RMH 6-4

Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2A)equipment limitations affect the amount of assistance they can provide. In larger operations, a dispatch or company operations center can normally coordinate all communications and assistance. Defenses Provided by the Pilot or Crew 12247 Certain pilot behaviors defend against threats and errors. Clear Communication and Briefings 12248 Whether operating as a single pilot or as part of a crew, clear and concise communication is the foundation for sharing information and conveying intentions. When communicating with ATC or during crew briefings, each pilot should agree on the plan of action, ask for clarification, and question any inconsistency. Effective Situational Awareness 12258 Situational awareness may include knowing: 12259 • Aircraft position 12260 • Flight Path 12261 • Status of other aircraft in the area 12262 • Status of the environment 12263 • Human factors in play Planning for What Comes Next 12250 Situational awareness allows the pilot to plan for what will happen next and to stay ahead of the aircraft. A forward-looking plan also provides for early detection of any deviation from expectations. Time Management 12252 On the ground, the pilot has the option to stop the aircraft. Pilots can always resume taxi after addressing an issue. Once airborne, budgeting time, prioritizing tasks, or slowing aircraft speed may allow sufficient time to complete tasks without error. A pilot feeling rushed while being vectored for an approach can request a delay or a vector that gives more time for completing checklists or configuring the aircraft. Teamwork 12253 Pilots may normally communicate with Flight Service and ATC. Some operators also have dispatchers available who track and assist flights. These external contacts are part of a team and a resource that can provide in-flight assistance. However, in a critical situation during any flight, declaring an emergency results in additional assistance and priority handling. 12254 When the flight involves more than one pilot, crew resource management principles should be used. Typically, this allows one pilot focus on flight path management while the second pilot monitors the flight and accomplishes other tasks. However, the pilots should communicate their reasoning, intentions, and actions to allow for discussion, agreement, and verification. Automation Management 12256 Managing automation can reduce workload and improve situational awareness if understood and used properly. Automation management will be discussed in greater detail in Chapter 7, Automation & Flight Path Management. Flying Skills (The Last Resort) 12264 Employing this defense becomes necessary after experiencing an undesired aircraft state that cannot be remedied with other defenses alone. Ability to take full control of the aircraft and return to safe flying parameters is of critical importance. 12265 Pilots should always train, remain current, remain proficient, improve knowledge, employ risk management, and be ready to handle any situation that could occur. Effective risk management and threat and error management usually prevent occurrences of an undesired aircraft state that may require a pilot to rely solely on flying skills as a defense.