You asked for a some ideas for research to improve performance through more
effective training. Here's a couple:
If we are going to improve performance, it is implied that we have some way
to measure it, and indeed we do. Well, at least in the technical regime of
flying we do. We can measure degrees, feet, and power. We can tell within
small measures how close a pilot/crew comes to meeting performance
requirements in almost every area. Every area, that is, except CRM. We even
have to wrestle each other to come up with a solid definition of CRM, much
less an adequate measurement system.
What makes this anomaly so much more ironic is that the errors in human
relations, crew management, judgement and decision making, planning,
communication, etc. account for up to 80% (some would say more) of the
aircraft mishaps in every field of aviation.
What we need is a metric system for CRM training.
Are the academic learning objectives (where they exist) adequate to the
cockpit/aircraft requirements?
Is what we are teaching (or trying to teach) reaching the cockpit as aircrew
behavior?
I have forwarded your request to Bob Nullmeyer, at the Air Force's Armstrong
Labs who is doing some research in an area that seems to me to be very
closely aligned with your project.
Good Luck, and if I can help feel free to let me know.
Dave Wilson
CRM Program Manager
Hughes Training Inc.