Appendix D: Crew Resource Management

APPENDIX D

CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

D100. CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The "human error" factor or inadequate aircrew coordination is the single leading cause factor

for serious mishaps in modern naval aviation. Crew resource management (CRM) involves the

use and integration of all available skills and resources necessary to achieve and maintain flight

and crew efficiency, situational awareness, mission effectiveness, and operational readiness.

CRM affects pilots-to-controller, lead-to-wingman, and inter-cockpit coordination and

communication skills.

The goal of CRM is to improve mission effectiveness/operational readiness by enhancing

aircrew coordination through increased awareness of the seven associated behavioral skills that

have been identified as critical and form the cornerstone of CRM. These are: decision making,

assertiveness, mission analysis/briefing, communication, leadership, adaptability/flexibility, and

situational awareness.

During flight training, up to this point, all seven skills were introduced; during this phase,

assertiveness, communication, and situational awareness will be further explored.

D101. DECISION MAKING

Effective decision making refers to the ability to use logical and sound judgment based on the

information available.

Aircrew can make effective decisions by:

Assessing the problem.

Verifying information.

Identifying solutions.

Anticipating consequences of decisions.

Telling others of the decision and rationale.

Evaluating the decision.

Factors that promote good decision making:

Teamwork.

Extra time to make a decision.

CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT D-1