CRM for the Private Pilot..

On 21 Jul 2006 20:30:44 -0700, "Dan" wrote in
. com::

Can anyone point me towards some good resources for CRM in a
non-professional environment with two pilots? (i.e. which pilot should
do what?)


I copied this out of a magazine several years ago when I was often
flying with another pilot:


Cockpit Resource Management


CRM is the effective use of all resources - hardware, software,
leadership, and humanware - to achieve safe and efficient flight
operation.


Don't divide duties as they are on most airlines. There, the
pilot becomes too dependent on a copilot, because the pilot simply
flies the aircraft, while the copilot does everything else - radios,
navigation, checklists, and backing up the pilot as to proper
altitudes and headings.


The CRM philosophy puts the onus on the pilot for communications,
checklists, and decision making. Decisions are based on the concerns
of the less comfortable pilot. The copilot handles navigation,
cross-checks the pilot's communication and navigation frequencies for
an instrument approach, and assures that the altitude requirements are
met at the final approach fix and at minimums. The copilot still has
plenty to do, managing the aircraft's loran, RNAV radio, or handheld
GPS moving map display that is used as a backup. In addition, the
copilot scans for other traffic, keeps a running check on fields in
which to land - just in case - and keeps track of the nearest airport.
The copilot knows s/he is to support and backup the pilot and offer
help in emergency situations.


Pre-takeoff briefing is important for any flight; it can be
abbreviated, however, when another pilot is aboard. It can be as
simple as thinking out loud. If you expect the other pilot to help
with the flight, say so before takeoff. Spend several minutes before
the flight explaining to the non-pilot passenger how to control the
aircraft and how to communicate. Once in the air, spend a few minutes
letting the passenger fly. It is fun for the passenger and gives the
pilot another resource to use in case of a medical emergency.