ABSTRACT

This paper takes the form of a debate: on the one side, multi-cultural cockpits are argued to be less safe because of language and cultural problems, and different standards and backgrounds. These differences contribute to greater uncertainty and hesitation, which can pose a serious threat to safety. The opposing view argues that mixed-nationality cockpits are no less safe than mono-cultural cockpits, indeed they may be safer, because of the increased compliance with SOP's, and greater reliance on crew resource management principles such as more precise communication and more cross-checking. Data from mono-and multi-cultural airlines will be used to support both arguments.