Team Management on the Flight Deck

Team management and teamwork are critical in the cockpit of a jet aircraft. The crew manage a complex set of interactions on which numerous people depend for their safety. Airlines worldwide have now recognised the need to train aircrew in team management principles. Until recently attention to the management side of flight operations has limited itself to the rostering arrangements and backroom office systems and procedures that support aircrew. The Aircrew Team Management Programme (ATM) designed by the authors for Trans Australia Airlines consists of a three‐day workshop with follow‐up sessions and simulator training. The prevailing culture in airlines is examined. An action research approach to gathering data for the management programme, its educational design and development, its key elements and implementation and tuition are discussed. It has been accepted by the crew as a valid and relevant form of training.