Anarchy in the Cockpit

[Too Cloudy]

Does anyone have any experience with dealing with crew who seem to have a problem with authority? Be it either as a crewman, captain or co-pilot. We probably have all had crew/pilots who take great delight in being arguementative just for the sake of it-or a co-pilot who will question every decision you make. I recall in a company I previously worked for, a crewman who hated pilots and let it be known to all his opinion. Management wouldn't touch him for reasons I can't expand on. This caused many arguements in the cockpit to the point where pilots refused to fly with him. I am aware of the CAR's that allow for the Captain to remove people from the cockpit if safety or the safe operation of a mission is jeopardised. I'd be interested to here if other pilots/crew have had similiar problems and how they have dealt with each case.

[heedm]

I'd say however you deal with it, do it on the ground before flying. If you're convinced that a crewmember won't respond to your authority when required, they shouldn't be on board.

If you end up in the air with someone like that, altering your leadership style may help. Often people who have a problem with authority wish to be making the decisions themselves. Including them in the process may help. In any case, at the end of that flight, deal with the problem so it doesn't reappear airborn.

[G.Khan]

In a twenty five year period, (fixed wing), I did have the odd anarchy type problem. I sought advice from others and they all said the same, "let him/her dig a big enough hole for themselves and they will usually fall in without any help, then you have a rather sheepish other crew member who has a lot less to say and a better attitude"
Not perfect CRM, I know, but unusual situations may require an unusual approach.
My policy was to give them the flying, as they were potential commanders they could check the load sheet, check the take-off card, do the P.A. and indeed anything that required a decision I would let them have first go at, often a snap decision may be required if ATC are asking you questions. Have they planned ahead, looked at the ability to climb, (or not), what is their plan if we get bad weather, let them liase with the F/As.
Obviously you never let it get out of hand but it has, on the few occasions I mentioned worked well.
Best of Luck. <img src="wink.gif" border="0">