No doubt , interactions between Capt and FO have created such distractions in the cockpit that have led to accidents. In many cases had there only been one hypothetical pilot, these issues removed, the accident would have been averted.
While not a gauge or to debate single vs crew safety issues, I am curious if CRM has created more training, more vague goal posts for pilots to attain, when the emphasis should be on solid pilot ability to accurately point out a problem and take corrective action. CRM seems to strive for a rather well constructed, psychologicaly manipulated, well thought out, emotionaly sensitive statement to the effect 'Hey capt, we are going to crash, but I want you to know, I don't want to hurt your feelings, or make you feel any less confident in your pilot skills, nor do I want you to feel that I am questioning you experience, or authority...but in ten seconds we will all be dead...so just to be clear, please don't take this wrong....."
If the goal is to hire pilots that can fly a plane and recognize problems in the furtherance of avoiding accidents...does hiring based on interpersonal skills and proper trained attitude substitute the training and experience to simply know what to do, rather then train to 'negotiate what to do'
I would think the trend to hire 600 hr pilots at some airlines that attitude (Attitude is code name for = do we like your or not) is taking prececidence over ability in hiring decisions. I am not convinced that attitude will save a plane load of passengers as a substitute for years training, ability, judgement and experience.
Last edited by Angels 60; 23rd May 2008 at 17:21.