History of CRM
Crew Resource Management embodies the evolution of approaches to flight safety and efficiency, focusing on the human factor and interaction within the crew. From its roots, laid in response to the air disasters of the 1970s, CRM has evolved to its sixth generation, introducing new methodologies and technologies
History of CRM
Reading time: ~7-10 minutes
Crew Resource Management (CRM) is a foundational approach in the aviation industry, designed to minimize risks associated with the human factor, and thereby enhance flight safety levels. The CRM concept was introduced in response to a series of aviation disasters where the human factor was decisive, and includes key elements such as communication, situational awareness, and decision-making in the cockpit.
The foundation for the development of CRM was an incident in 1978 with United Airlines Flight 173, which crashed in Portland, USA, because the crew was so engrossed in a potential landing gear problem that they failed to notice the aircraft running out of fuel.

This and several other incidents led to a deep analysis of cockpit interaction and management and served as a catalyst for the development of CRM.

The goal of CRM is to optimize the use of all available resources — crew, equipment, and information — to ensure flight safety and efficiency. CRM focuses on enhancing interpersonal communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills within the crew in order to reduce the likelihood of mistakes and improve responses to unforeseen situations.
Stages of development
Generation 1
Generation 2
Generation 3
Generation 4
Generation 5
Generation 6
Gen. 1 Cockpit Leadership Resource Management (CLRM)
The first generation of CRM, known as Cockpit Leadership Resource Management (CLRM), emerged in the early 1980s in light of the in-depth study of aviation incidents and disasters. During this period, the primary focus was on the behavior of aircraft commanders, with an emphasis on improving leadership skills and decision-making in the cockpit.
This phase of CRM emphasized the importance of exceptional leadership in managing crisis and non-standard situations and successful problem-solving. Much emphasis was placed on training commanders, with the main focus on developing communication and management skills, as well as strengthening interpersonal relationships and coordination within the crew. At that time, the role of other crew members, such as the co-pilot, was not as emphasized, and the primary emphasis was on the managerial role of the captain.
The development of CLRM courses began with simulators and training focused on aspects of management and decision-making. The main focus was on the implementation of resource management strategies and communication enhancement techniques that would assist commanders in better managing their crews under high-pressure and stressful conditions.

The first generation of CRM marked a step forward in recognizing the importance of the human factor in flight safety. It underscored the need to change training approaches and provided a platform for the further development of crew resource management methods.

Feedback on these changes was diverse, but despite this, CRM continued to evolve, encompassing more aspects of crew interaction and aiming to improve flight safety and efficiency.
Gen. 2 Development and transformation of CRM
The second generation of CRM was notable for the concept extending far beyond mere leadership in the cockpit. Since the introduction of CLRM, the concept began to transform, including not only commanders but the entire aircraft crew. At this stage, CRM began transitioning from Cockpit Leadership Resource Management to Crew Resource Management, emphasizing the importance of the entire crew's interaction, not just the leader.
The Advent of LOFT
Around this time, a new training element was introduced -
Line Oriented Flight Training (LOFT).

LOFT was focused on simulator flights, where crews faced various situations requiring collaborative problem-solving. This marked a significant step forward as it allowed crews to work together in realistic conditions, learning to communicate and collaborate more effectively.
НачStarting with the second generation, the main focus began to shift to the entire crew, exploring how various communication styles and interactions could affect performance and safety. New training programs were aimed at developing the skills of the entire crew, including communication, situational awareness, decision-making, and stress management.

The second generation of CRM was critically important for the evolution of the crew resource management concept. It not only broadened the understanding of the importance of teamwork and interaction in the cockpit but also contributed to the development of training programs and evaluation methods.

As a result, CRM became more integrated and acceptable, laying the groundwork for further innovations and improvements in crew resource management.
Gen. 3 Deep integration and standardization
The third generation of CRM is characterized by further development and deepening of the integration of CRM into training systems and flight-related procedures. At this time, significant efforts were made to ensure the integration of CRM principles into every aspect of crew work.

A key element of the third generation was the standardization of CRM procedures and terminology. This was done to ensure clarity and consistency in understanding and applying CRM principles across the aviation industry.

The third generation also marked an expansion of CRM's scope. The concept began to be applied not only to aircraft crews but also to other aviation professionals, such as air traffic controllers and technical staff.

