Success Stories
CRMDEEN_at_aol.com
Wed, 20 Aug 1997 13:01:07 -0400 (EDT)
I'm sure a lot of the instructors in the group have been challenged by
students to teach the good stuff. What do successful crews do? We must
admit that we are quite good at analyzing what went wrong and then teaching
people what NOT to do.
Are there signs of success out there in the flying world? Must a
reporting system be structured to report only the trouble spots?
During a class this week, I learned and heard stuff I have been hoping to
hear for years: successful use of CRM teaching.
1. During a particularly challenging flight, the pilot was trying to
fly, listen to three radios, and discuss the numerous mission changes with
the crew. The flight engineer noticed that the pilot's flying ability was
diminishing, and suggested to the pilot that he have the co-pilot fly the
aircraft. The pilot agreed,thanked him for the suggestion, and delegated
the flying duties to the copilot. The problems were then resolved
successfully, and the workload in the cockpit stayed at a balanced level.
This was even applauded by the crew during the crew debrief.
Something suggested on page 10-3 of our CRM workbook was used in the
plane.
2. During a pre-takeoff setting, the mission changes and impending
dangerous weather were truly increasing the workload and stress. A navigator
said "pilot, this is getting stupid; lets take some time to think about
taking off into bad weather with so much confusion." The pilot agreed, set
the parking brake, took some deep breaths, and said "crew, lets slowly review
the situation we're in", and they used a risk awareness model we teach. The
flight took off a few minutes behind schedule, but with a better functioning
crew and the rest of the mission went well.
3. During the class, I show a list of the "ineffective PICs", of which
one is labeled the "one man show." I asked the students if they had any in
their squadron. Years ago, they would start throwing the names at me, and
lots of them. Today, they sit in silence, with raised eyebrows, and say,
"no, not really, maybe one guy is, sort-of. .."
These may seem like small steps, but I am reminded of what a facilitator
candidate once said: "The success of the CRM programs will be measured like
the training at an alcohol rehabilitation course. Behavior will not change
dramatically all at once, but rather day by day. We can get crews to say
they will use CRM one day at a time, and improvement will happen. It may not
be noticeable right away, but one day we'll look back and say, things are
better."
For those of you who are starting a program, have faith. If your
program is sound and well planned, improvement will come; Not quickly, but
one day at a time.
Let's start talking about the success stories; I'm sure they are out
there.
Greg Deen
HTI