Explore the critical role of Crew Resource Management (CRM) in Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), with a focus on the unique approach adopted by Aviation Performance Solutions (APS).
In the dynamic world of aviation, safety remains the paramount concern. One of the most effective strategies to enhance flight safety is Crew Resource Management (CRM), a set of training procedures designed to mitigate the risks associated with human error. CRM emphasizes the importance of interpersonal communication, leadership, and decision-making within the cockpit. However, its application in one critical area - Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) - is often overlooked. This article aims to shed light on the importance of integrating CRM into UPRT, with a particular focus on the innovative approach adopted by Aviation Performance Solutions (APS).
Understanding CRM
CRM is a safety system that has been developed to improve air safety by focusing on the human factors in aviation. It is a set of training procedures that are designed to make optimum use of all available resources - equipment, procedures, and people - to promote safety and enhance the efficiency of flight operations. The key elements of CRM include:
- Interpersonal communication
- Leadership
- Decision-making
- Situational awareness
- Stress management
- Fatigue management
Understanding UPRT
UPRT, on the other hand, is a specialized training designed to equip pilots with the necessary skills to handle airplane upset events, which are the leading cause of aviation fatalities. UPRT focuses on:
- Aerodynamics and the limitations of the airplane
- Recognition and avoidance of situations that can lead to airplane upsets
- Techniques for preventing and recovering from upsets
The Intersection of CRM and UPRT
Despite the clear overlap in their objectives, CRM is often not practiced in recovery from an airplane upset, creating a gap in the overall safety framework. This is surprising, given that airplane upset events are the primary cause of aviation fatalities, and CRM is a means of mitigating safety threats through the use of the mutual support provided by a multi-pilot crew.
The Challenge of 'Airplane Upsets'
In the realm of aviation, the term 'airplane upset' refers to flight conditions that are outside the norm and could lead to an extreme deviation from the intended flightpath, also referred to as Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I). These upset could range from unintentional slow flight to approach to stall to excessive pitch attitudes or even to extreme banking angles. While pilots are trained and tested to recover from mild versions of such conditions, the training often falls short in a diversity of areas and more often than not it is usually conducted individually, without the involvement of the entire crew working together during the recovery according to established CRM protocols. This approach fails to foster the necessary crew coordination to handle unexpected airplane upset events effectively.
APS's Unique Approach to CRM in UPRT
At APS, we recognize the importance of CRM in UPRT and have integrated it into our training programs. Our pilots practice implementing CRM in a Level D full-flight simulator, providing a realistic environment to practice the mutual support that can be provided when CRM is applied in an airplane upset. This approach allows pilots to train as a crew, fostering the development of proper crew coordination in addressing unexpected airplane upset events.
In our training, we ensure that members of the same flight department or airline occupy both seats in the simulator that's matched to the class of airplane. The exercises are both maneuver-based and scenario-based, providing a comprehensive training experience.
Rethinking CRM SOPs
Our unique approach to CRM in UPRT often leads pilots to rethink and redevelop their CRM Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to more comprehensively address airplane upset events. After participating in APS's EPIC-S2 UPRT for professional pilots operating as a crew, it's not uncommon for pilots to make significant changes to their SOPs, enhancing their preparedness for airplane upset events.
Conclusion
The integration of CRM into UPRT is a critical step towards enhancing flight safety. At APS, we are committed to providing comprehensive training that equips pilots with the necessary skills to handle unexpected airplane upset events effectively. By fostering effective communication, decision-making, and leadership skills among pilots, we aim to make the skies safer for everyone.
References
As this article is based on general knowledge and does not cite specific sources, no references are listed. However, for further reading on the topic, the following resources are recommended:
- Helmreich, R. L., Merritt, A. C., & Wilhelm, J. A. (1999). The evolution of Crew Resource Management training in commercial aviation. International Journal of Aviation Psychology, 9(1), 19-32.
- O'Connor, P., Hörmann, H. J., Flin, R., Lodge, M., Goeters, K. M., & JARTEL Group. (2002). Developing a method for evaluating Crew Resource Management skills: a European perspective. International Journal of Aviation Psychology, 12(3), 263-285.
- Maurino, D. E., Reason, J., Johnston, N., & Lee, R. B. (1995). Beyond aviation human factors: Safety in high technology systems. Avebury Aviation.
- Thomas, M. J. (2004). Predictors of threat and error management: Identification of core nontechnical skills and implications for training systems design. International Journal of Aviation Psychology, 14(2), 207-231.