>On the other hand, as Dr. Helmreich says, CRM skills are not the only things
required, and we still need technical training, physical skills, etcetera. We
have "oversold" CRM in the past as the panacea for flight safety.<
I don't disagree with you at all here. CRM skills can not be considered in
lieu of technical and physical skills. A good pilot is proficient in all of
these skills. While CRM can not compensate for lack of technical skills or
knowledge, it can help him/her maximize the crew's aggregate knowlege/skills.
Whereas a technically proficient pilot who lacks effective team management
skills, can find him/herself in dire straights by failing to take full
advantage of the crew's observations, skills and knowledge. He/She could
unnecessarily "lead" the crew down the Poor Judgement Chain.
No, it's not a panacea, but it is an essential element.
>In fact the MOST important, or at least most basic, thing in having a safe
operation is to have a proper attitude on the part of the managementof that
operation..... So CRM is a skill, but one that must exist within the proper
management system.<
You are right, the company's management must fully support (and require)
these management procedures. Everyone has to use the management system (in
our case) and as such, we do not separate the two. One of the things we must
get right off the bat, is a firm commitment from management that these
procedures are required at all times. It is simply one component of the
management system. It is not a separate entity.
Skip Mudge
CMR, Inc.