In a message dated 96-10-03 16:56:15 EDT, you write:
<<Reid wrote: All abnormals use some sort of checklist to get the ball
rolling.
Therefore it is important to design checklists correctly for use in a CRM
situation.
I agree that checklist design and use are critical. . . But CRM, unlike the
checklist, is not just for a specific situation. CRM is an all-the-time set
of behaviors--- a part of an overall culture of aircrew attitude and
performance. Whereas checklists play an
important, even critical, part in those behaviors, it is still only a part.
>>
It could not be more true to say that CRM must be a culture, a corporate
philosophy, and an everyday way of life for pilots (F/A's, Mx, etc) if it is
to be effective. Simply to trust checklists to carry the weight of inadequate
CRM training would be foolish. However, we should not overlook the possible
benefits of "[designing] checklists correctly for use in a CRM situation."
First, I will loosely interpret "a CRM situation" to be any situation which
would be more effectively handled with proper crew coordination (from
"emergency evacuation" to the standard "before takeoff brief," and most
situation in-between). Now, let's consider checklists-- We all know that
crews use checklists primarily as a memory aid. Surely, any pilot would be
capable of flying an airplane without a checklist (as many do), but the
checklist simply jogs the memory, and helps keep us humans from making the
errors of commission and/or omission that we invariably make by walking us,
step by step, through a procedure that we alreadly know how to do. When are
we most likely to make these errors?
1) abnormal/emergency situations (ever hear about the pilot who shut
down the good engine when one quit?) and
2) everyday, routine situations (a couple of accidents come to mind
where crews failed to set flaps when the "before takeoff" checklist called
for the action).
Though the checklist is handy (when properly used), it is not a substitute
for effective and thorough training.
Now, to CRM and checklists:
Like the checklist that helps the crew put out an engine fire, "checklists
[designed] correctly for use in a CRM situation" might facilitate crew
interaction in emergency or even routine situations. Again, it would not be
intended to serve as a substitute for training or aircrew attitude or
philoshophy, but such checklists might do just what a checklist is supposed
to do- remind us when we are likely to forget. Specifically, remind the crew
not only of what to do, but how they might coordinate in getting it done.
Brad
http://members.aol.com/beblythe/index.html (soon to be updated)