You wrote: <My position is that CRM is and must be evident in all
situations. Granted, sometimes CRM may be more critical, but we find that we
can quite easily observe and evaluate
CRM skills on the most routine A to B, day VFR flight with no problems of
any kind.>
I concur that the best way to provide continuation training in CRM is for
every simulator ride to be a CRM learning experience. As the crews mature in
the system, so too is every flight.
You wrote: <CRM, to be effective, must become habitual. Crews who effectively
manage the simple routine flights have a much easier time when faced with
problems of any sort because they are already comfortable with the skills and
they do not need to do anything differently.>
AMEN!
You wrote:< Good CRM is not a toolbox of skills and techniques. If crews must
first recognize a situation as worthy of these special skills and then
determine which special skill is needed to
properly handle the situation, they will quickly find themselves behind the
power curve.>
CRM is MORE than a toolbox of skills and techniques, but the "toolbox" is a
necessary part of what we want the crews to use. For that use to become
"habitual", we train and train and train them in the use of the "skills and
techniques".
You wrote:< First, they had most likely allowed the situation to go unmanaged
long enough for it to become recognizable as something that required special
attention. Second, they may be approaching a high stress/high workload
condition and may have limited mental capacity (and comfort with these new
skills) to use the skills properly. Third, if the stress/workload levels are
sufficiently high, then they will just revert to their natural instincts and
handle the situation the way they would have prior to CRM training.>
If we are and our training programs are good enough, items 1 thru 3 do not
happen because CRM will be the natural instincts. CRM training must be
conducted on a continuum throughout the crewmembers career: awareness,
initial, and refresher training. Coupled with a good evaluation system, which
has yet to be developed that I know of, that should insure the habituation
(did I just coin a word?) of the desired CRM behavior.
Thanks for the challenge. Regards,
Dave Wilson
HTI