Checkride

The idea of crew resource management (CRM) was originally intended for the airlines and has been around for several decades, although its concept is equally effective for the general aviation world, where it is called single-pilot resource management (SRM).

The impressive improvement in overall safety at the airlines has created a powerful incentive to transfer similar CRM skills to our GA world. In fact, the FAA is now requiring designated pilot examiners (DPEs) to evaluate SRM skills with special emphasis during all practical tests. This is accomplished through the use of scenarios that are designed to make the checkride seem less test-like and more like a realistic flight we might find ourselves actually taking. This includes a high-motivation “mission” to conduct the flight, along with serious and realistic consequences if the flight is not completed. Observing the mission enables examiners to evaluate more effectively an applicant’s correlative abilities while drawing on his or her SRM skills in seeking solutions to the various checkride events.

Through SRM, you can completely avoid the lonely feeling that it’s just you against the FAA as you seek the privilege of earning your new private pilot certificate. Throughout the checkride, the DPE will be asking you a series of questions to simulate myriad scenarios a pilot might face on any given flight. But just because the examiner asks what you would do, does not mean that it is expected, or even desirable, for you to deal with every problem single-handedly. In fact, your DPE is actually hoping you will at least consider utilizing several available resources to obtain input, advice, and assistance when problems pop up. And, after receiving that desired information, as PIC you will make the final, and hopefully wisest, decision on a course of action. With SRM, even when you fly solo, you should not feel that you are completely alone when it comes to dealing with unexpected problems.

The SRM evaluation begins the moment you are faced with just about anything that gets your attention, possibly requiring a decision to be made before proceeding: weather factors; aircraft maintenance or airworthiness issues; notices to airmen; passenger issues; unplanned detour for sightseeing; unexpected turbulence; pop-up temporary flight restrictions avoidance—the list is practically endless. But to be useful during the checkride, these events, known as triggers, need to be realistic in order to maximize the effectiveness of the SRM evaluation. The main idea with SRM is to remember that you have a ton of outside resources available. You just need to demonstrate how to access and use them when appropriate. Just like on the game show Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? where the contestants have access to a variety of help options, so do pilots. You are not alone.

Although the DPE cannot allow you to seek help to directly answer the questions posed, in choosing your resources—depending on the scenario—you may decide to place that extra phone (or radio) call to “pick the brain” of a flight service station briefer, the FBO manager, an aviation maintenance technician, or air traffic controller; or to consult the pilot's operating handbook, your E6B, your mother-in-law—you name it. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the examiner wants to see you squirm as you attempt to manage your way out of any unforeseen problems—all by yourself. This would go completely against the concept of SRM. Just as with my other job as an airline pilot—I don’t even decide on a crew-meal option without the valued advice of a flight attendant—your ability to tap into the vast array of resources around you is what the examiner wants to observe you demonstrate and represents the truest test of your SRM skills.

Another powerful lesson that SRM teaches us is the value of slowing down and taking your time. Don’t rush any important decision—unless you’re on fire! By giving your decision a bit more time, you provide yourself (and your resource contacts) the ability to more fully evaluate your available options, allowing you to choose the best and safest one. Remember, the best solution is often not the first idea that invades your mind. In most cases, rushing to a solution is wrong. Instead, as pilot in command, think through your options before making your best informed decision. You and your examiner will be glad you did.