Why Human Factors and CRM Are Failing Pilots
Author: Captain Kyle Freiburger
Closing the Gap Between Theory and Reality
Human Factors (HF) and Crew Resource Management (CRM) have been part of aviation training for decades. They were introduced to address the human side of flying—communication, decision-making, teamwork, and managing stress in the cockpit. The goal was simple: reduce human error and make flying safer.
But despite countless hours of CRM training and human factors briefings, accidents and incidents related to human error persist. Why? Because the way HF and CRM are taught—and how they’re applied in the real world—often falls short of what pilots actually face in the cockpit.
1. HF and CRM Are Too Theoretical
Most HF and CRM training happens in a classroom or during annual simulator sessions. Pilots sit through PowerPoint presentations about teamwork, communication, and situational awareness—but the training often feels disconnected from the high-stress, high-stakes reality of the cockpit.
✅ It’s easy to practice teamwork when there’s no pressure. ✅ It’s harder to apply those same skills when an engine’s on fire, ATC is barking instructions, and weather is closing in.
➡️ Example: CRM training might tell you to “communicate clearly” during an emergency, but it rarely simulates the mental fog, adrenaline surge, and time pressure that accompany actual in-flight crises.
Theory without realistic application creates a gap pilots can't bridge when it matters most.
2. Focus on Compliance Over Competence
CRM has become a checkbox exercise. Airlines and regulators require it—but pilots often approach it as something to get through rather than something to master.
✅ Training is measured by completion rates, not skill retention. ✅ Role-playing scenarios are often scripted, predictable, and low-stakes.
➡️ Example: A CRM session might involve resolving a conflict with a co-pilot over fuel planning. But in the real world, that conflict is happening while turbulence is shaking the aircraft and passengers are ringing call buttons.
Checking the box on CRM doesn’t mean you’re prepared to apply it under pressure.
3. Ignoring Emotional Intelligence and Leadership
HF and CRM focus heavily on technical skills and SOPs—but human dynamics go deeper than that. Leadership, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal awareness are often overlooked.
✅ Pilots are taught to manage a flight deck, but not always how to manage people. ✅ Stress, fatigue, personality conflicts, and communication breakdowns are treated as side issues rather than core leadership challenges.
➡️ Example: A pilot who can fly a perfect approach but shuts down under pressure or dismisses input from a first officer is a leadership problem—not a technical one.
Pilots need more than CRM—they need emotional intelligence and leadership training.
4. Lack of Real-World Debriefing and Accountability
After an incident or close call, the debriefing process is often focused on technical outcomes rather than human dynamics. Pilots review procedures and actions, but rarely explore why decisions were made—or how team communication and leadership factored into the outcome.
✅ “What happened?” gets more attention than “How did we handle it as a crew?” ✅ Valuable lessons about leadership and decision-making are lost in technical analysis.
➡️ Example: After a go-around, the crew might debrief the missed approach procedure—but fail to address why the captain hesitated or why the first officer didn’t speak up sooner.
Without addressing the human side, the same mistakes will happen again.
How to Fix It: From CRM to Leadership Training
Human Factors and CRM need to evolve beyond classroom theory and checklists:
✅ 1. Shift from Theory to Application
Build high-stress, realistic scenarios into simulator training.
Focus on communication under pressure—not just in calm conditions.
✅ 2. Develop Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Skills
Teach pilots how to lead and follow, not just how to fly.
Include conflict resolution, assertiveness, and emotional regulation in training.
✅ 3. Focus on Competence, Not Just Compliance
Redesign CRM training to measure real-world skill retention.
Use unscripted, unpredictable scenarios to test adaptability.
✅ 4. Debrief Beyond the Procedure
After incidents, explore how leadership and communication shaped the outcome.
Encourage honest reflection on team dynamics without fear of blame.
First Class Leaders Insight
Human Factors and CRM are valuable tools—but they’re incomplete without leadership and emotional intelligence. At First Class Leaders, we focus on developing pilots as leaders first. When pilots understand how to manage themselves and others under pressure, the gap between theory and reality starts to close.
📢For more actionable strategies on aviation leadership, explore First Class Leaders workshops or connect with the Pilot Leadership Network—because great leaders know that their greatest asset is their crew.
Fly safe, and lead well!