ABSTRACT
Keywords: Crew Resource Management, Nursing, Distractions, Interruptions, Assertive Communication, Intimidation, Checklists, Automation, Technology
Crew Resource Management (CRM) was initiated in the early nineteen eighties by airlines in the United States in response to several highly publicized accidents that demonstrated poor communication among the flight crew. Investigations of these
accidents revealed a consistent theme was the failure of subordinate crew members to effectively assert their deepening concerns about the course of action the captain of the aircraft was taking. In 1978 while attempting to land in Portland Oregon, United Airlines Flight 173 ran out of fuel, crashing just short of the airport (NTSB, 1979). Cockpit transcripts clearly demonstrated that the First Officer and Second Officer were concerned about the aircraft's fuel status, but were timid and ineffective in attempts to raise these concerns. Airline industry culture at the time emphasized a captain's authority, not teamwork. "Speaking up" proved to be difficult for subordinate crew members, despite signs of an impending disaster.
