Training and Safety Tip: Managing on your own

All components of the flight—the people, the equipment, and the information about the flight—are managed by applying the principles of CRM. Airline crews undergo extensive CRM training to work together effectively. But even when flying alone, general aviation pilots can apply a similar concept. It’s called single-pilot resource management (SRM).

An essential component of SRM is aeronautical decision making. Even before you preflight, you analyze and assess your readiness by determining if you have any risk factors that would warrant postponing the flight. These may include fatigue, stress, and medications that you are taking. If the go/no-go decision is “go,” then decision making continues with preflight considerations including fuel requirements, weight and balance, weather, and airspace.

To exercise good judgment, be aware of the five hazardous attitudes—anti-authority, impulsivity, invulnerability, macho, and resignation—and know how to counter them. This helps to mitigate risk before and during each flight. Chapter 2 of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge describes each attitude and its antidote.

If you are the only pilot on board, you are also tasked with managing the equipment and technology. If your aircraft has an autopilot, use it to reduce workload. GPS and electronic flight bags are invaluable in helping you to maintain situational awareness. Make sure you know how to use the features so you can make the most of these resources.

Even when flying single-pilot, remember that you have access to a team of air traffic controllers ready to assist. One way to ask for assistance is to request flight following so you have an extra set of eyes helping to ensure the safety of flight.

Incorporate SRM into your flying and you will identify problems, analyze them, and make decisions like a professional flight crew—even when alone.