An Assessment of Aircrew Training System Instructor Attitudes and Perceptions Towards Common Elements of Crew Resource Management Training

Training flight crews to safely operate large transport category aircraft is a complex endeavor. This research explored an aspect of flight training referred to as Crew Resource Management (CRM) training, which is designed to optimize the human-machine interface and improve intrapersonal communications among flightcrews. For Air Force crewmembers, civilian instructors provide this training as part of an overall Aircrew Training System (ATS). A critical element of this training is the personal feedback that instructors provide to their students relating to desired CRM behaviors observed during flight simulator scenarios. Often, the quality and effectiveness of this feedback is dependent solely upon an instructor's personal knowledge of optimal CRM behaviors. This study assessed the attitudes of ATS instructors towards key concepts taught in CRM training programs. A survey captured attitudes among 30 ATS instructors at two training centers. Item responses were within the desired ranges for each psychometric scale with the exception of those related to the denial of stress. Although common, undesired attitudes relating to the denial of stress should be addressed in an effort to optimize CRM training. The results showed that there were no differences in attitudes between the two training centers. In general, instructors of differing aircraft crew duty positions reflected similar attitudes, although there were some exceptions. Overall, ATS Instructors were found to have the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards key CRM concepts that are consistent with the goals of an effective CRM training program.