CRM

CRM between crews.

 

Although the term "CRM" encompasses many meanings, as flight crews and cabin crews even have separate lessons for it.. 

In aviation, between pilots, I think we sometimes use the term as an indicator of whether a person is good to fly with or reluctant to fly with.

 

I have flown with people of different nationalities, various backgrounds, expats, locals, etc., both in the right seat and in the left seat.

When I flew as a first officer, I preferred flying with expat captains because they, being foreign pilots, did not talk too much or try to dictate what to do. I believe this sentiment was shared among other fellow first officers.

Flying with locals, especially in my country, seemed to involve more considerations regarding hierarchy compared to other countries' cultures. Starting my career in my country, I was unfamiliar with other pilots' or other countries' cockpit culture. I assumed it would be similar to what I had experienced.

Arriving a bit earlier than the scheduled time, preparing documents first, and showing a positive attitude to captains were customary practices. Missing standard callouts or not focusing on a flight, especially when flying as PF (pilot flying), could be seen as disrespectful to the captains we were flying with. There were certainly other expectations as well.

However, after years of flying as a first officer and then getting promoted to the left seat, I found myself expecting the same standards from the first officers I flew with.

If I had stayed with the same company where I flew as a first officer, the culture would likely have remained unchanged, and as I gained seniority there, the first officers would have likely followed the same practices. But moving to other airlines introduced me to people of various backgrounds and ages, and things were different from what I had expected.

This change made me realize that there is still a boundary between captains and first officers, not necessarily indicating a higher position for the captain, but rather the responsibilities associated with their roles, akin to a captain on a sea ship.

 

Breaking Boundary

Maintaining this boundary, based on mutual respect and a commitment to safety, i think it is required for both first officers and captains, even if they are friends outside of work or family members.

While some first officers may be overly friendly, offering tea, coffee, snacks, and making jokes, which can enhance the flight experience, 

but there are also those who may use such gestures to cover up laziness or break the professional boundary.

In my experience and judgement, not all friendly and talkative crew members are necessarily good ones. 

Conversely, those who are serious about their duties and maintain a respectful demeanor are often the ones I prefer to work with.

However, being somewhat naive about people's intentions, 

I have sometimes fallen for superficial friendliness, only to later realize their true intentions, causing disappointment and stress.

 

 

It's crucial to remember that despite calling each other "friend" or "brother," the primary focus should always be on flying safely and fulfilling our duties as pilots.

Understanding this, I can understand a bit, why many captains did not show much hospitality to me when I was a first officer.

(Nonetheless, I did encounter nice captains and first officers along the way... i want to believe it so.  that at least. .. :)

Ultimately, it's essential to remember that our primary purpose is to fly safely, not necessarily to make friends.

 

 

 

 

CRM (asking chatGPT)

 

CRM stands for Crew Resource Management in aviation. It's a set of training and procedures designed to improve crew communication, teamwork, decision- making, and situational awareness in the cockpit. CRM recognizes that effective teamwork among pilots, flight attendants, and other crew members is critical for safe and efficient flight operations.

Here are some key aspects of CRM:

1. **Communication:** Encourages open, clear, and effective communication among crew members. This includes using standardized terminology, actively listening to others, and speaking up when there are concerns or uncertainties.

2. **Leadership and Followership:** Emphasizes the importance of assertive leadership and supportive followership. Crew members are trained to take on leadership roles when appropriate and to support the decisions made by the designated leader.

3. **Decision-Making:** Provides tools and techniques for making informed decisions, especially in high-pressure or time-critical situations. This includes identifying and assessing risks, considering alternatives, and implementing the best course of action.

4. **Situational Awareness:** Helps crew members maintain a clear understanding of their environment, including aircraft systems, weather conditions, and air traffic. Situational awareness enables proactive problem- solving and effective response to unexpected events.

5. **Task Management:** Teaches crew members how to prioritize tasks and allocate resources efficiently during flight operations. This involves coordinating duties, managing workload, and maintaining focus on essential tasks.

6. **Stress Management:** Equips crew members with strategies for managing stress and fatigue during long flights or challenging situations. Stress management techniques help maintain cognitive function and decision-making ability under pressure.

CRM training typically involves both classroom instruction and practical exercises, often using flight simulators to simulate real-world scenarios. By promoting effective teamwork and communication skills, CRM contributes to safer and more efficient flight operations, reducing the risk of human error and enhancing overall aviation safety.