operations.

CRM is an evolving program. It has been in existence since NASA sponsored the first CRM workshop in 1979. This first workshop was a direct result of some research that started in the mid-1970's at the NASA-Ames Research Center's Manned-Vehicle Systems Research Division, which is now known as the Aerospace Human Factors Research Division. CRM is all about human factors, so this division of NASA is certainly named appropriately! Some of the early findings of the research that eventually gave birth to what the CRM program is today indicated that the so-called "pilot error" accidents really weren't related to stick-and-rudder piloting skills. These problems stemmed more from other areas, such as communication skills, leadership, problem-solving, decision making, and coordination problems. Do these topics ring any bells? Sounds remarkably like the syllabus at a CRM seminar!

Since its inception, CRM programs are constantly being examined, evaluated, and changed as we learn new techniques, obtain feedback from crewmembers using it on a daily basis, and find out what is working and what is not. CRM trainers regularly hold conferences that are attended by instructor and examiner crewmembers from all over the military aviation world, as well as civilian carriers. Every person flying, no matter what crew position, stands to benefit from knowing and living CRM.

Instructors and examiners, in all crew positions, especially need this particular training. If you think about it, this makes perfect sense, since instructors work with new crewmembers and have the ideal opportunity to lay the foundation of good communication, coordination and teamwork skills. These skills are the basis for effective CRM and are emphasized in briefings and question-and-answer session conducted by instructors. Examiners have the opportunity to reinforce these abilities and skills during checkrides and tests, and should not miss chances to compliment examples of good communication while also pointing out where the examinee could improve their decisions.

Instructors and examiners play a crucial role in the teaching and the practice of good crew resource management skills, so it really is vital for them to know CRM inside and out and be able to help others polish their skills.

According to AFI 11-290, Cockpit/Crew Resource Management Training Program, all flight and simulator instructors will complete instructor-specific CRM training, accomplished normally as a part of the instructor upgrade program:

"CRM instructors and evaluators must be highly proficient in all CRM skills, and be experts in the recognition, observation, and reinforcement of these skills as they are applied by aircrew members in a mission environment."

The regulation goes on to state that instructor or evaluator training will be included into upgrade programs.

Situational Awareness training includes gaining skills recognizing and preventing the loss of situational awareness as well as learning techniques to help recover after losing situational awareness.

Crew Coordination/Flight Integrity training teaches leadership and assertiveness. This type of training requires good interpersonal skills, and can be a little bit harder to master. This is the part of the program that focuses more on conflict resolution, behavioral styles, teamwork, team-building and exploring some legitimate ways to dissent. It can be hard for a new lieutenant to feel comfortable telling a major that he or she disagrees with their decision. It is also difficult for some enlisted members, especially junior enlisted, to address higher-ranking individuals of a situation. It might be tough, but it is absolutely essential for everyone to sharpen these skills as much as possible.

Communication training goes hand-in-hand with Crew Coordination. Skills and knowledge taught in this block relate to some common barriers to effective communication, listening, and giving feedback, as well as the efficiency of communication between crewmembers and all agencies.

Risk Management/Decision Making training includes evaluating hazards, problem-solving and the entire risk assessment process. This process covers such items as determining flight conditions, crew composition and experience levels, and the demands of the missions. Aircraft commanders and crews must weigh all the factors and decide if the benefits of accomplishing the mission outweigh the risks involved.

Task Management/Adaptability and Flexibility teaches establishing priorities, combating complacency, checklist discipline and standard operating procedures.