Shared problem models and flight crew performance
Judith M. Orasanu · 2017
Flying a large jet aircraft, even one with high-technology automated flight and guidance systems, is a complex task. This chapter addresses functions of communication in the cockpit and features of effective communication based on empirical studies. It examines how communication and decision making interact to affect overall flight safety. The chapter considers the various types of decisions that must be made during flight. Passengers and flight attendants reported hearing pieces hit the aircraft and smelt hot rubber. The intimate relations between thinking, talking and acting are highlighted as crews cope with in-flight problems. Having multiple flight crew, as well as ground and cabin personnel, contributing to problem resolution might be expected to enhance performance compared to a solo problem solver. The challenge of the next generation of training is to prepare crews to manage in-flight problems and decisions as well as they manage their aircraft.