The increased level of standardization and integration led to improvements in training and evaluation methods. New training techniques were introduced, aimed at developing teamwork and leadership qualities in all crew members. Assessments became more objective and comprehensive, including an analysis of both individual skills and the performance of the entire team.
The third generation of CRM had a profound impact on the professional community, emphasizing the importance of communication, collaboration, and situational awareness in ensuring flight safety. It laid the foundation for further development and refinement of CRM, strengthening its value in the aviation industry.
Gen. 4 Documentation and formalization
In the 1990s, during the fourth generation, CRM moved to a new level - the regulatory level. During this period, the first regulatory documents and standards were developed, outlining the principles and requirements of CRM. This stage can be considered a cornerstone in the history of CRM development, as it marked the beginning of the formation of an official regulatory base in this field.
With the emergence of regulatory documents, CRM training processes became even more standardized and formalized. Clear criteria and training methodologies were established, as well as staff evaluation and certification, taking into account new requirements and standards.

In 1990, international standards were established that defined the minimum requirements for CRM programs and their implementation methods. This contributed to the further development and dissemination of CRM principles at an international level, improving compatibility and mutual understanding between aviation organizations from different countries.

The fourth generation also saw significant progress in the field of training technologies. The introduction of new technologies and methods, such as computer programs and simulators, made the training process more efficient, accessible, and multifunctional.
This period can be considered the time when CRM truly became an integral part of the aviation industry. Regulation and standardization, based on international standards, led to CRM principles becoming universally accepted and widely applied worldwide, ensuring an increase in flight safety and efficiency.
Gen. 5 Threat and error management
In the fifth generation of CRM development, a key change was the implementation of the Threat and Error Management (TEM) concept. TEM focuses on identifying and managing potential threats and errors that may arise during flight. This approach helps crews prevent situations that could lead to incidents or accidents.
  • Emphasis on Proactive Methods
    TEM promoted proactive management methods, allowing pilots to confront and manage threats and errors at early stages.

    Such a methodology contributed to the development of a safety culture and proactive measures that became an integral part of CRM training.
    Error
  • Widespread Acceptance and Adoption
    With the advent of the fifth generation and the introduction of TEM, CRM gained even wider acceptance and adoption within the aviation community. This concept trained crews to better understand and assess potential risks and develop strategies to minimize or eliminate them.
    TEM
  • Risk Assessment and Analysis
    TEM contributed to the advancement of risk assessment and analysis methods, allowing crews and airlines to more effectively manage potential threats.

    It became the foundation for the creation of new training programs and practices focused on threat and error management, putting flight safety first.
    Risk
Based on practical experience and analytical data, TEM helped refine processes and procedures in many aspects of aviation activities, such as flight planning, crew training, and safety procedures. This, in turn, contributed to improving the overall level of flight safety.
Gen. 6 Development of EBT
In the sixth generation of CRM, a key innovation was the concept of Evidence-Based Training (EBT). This initiative focuses on using specific data and analysis to ensure more effective and productive crew training. EBT allows for training optimization, making it more adaptable to individual pilot needs and abilities.
EBT emphasizes collecting and analyzing performance data from crew members to better understand their strengths and areas in need of improvement. This approach facilitates the creation of training programs that are maximally effective for each individual pilot, rather than the entire crew.

With EBT, airlines can develop and implement more precise and effective training methodologies. This not only improves training quality but also aids in early detection and correction of potential problems and weaknesses in pilots' skills.

EBT supports the principles of adaptive and individualized training, allowing crew members to develop the necessary skills and competencies in line with their unique needs and preferences. Consequently, training becomes more focused and goal-oriented.
The emergence of EBT reflects the aviation industry's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the fields of training and crew resource management. All of this underscores the importance of ongoing development and updating of training approaches within CRM, aiming to enhance flight safety and efficiency.
Conclusion and the evolution of CRM Today
Crew Resource Management continues to evolve, adapting to new technologies, methodologies, and the needs of the aviation industry. With each new generation, CRM becomes increasingly integrated and multifaceted, ensuring effective human resource management and training.
In modern aviation, the primary focus is on integrating new technological solutions, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to further enhance training and assessment processes. These innovations aim to create systems capable of adapting and responding to changing conditions and needs in real-time, facilitating continuous learning and refinement.

Moreover, there's an increasing trend towards openness and collaboration between different airlines, educational institutions, and regulators. This process promotes knowledge sharing and best practices, in turn leading to the creation of more resilient and secure management systems.

The objective of CRM remains constant – to minimize human errors and enhance the quality of interaction and communication within the crew. In the future, with ongoing technological and methodological evolution, new generations of CRM are expected to emerge that can even more effectively address modern aviation challenges.

Going forward, CRM will likely continue to evolve towards greater integration and depth, taking into account the psychological and cultural diversity of crews. The emergence of new technologies and training methods provides opportunities to design more dynamic, intuitive, and resource-efficient systems, elevating safety standards and professionalism in the aviation sector to a new level.
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Name of article: History of CRM
Release date: 10/5/2023
Acrticle author: Georgii Kurbatskii
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