What are the boundaries of CRM?

Robert Helmreich (helmreich_at_psyvax.psy.utexas.edu)
Sun, 26 Jan 1997 19:35:41 -0600

I agree that many of the things that we teach in CRM apply far beyond the
cockpit, but I disagree strongly that we should represent CRM as a means to
a better life. In a number of airlines where we have evaluated the impact of
CRM, its credibility has decreased in proportion to the extent that it is
seen as a panacea for the ills of human interaction.

Realistically, the majority of pilots do and have practiced good CRM
naturally. Much of our effort is addressed at those who resist or see the
efforts as misguided. The minority who reject the ideas of effective team
coordination are most likely to be turned off by programs that make the
point that they can improve all aspects of human interaction from the family
to the cockpit (and can also cure the common cold).

If we want to achieve the primary goal of safer and more efficient flight,
our data suggest that we should limit CRM to the reduction and management of
human error.

Bob Helmreich

Robert L. Helmreich -- NASA/University of Texas/Aerospace Crew Research Project
1609 Shoal Creek Blvd. Suite 200 Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512.480.9997 Fax: 512.480.0234
Internet Homepage: www.psy.utexas.edu/psy/helmreich/nasaut.htm