What does situational awareness in CRM help prevent?

Situational awareness in Crew Resource Management (CRM) plays a crucial role in preventing mishaps and accidents. It refers to the ability of crew members to perceive, comprehend, and predict what is happening around them during flight operations. This level of awareness involves not only understanding the immediate environment but also anticipating potential changes or threats.

By maintaining situational awareness, crew members can make informed decisions based on the current situation. This proactive approach enables them to recognize hazardous conditions or evolving scenarios that could lead to incidents if not addressed promptly. For example, being aware of the aircraft’s performance, weather changes, or the actions of other aircraft allows the crew to adjust their actions and communications accordingly to mitigate risks effectively.

While aspects like flight delays, equipment failures, and pilot fatigue can impact flight safety, they are not the primary focus of what situational awareness in CRM aims to address. The core intent behind emphasizing situational awareness is to create an environment where safety is prioritized, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of accidents and mishaps during flight operations.