Crew Resource Management Enhances Flight Safety

As aviation technology evolves and passenger numbers soar to record levels, aircrew, flight departments, and governments have developed sophisticated procedures to ensure the safe operation of flights. The phrase “Who is flying the airplane?” may be a familiar line from popular movies, but in the commercial aviation world, it underscores the critical importance of clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Jekaterina Shalopanova, Chief Business Officer of Aerviva, explains how pilots effectively manage flight duties through Crew Resource Management (CRM).

Shalopanova highlights that the primary goal of CRM is to complement each crew member’s skills, thereby reducing individual workloads and allowing greater focus on specific tasks. “The goal of the crew is to complement each other to keep workload low so that more attention can be given to each individual task on the checklist,” she states. “Using CRM allows pilots to double-check and verify their work, ensuring adherence to rules and adding a layer of safety and quality assurance.”

Crew Resource Management in aviation involves the strategic delegation and sharing of responsibilities among the flight crew. This practice has expanded beyond aviation, benefiting other transportation sectors and businesses by enhancing team effectiveness. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) mandates CRM training, reflecting its essential role in modern aviation safety protocols.

Historically, commercial aircraft were operated by three crew members: two pilots and a flight engineer. However, with the reduction in crew sizes, both pilots must now efficiently manage their duties to balance responsibilities and cross-verify each other’s actions throughout the flight. During pre-flight briefings, the captain and first officer establish a plan detailing who will control the aircraft at various stages. The crew member handling the aircraft controls is designated as the Pilot Flying, while the other serves as the Pilot Monitoring.

The Pilot Monitoring has several key responsibilities, including overseeing fuel consumption, setting navigation systems, monitoring weather conditions, calibrating instruments, communicating with air traffic control, and announcing critical flight information. “There are nuances to this interaction, and each airline has its own flight manual detailing specific CRM procedures,” Shalopanova explains. These manuals are based on EASA and international aviation regulations and provide guidance on crew duties, responsibilities, and standardized communication protocols during flight control transfers.

Best practices for transferring flight controls involve clear verbal communication. For example, the Pilot Flying might say, “You have the flight controls,” to which the Pilot Monitoring responds, “I have the controls.” This two-way communication enhances situational awareness and clearly delineates responsibilities on the flight deck, according to Shalopanova.

Typically, the first officer handles the aircraft during landing, while the captain acts as Pilot Monitoring, ensuring compliance with landing procedures. This includes monitoring the “minimums”—the lowest point the aircraft can safely fly with guidance from flight instruments before deciding to land. As the aircraft approaches minimums, the Pilot Monitoring announces the remaining altitude, facilitating a coordinated decision on whether to continue landing.

During critical phases like approach and departure, altitude and speed call-outs are essential for maintaining separation from other aircraft and ensuring safety. For instance, during takeoff, the Pilot Monitoring may announce reaching ‘V1’ speed—the point beyond which takeoff cannot be aborted. These call-outs verify the functionality of avionics systems and confirm both pilots are aligned, allowing for procedural actions if necessary.

CRM practices significantly improve team collaboration by enhancing communication and reducing individual workload. These skills are essential for ensuring safety and effective teamwork, both during routine flights and in emergency situations. Aircrew are trained on the ground to practice CRM, which not only prepares them for their duties but also highlights their judgment and decision-making capabilities—key factors in maintaining control of the aircraft and succeeding in job interviews within the aviation industry.

By implementing robust Crew Resource Management, airlines can ensure that their pilots work seamlessly together, fostering a safer and more efficient flight environment for all passengers.

Related news: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/safety/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aerotime.com