Mikehammer -
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Quite appropriate, the issue described is a CRM problem, definitely.
And this thread is located in "CRM and QA"... so, my opinions...
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The captain fails to conduct the flight to the best advantage (level selection).
He further fails to inquire about the F/Os suggestions.
And here, we have a F/O who fails to be assertive (or communicate well).
Is it language differences, maybe...? Do the two, know each other well...?
Or was it just a handshake before the flight, a mere "Hello, I am John..!"
In essence, at/above 5,000 ft is ok, but... FL 080 is too high.
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These two pilots would gain a lot to have a "beer debriefing"...
And learn to communicate.
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Until last year, I was training manager for my airline.
I did hang that coat and hat, but still do training, including CRM.
One thing I started years ago, to teach CRM
refresher in simulators.
Initial CRM is a 1 day/8 hrs activity for classroom.
But the cockpit/simulator environment is more appropriate.
No more "sleeping" for 4 hrs, in the classroom during "siesta".
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Two crews - one "operating" and one "observing".
One crew gets in problem, try to justify their procedures (and... errors).
The other crew then can critique... and learn (and insult each other).
By chance, a 747 (classic) simulator is roomy enough for 7 "bodies" (includes me).
In a 737, I do with 5 people, but you got to be friendly...!
And believe me, these are the best CRM sessions I ever achieved.
xxx
Happy contrails