Does CRM need a new name?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Austalia
Does CRM need a new name?
There is a post in 'Rotor Heads' that mentioned a single pilot CRM course. From some of the replies it got, it seems that many people still regard a CRM course to be about being nice to each other, and could see little relevants for single pilot.
A modern CRM course covers so much more, with particular focus on the fact that ALL humans make errors and are prone to making poor decisions. There are tactics that can be taught to combat this that are relevant to all. Not to mention SA and other human machine limitations.
So has 'CRM' outgrown its name. Is the acronym 'CRM' actually preventing the message getting through to those that need it most?
A modern CRM course covers so much more, with particular focus on the fact that ALL humans make errors and are prone to making poor decisions. There are tactics that can be taught to combat this that are relevant to all. Not to mention SA and other human machine limitations.
So has 'CRM' outgrown its name. Is the acronym 'CRM' actually preventing the message getting through to those that need it most?
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From: Blighty - On secondment
CRM has alreay undergone a namechange in the mid 80s from Cockpit to Crew Resource Mgmt. This was a natural evolution. CRM for single pilot ops might revert then to the original title of Cockpit RM.
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From: On the move!
Hi there,
CRM has already undergone some significant changes (Cockpit, Crew, Corporate) over the last two decades. The initial efforts by NASA in 1978 were aimed at addressing the large amount of accidents where "pilot error" was sited as the overall cause of the accident. It became evident that a lack of communication, workload management, poor leadership, loss of SA, etc. was some of the more significant contributing factors, rather than a lack of technical skills by the pilots. This is where Cockpit Resource Management was developed.
Subsequent efforts and research then indicated that other agencies (maintenance, ramp, ATC, cabin staff, etc.) was also very close involved within the Aviation System and this is where Crew Resource Management was developed to address all teams directly involved in daily flying operations. Later additions to Crew Resource Management was complimented by LOFT where aircrew had the opportunity to operate as a crew under simulated flying conditions (both normal and emergency situations).
CRM now has been tailored to address many other industries (nuclear, offshore, medical, maintenance, etc) where "human error" had a role to play in the actual incident or accident. It is argued that the an accident normally have a chain of events that create a window of opportunity for the accident to occur.
Efforts by Prof James Reason (1990) gave rise to the concept of the "Organisational Accident", where various levels of the organisation and other regulatory agencies create the environment and culture to promote unsafe acts. This then lead to people at the sharp end (pilots, doctors, engineers, etc) committing an unsafe act or violation.
Due to this approach to Human Error within complex systems, such as aviation, it is argued that "human error" is inevitable and that all personnel are prone to commit some form of unsafe act that will lead to a serious incident or accident. Looking from this point of view, fifth generation CRM is now seen as "Error Management" whereby errors are either: 1. avoided if possible, 2. Errors are trapped, or 3. The consequences of error are mitigated to have a minimal impact of the overall integrity of the system.
There is a document available that explains this evolution of CRM and I will post this link here this week. Hope that this quick overview has highlighted some of the subtle changes of the acronym CRM and what the modern approach is to managing and living with "human error."
Regards,
CJ
Other names: Aeronautical (ADM) or Pilot Decision Making (PDM), Pilot Judgement Training (PJT), Crew Coordination Training (CCT)
CRM has already undergone some significant changes (Cockpit, Crew, Corporate) over the last two decades. The initial efforts by NASA in 1978 were aimed at addressing the large amount of accidents where "pilot error" was sited as the overall cause of the accident. It became evident that a lack of communication, workload management, poor leadership, loss of SA, etc. was some of the more significant contributing factors, rather than a lack of technical skills by the pilots. This is where Cockpit Resource Management was developed.
Subsequent efforts and research then indicated that other agencies (maintenance, ramp, ATC, cabin staff, etc.) was also very close involved within the Aviation System and this is where Crew Resource Management was developed to address all teams directly involved in daily flying operations. Later additions to Crew Resource Management was complimented by LOFT where aircrew had the opportunity to operate as a crew under simulated flying conditions (both normal and emergency situations).
CRM now has been tailored to address many other industries (nuclear, offshore, medical, maintenance, etc) where "human error" had a role to play in the actual incident or accident. It is argued that the an accident normally have a chain of events that create a window of opportunity for the accident to occur.
Efforts by Prof James Reason (1990) gave rise to the concept of the "Organisational Accident", where various levels of the organisation and other regulatory agencies create the environment and culture to promote unsafe acts. This then lead to people at the sharp end (pilots, doctors, engineers, etc) committing an unsafe act or violation.
Due to this approach to Human Error within complex systems, such as aviation, it is argued that "human error" is inevitable and that all personnel are prone to commit some form of unsafe act that will lead to a serious incident or accident. Looking from this point of view, fifth generation CRM is now seen as "Error Management" whereby errors are either: 1. avoided if possible, 2. Errors are trapped, or 3. The consequences of error are mitigated to have a minimal impact of the overall integrity of the system.
There is a document available that explains this evolution of CRM and I will post this link here this week. Hope that this quick overview has highlighted some of the subtle changes of the acronym CRM and what the modern approach is to managing and living with "human error."
Regards,
CJ
Other names: Aeronautical (ADM) or Pilot Decision Making (PDM), Pilot Judgement Training (PJT), Crew Coordination Training (CCT)
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Austalia
Thanks for the reply's. We agree that 'CRM' has evolved so much over time, and still is. Whether the C stands for Cockpit, Crew, Company or whatever, the CRM acronym, I think, still forms a barrier with some people who have done an old course and think they know what it's about.
As CRM has much better practical application now with focus on 'Error Management' and 'Decision making', the original concepts of CRM are just a part of that. I find if I am having a conversation with someone on the benfits of this type of Human Factors training, if I use the term CRM without qualifying it to explain that it's NEW CRM, not old CRM, it is confusing and almost counter productive.
Maybe people's concept of CRM training will eventually catch up with its meaning of Error Management, Decision Making, Flight Discipline and Professional Developement Training, but until then it does little to promote the benefits of this trainings latest advancements. As per my original post about people thinking
CRM for single pilots is like doing a multi engine glider rating.
As CRM has much better practical application now with focus on 'Error Management' and 'Decision making', the original concepts of CRM are just a part of that. I find if I am having a conversation with someone on the benfits of this type of Human Factors training, if I use the term CRM without qualifying it to explain that it's NEW CRM, not old CRM, it is confusing and almost counter productive.
Maybe people's concept of CRM training will eventually catch up with its meaning of Error Management, Decision Making, Flight Discipline and Professional Developement Training, but until then it does little to promote the benefits of this trainings latest advancements. As per my original post about people thinking
CRM for single pilots is like doing a multi engine glider rating.
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Blighty - On secondment
Chopper Jog, is this the link you are refering to?
http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homep...les/Pub235.pdf
http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homep...les/Pub235.pdf
Joined: May 2002
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From: Who can say?
CRM is not only about how one member of a flight deck crew deals with the other(s) - far from it.
In a single-pilot crew, your dealings with Ops, Refuellers, caterers, airport security staff, bus drivers, handling agents etc. etc. are all subject to the principles of CRM.
And when it all goes pear-shaped, the brown stuff contatcs the air conditioning and the flight deck is lighting up like a Christmas tree, you may well need to use CRM in your dealings on the radio with ATC, engineering, fire services, S&R, etc.
So single-pilot CRM is very far from being only a multi-crew discipline.
In a single-pilot crew, your dealings with Ops, Refuellers, caterers, airport security staff, bus drivers, handling agents etc. etc. are all subject to the principles of CRM.
And when it all goes pear-shaped, the brown stuff contatcs the air conditioning and the flight deck is lighting up like a Christmas tree, you may well need to use CRM in your dealings on the radio with ATC, engineering, fire services, S&R, etc.
So single-pilot CRM is very far from being only a multi-crew discipline.
Guest
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The captain snarls at the cowering first officer. In other words let us assume the captain is a typical high handed git. This then is surely pilot error (by the captain). Others term it lacking in CRM.
CRM is an over used term if only because since its inception it is perceived as a warm and fuzzy mutual discussion period for the purpose of the CVR readings if something should go wrong.
CRM is an over used term if only because since its inception it is perceived as a warm and fuzzy mutual discussion period for the purpose of the CVR readings if something should go wrong.

