In modern aviation, safety is a team sport. In coordinating such a team, Crew Resource Management (CRM) is a fundamental part of an operator’s professional flight operation plan. It emphasizes communication, teamwork and the effective use of all available resources.
While pilots hold the most visible position, safe operation of an aircraft depends on a host of professionals sharing information and working toward the same goal for every single flight. Pilots, Crew, Aircraft Management teams, Maintenance Personnel, Dispatchers, Air Traffic Controllers and Flight Support Providers connect and communicate with each other to ensure information is accurate and that checks and balances are in place.
The Challenge of External Pressures
While private aviation provides flexibility, that flexibility can sometimes create unique operational challenges.
There’s and endless list of external pressures that can have an impact on any given flight – passengers may have important meetings, connecting travel arrangements or time sensitive commitments. Weather may create pressure to depart. Schedules may change unexpectedly.
Crew Resource Management, lead by the pilot, is what helps the team complete every trip safely. It requires confidence and professionalism from every member. A decision to delay a departure, change an itinerary or divert to another airport may sometimes be inconvenient, but those decisions reflect the highest standards of the professionals focusing on safety.
The Human Element vs Tech Automation
There’s no question that technology has transformed aviation, but safety decisions still remain fundamentally human. Aircraft systems can provide information. Automation can reduce workload. Data can improve decision-making. But it’s the experienced professionals who interpret that information and determine the best course of action.
That human element is one of the reasons business aviation maintains such a strong safety culture. Behind every successful flight is a team of professionals constantly evaluating conditions, managing risks and making decisions designed to protect passengers and aircraft.
The Role of Training in a High Tech Environment
Being a professional pilot today means a never-ending arch of continued learning and training. As technology advances and safety capabilities advance, so does the need for Crew Resource Management to include those new capabilities.
Business aviation requires continuous training to maintain proficiency and remain current with the evolving aircraft systems, regulations and operating procedures. Ongoing training includes a host of key exercises including:
- Simulator sessions
- Emergency procedures
- Aircraft systems reviews
- Decision-making scenarios
- Crew coordination exercises
- Regulatory updates
Simulator training is particularly valuable because it allows crews to practice rare but critical situations in a controlled environment.
As we’ve indicated in other blogs, a private jet pilot’s job is far deeper than what most people may consider. Flying the aircraft is only one part of the responsibility.
The greatest pilots are those who prepare thoroughly, communicate effectively, recognize risks early and have the confidence to make difficult decisions when required.
At altitude, an aircraft may be operating with incredible precision, but the person responsible for bringing everything together is the pilot supported by crew and everyone else in the Crew Resource Management circle.
About Avionco
Formed in 2000 by Mike Dodd and Josh Dodd in Calgary, Avionco is a premier aircraft services provider, purpose-built to serve aircraft owners whose business and lifestyle needs require impeccable service and efficiency in everything they do.
Josh Dodd, COO, leads day to day operations with a team of dedicated senior management professionals delivering a complete suite of flight management services including Pilot and Crew selection, In-Flight and Ground Operations, Safety and Compliance, and Entry Into Service (EIS). Learn more at www.avionco.com