FAA Finalizes CRM for Part 135 Operators

The FAA today finalized a rule that requires Part 135 operators to train pilots and flight attendants in crew resource management (CRM), finally responding to a 2003 NTSB recommendation that is currently on the Boardπs ≥Most Wanted≤ list of safety improvements. Under the final rule, unscheduled charter airlines, air taxis and other Part 135 operators must establish initial and recurrent CRM training for crewmembers within two years of the effective date, which is 60 days after publication in the Federal Register tomorrow. CRM training focuses on communication and interactions among pilots, flight attendants, operations and maintenance personnel, air traffic controllers, flight service stations and others. It also addresses single-pilot communications, decision-making and situational awareness. The FAA studied 268 accidents from 1997 through 2008 and found that 24 were directly related to ineffective CRM. Of those, 14 involved single-pilot operations and 10 were two-pilot crews.

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