Re: CRM Developers at OSU

LCol Gary T. Hook (ghook_at_vulcan.achq.dnd.ca)
Wed, 10 Feb 1999 19:53:55 -0600

Steve
I agree with your logic path that we need to develop "decision making"
techniques. Too often we get effective communication but a flawed decision
process based on perceptual problems.
Case in point we in the Canadian Air Force had a close call between two
C-130's at night. It was a three ship formation in 4000 ft trail of each
other. They were to do a low approach then pull up to a downwind and resume
their trail formation. Lead and two did so uneventfully. Number three
though trying to catch up to Lead and number two who were now 180¼ off on a
downwind. They were testing new tactical insertion procedures by the way.
Number three on the pull up used too much cut-off. He was trying to join up
on Lead thinking that it was in fact #2! The right seater in the third
aircraft was in fact tally both Hercs and when he felt his acft was on a
collision course with #2 he asked "Do you have 2 visual?" Of course the
pilot flying answered "Yes" because he was focused on the wrong aircraft. A
repeat call by the right seater "Are you sure you have number 2?" "Yes"
You guessed it. A last minute pull up and a bunt made it a 100-200 close
call vice a tragedy. CRM was great from the right seater, unfortunately his
decision on how to ask was flawed. The crew member expressed his concerns
but due to the flying pilots perceptual flaws, it didn't matter did it?
CRM has been a good catalyst to where we have to go now and that is
developing effective decision making. We can only do that with effective
and unified goal setting; moreover when the aircrew become over-loaded they
must have a decision making strategy that will enable them to identify the
higher level goal(read fly the airplane first in most cases) and shed all
the 'fluff'.
I am working with Keith Hendy, DCIEM Toronto, on implementing such a
programme at all levels of our air force. Keith did an extensive 5 year
study on Human Factors in Decision Making and we are now taking advantage of
his work.
Cheers
Gary