With MY reputation?
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Not fussed, as long as it's "Child Friendly"
let us assume the captain is a typical high handed git

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 103
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From: Oz
Threat and Error Management
Hi Guys,
There is a sixth generation of CRM.
Coined in 1999 - the concept of "Threat management" as being an intrinsic part of the job, coupled with the (5th generation) concept of "error" being an ubiquitious part of humans in the system emerged.
The concept of flying from A to B is the same as swimming across a river. It basically should be easy if you can fly (swim). However, the sharks, currents, slippery river banks etc are the threats (some predictable - some unknown) are what make it difficult. Throw in a handful of errors because it is humans that are making the journey to complete the picture.
The latest CRM courses are now all about Threat and Error Management (TEM). The "classical" CRM skills - involving good communication etc etc are re - labelled as defences in the persuit of TEM.
Try these references - also from U/T - for a more complete picture.
http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/group/HelmreichLAB/
There is a sixth generation of CRM.
Coined in 1999 - the concept of "Threat management" as being an intrinsic part of the job, coupled with the (5th generation) concept of "error" being an ubiquitious part of humans in the system emerged.
The concept of flying from A to B is the same as swimming across a river. It basically should be easy if you can fly (swim). However, the sharks, currents, slippery river banks etc are the threats (some predictable - some unknown) are what make it difficult. Throw in a handful of errors because it is humans that are making the journey to complete the picture.
The latest CRM courses are now all about Threat and Error Management (TEM). The "classical" CRM skills - involving good communication etc etc are re - labelled as defences in the persuit of TEM.
Try these references - also from U/T - for a more complete picture.
http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/group/HelmreichLAB/


Joined: Nov 2000
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From: White Waltham, Prestwick & Calgary
I was contributing to that other thread, and I made the point that even using a GPS when you've got a perfectly good map is bad CRM. Yes, the name needs changing, but to what, I don't know - The Canadians call it Pilot Decision Making, but even that doesn't cover it properly.
Since the purpose of such courses is to generate discussion and pass around information, I cover a lot of operational stuff as well.
Phil
Since the purpose of such courses is to generate discussion and pass around information, I cover a lot of operational stuff as well.
Phil
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Austalia
I like the title 'Threat and Error Managment' mentioned by PJ88. It seems a lot more relevant title these days than CRM. After all, to identify the threats and possible errors, and then learn to manage them is really what these courses are all about
Maybe finessed a little 'Threat and Error Management for Pilots and Aircrew'.
TEMPA training??....... I think that says it all.
Maybe finessed a little 'Threat and Error Management for Pilots and Aircrew'.
TEMPA training??....... I think that says it all.




