Crew Resource Management

CRM is a subject frequently discussed in flight training but seldom practiced in flight. The reason is that most of the discussion revolves around unusual situations or critical decisions that seldom occur. We are given scenarios such as low fuel, inclement weather, and systems malfunctions. Suggestions are made as to how to work together to handle the situation. Months may pass before we are able to apply the learning so it is never really ingrained.

I think resource management can be practiced on a daily basis during routine flights. It's nothing more than being aware of the resources you have and using them for routine situations. It's not necessary to wait for an emergency to practice these skills.

All that is needed is a sense of teamwork. This may sound too rudimentary but it is something I have found lacking on many flight decks. I have flown with pilots that seem to want to do everything themselves. Reaching across the cockpit to perform a function not assigned to one’s position is akin to a basketball player grabbing the ball from a teammate and racing down the court. Each person should play his own position and backup the other players as they play their positions.

I suggest that SOPs be written specifying the duties assigned to each seat in the cockpit and those assigned to the PIC and SIC. Then the crew performs their assigned tasks while monitoring the other crew members to ensure that they are performing theirs.

When someone misses something that was assigned to his position the other crew-member should point it out to him rather than do it for him. This way one is immediately made aware of their lapse and can devise a method to avoid repeating it.