5.1 Crew Resource Management (CRM)

5.1 Crew Resource Management (CRM)

Crew Resource Management (CRM) is the effective use of all available resources — human, hardware, and information — to achieve safe and efficient flight operations. Originally developed for multi-crew airline operations, CRM principles apply directly to drone operations where teams often include a Remote PIC, visual observer(s), and ground support personnel.

CRM Principles for UAS Operations

1. Communication

• Clear, concise communication between all crew members
• Use standardized terminology — avoid ambiguity
• The Remote PIC should brief all crew members before the flight
• Establish a communication plan (hand signals, radio protocols, verbal calls)
• Challenge and response — crew members should speak up when they see a hazard

2. Situational Awareness (SA)

• Knowing what is happening around you, what it means, and what will happen next
• Three levels of SA:
  • Level 1 — Perception: Detecting relevant information (seeing other aircraft, noticing wind changes)
  • Level 2 — Comprehension: Understanding what the information means (that aircraft is heading toward us)
  • Level 3 — Projection: Predicting what will happen next (we need to descend now to avoid conflict)

3. Task Management

• Prioritize tasks: Aviate → Navigate → Communicate
• Never let secondary tasks (photography, data collection) compromise flight safety
• Delegate tasks appropriately — the Remote PIC should focus on safety, not camera settings

4. Decision Making

• Use structured decision-making processes (see Aeronautical Decision Making below)
• Avoid get-there-itis — the pressure to complete a mission despite deteriorating conditions
• Set personal minimums BEFORE the flight (e.g., "I will not fly if winds exceed 20 knots")

5. Workload Management

• Distribute tasks among crew members to avoid overloading any one person
• During critical phases (takeoff, landing, emergency), minimize non-essential tasks
• Plan for contingencies before they happen, not during the crisis

Common CRM Failures in UAS Operations

Pre-Flight Briefing

An effective crew briefing before each operation should cover:

1. Mission objectives — what are we trying to accomplish?
2. Roles and responsibilities — who is the PIC, VO, ground support?
3. Airspace and restrictions — what class, any TFRs, authorizations needed?
4. Weather — current and forecast conditions
5. Emergency procedures — what to do if [battery fails / control link lost / aircraft enters controlled airspace / person enters flight area]
6. Communication plan — how will the team communicate?
7. Go/no-go criteria — what conditions will cause us to abort?

For the Exam: CRM questions often present a scenario and ask what the PIC should do. The correct answer almost always involves communication, prioritizing safety over mission completion, and using all available resources.