Introduction to Crew Resource Management (CRM) for Part 107 Operations
In this section of the course, we’ll explore key elements of CRM that are vital for safe drone operations.
In any aviation environment, effective teamwork and decision-making are crucial to ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations. For drone pilots operating under Part 107, this concept is no different.
Crew Resource Management (CRM) goes beyond simply understanding the technical aspects of flight—it’s about leveraging the all resources at your disposal during all phases of flight to manage risk, make sound decisions, and work effectively as a team, even if you’re the only person in the cockpit.
In this section of the course, we’ll explore key elements of CRM that are vital for safe drone operations, including:
- Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM):
- Pilots should follow a structured decision-making process that involves assessing the situation, considering alternatives, weighing risks, and making the safest choice.
- Risk Management:
- Being able to identify potential risks and mitigate them before and during the flight. This includes considering both external factors (like weather) and internal factors (like equipment performance or fatigue).
- Situational Awareness:
- Understanding and continuously monitoring your environment, including weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and other potential hazards.
Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)
Make informed decisions during flight operations with a structured decision-making process.
ADM refers to the process by which pilots assess various factors and make informed decisions during flight operations to ensure safety.
ADM encompasses the decision-making process itself, including:
- problem recognition
- option generation
- and selecting the most appropriate course of action.
ADM involves evaluating factors such as weather conditions, aircraft performance, regulatory requirements, and situational awareness to determine the best course of action.
Selecting the most appropriate course of action through ADM entails evaluating potential outcomes and consequences associated with each option to guide decision making.
Risk Management
Identify potential risks and mitigate them before and during the flight.
Defining Risk Management:
Risk management is a crucial part of the aeronautical decision-making (ADM) process. It requires identifying, assessing, and mitigating the risks involved in every flight.
The main aim is to boost safety by proactively handling potential dangers and using smart decision-making to reduce the chances of negative outcome.
3 Key Features of Risk Management:
Taking a regular and organized approach to finding, analyzing, and dealing with risks tied to UA operations is crucial. The following are 3 key features of Risk Management:
1. Situational Awareness:
Staying aware of all aspects of the flight environment, including weather conditions, air traffic, and aircraft performance. This helps in anticipating potential issues and making informed decisions.
2. Problem Recognition:
The ability to identify problems early is essential. Recognizing potential hazards, such as mechanical issues or changing weather conditions, allows for timely intervention and risk mitigation.
3. Good Judgment:
Using good judgment to make sound decisions that prioritize safety. This involves weighing the risks and benefits of different actions and choosing the safest course.
How these Features Work Together:
By maintaining situational awareness, pilots can stay informed about their surroundings and the status of the aircraft. Recognizing problems as they arise allows them to address issues before they escalate. Finally, using good judgment ensures that the decisions made during the flight prioritize safety and reduce risks.
Example: “Accident Chains”
In aviation, the “accident chain” refers to a series of events or failures that can lead to an accident. Each link in this chain represents a potential failure point, and breaking any link can prevent the accident from occurring.
To prevent becoming the final “link” in this chain, a remote pilot must actively engage in Risk Management. This involves a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and addressing potential risks before they escalate.
Crew Resource Management (CRM)
Effective coordination and communication among the drone crew.
For drone pilots, staying aware of your surroundings helps prevent accidents, avoids potential hazards, and ensures that you can make informed decisions quickly.
Good situational awareness helps you maintain control of the drone and respond to changes in real time.
CRM During All Phases of Flight:
CRM needs to be in full effect across the entire mission timeline and all phases of flight.
Even in solo drone operations, applying CRM involves using all available resources—knowledge, skills, technology, and any team members or support systems—to make informed, safe, and efficient decisions.
Utilizing All Resources for CRM:
- People: This includes the RPIC, VOs, and ground crew, all of whom provide critical information and support.
- Equipment: Using all available tools and technology to monitor the flight, such as cameras, sensors, and communication devices.
- Information: Staying informed about factors like traffic, airspace, weather conditions, equipment status, and aircraft performance.
Designated Checklists:
- Always use designated checklists to make sure no crucial steps are overlooked in CRM for small UA operations.
Situational Awareness
Continuously perceiving, understanding, and anticipating your environment.
For drone pilots, staying aware of your surroundings helps prevent accidents, avoids potential hazards, and ensures that you can make informed decisions quickly. Good situational awareness helps you maintain control of the drone and respond to changes in real time.
- Visual Monitoring:
- Keep your drone within visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times. This helps you track its position and spot any obstacles or changes in the environment.
- Environmental Awareness:
- Be aware of the weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and any nearby aircraft or obstacles. This includes monitoring real-time data from onboard sensors and external sources.
- Assessing Information:
- Interpret the data you gather from visual observations, control system instruments, and environmental conditions. Understand how these factors affect your flight.
- Regular Scanning:
- Continuously scan the area around your drone, checking for obstacles, other aircraft, and changes in weather conditions.
