Single-pilot Crew Resource Management

2016-01 gajsc logo headrer

General Aviation Joint Steering Committee

Loss of Control Working Group 1

Single-pilot Crew Resource Management

Outreach Guidance Document

2016/10/3-093 (I) PP

This outreach guidance is provided to all FAA and aviation industry groups that are participating in outreach efforts sponsored by the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC). It is important that all outreach on a given topic is coordinated and is free of conflicts. Therefore, all outreach products should be in alignment with the outline and concepts listed below for this topic.

Outreach Month: January 2017

Topic: Single-pilot Crew Resource Management (SE 24 Output 3)

The FAA and industry will conduct a public education campaign emphasizing the best practices regarding single-pilot resource management operational techniques.

Background:

The air carrier industry has embraced Crew Resource Management (CRM) as a necessary initiative that has helped mitigate aircraft accidents caused by human error. Even though traditional CRM focused on multi-crewed environments, several elements (such as communications, teamwork, decision making, and situational awareness) can be applied to single-pilot operations. The Private Pilot PTS defines Single pilot CRM as, "the art and science of managing all the resources (both onboard the aircraft and outside sources) available to a single-pilot (prior to and during flight)". That sweeping statement is further defined with respect to 6 SRM Components:

  • Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)
    • Acquiring relevant data & making decisions on those data
  • Risk Management
    • Hazard identification, risk assessment, & mitigation
  • Task Management
    • Managing pre and in flight tasks
  • Situational Awareness (SA)
  • Controlled Flight into Terrain Awareness (CFIT-A)
  • Automation Management
    • Familiarity with equipment
    • Over reliance on automation

The GAJSC recommends that pilots practice CRM to reduce mishap risk.

Teaching Points:

  • Discuss the scope and safety benefits of Single-Pilot Resource Management.
  • Acquaint pilots with available resources.
  • Discuss means of managing resources.
  • Encourage pilots to adopt SRM processes.

References:

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