The Book

Threats to safety are present on every flight and typically fall into one of three categories:

Anticipated - what you already know. These threats have already been identified and your advanced awareness of their presences provides an opportunity to implement strategies to mitigate their operational impact. An example of this type of threat would be the inclusion of an open MEL item on you flight plan, or a forecast of icing conditions at your destination. 

Unexpected - what you don’t yet know. These are the unwelcome surprises that show up along the way. Unexpected threats require a blend of knowledge, judgment, and coordination among all parties. An example of this type of threat would be an airborne systems anomaly, or the development of a security issue in the cabin.

Latent - what you don’t know that you don’t know. These are the hidden threats that lurk in the shadows and are not readily apparent to the crew. Latent threats are insidious and harder to identify and examples include cumulative stress or cultural mindsets attitudes that undermine professionalism and flight safety.

The word envelope has a unique application in aviation and is used to define the parameters of an aircraft’s design and performance limitations. Pilots are taught to operate "inside the envelope" to maximize safety and operational success and our training and experience teach us to appreciate the hazards of violating its boundaries.

Not unlike the aircraft they fly, a flight crew also has an operating envelope. Each crew is comprised individual of pilots whose individual capabilities also have design and performance limitations and just as with the aircraft they fly, safety is compromised when these limits are exceeded. The Crew Envelope outlines the boundaries of the personal and interpersonal skills required to blend individual pilots into an effective crew. Safety and crew effectiveness are enhanced when the crew operates within this envelope.

The pocket of The Crew Envelope envelope holds the contents and it is here that the interpersonal crew skills reside. An envelope’s flap provides security for the pocket’s contents and it is here that the personal skills are to be found. The interpersonal contents contained in the pocket of The Crew Envelope will be most effective when the personal flap is securely in place.  

Proactive Flying explores the specific details of both the personal and interpersonal elements of CRM, and The Crew Envelope provides the essential framework of professionalism and the pursuit of excellence. 

The Crew Wheel is a visual depiction of the components of flight operations. The three aspects of this wheel are the hub, the spokes, and the rim. Each feature contributes to the structural integrity of the Crew Wheel and each plays a critical role in ensuring that it rolls safely and effectively. Let’s look at each one in some detail and discuss how their interdependence is evidenced in both the design and function of the wheel.

 

The Hub. This is the nucleus of the wheel and the central point from which the spokes spread out and attach to the rim. Each spoke is anchored to this common point yet provides unique support to the wheel structure. Though each spoke has a particular point of attachment to the rim and a unique role in providing support for the wheel, they all originate at the hub. The hub is prominently identified by the word Be, the core aspect of the mindset necessary to be a professional aviator. The principles of Proactive Flying are not just a list of things one must do in order to be a professional, but more importantly the kind of person you must Be to achieve success. The word Be introduces each of the attributes of the individual spokes and is the common denominator of each. 

 

The Spokes. On a bicycle wheel, the role of spokes is to hold the hub in place while transferring weight to the rim. Spokes provide structure and support to the wheel, and their proper alignment and spacing enable the wheel to turn most efficiently. Similarly, each of the spokes of the Crew Wheel makes a unique contribution to the strength and efficiency of a crew member as they define the type of crew member and the type of leader you must Be . Each spoke contributes to your overall personal and professional development. There are 12 spokes in all which can be grouped within the framework of two categories:

Personal (Self-Awareness, Preparation, Proficiency)

Interpersonal (Leadership, Communication, Crew Situational Awareness and Decision-Making) skills.

The Personal qualities represented by these spokes are those that each individual must possess to be able to develop the Interpersonal skills necessary to be productive crew member and a Captain who exercises authority with wisdom and prudence.

 

The Rim. This is the point of attachment for both the spokes and the tire on the wheel’s perimeter. The support offered by both the hub and the spokes determines how well or poorly the rim and its tire will be able to maneuver and respond to the hazards and impediments it encounters along the way. The individual spokes working together provide a balanced and comprehensive level of strength and support for the rim that enables the wheel to roll safely and effectively.

The Crew Wheel rolls best when its individual components work together effectively. The operational goals of Safety, Legality, and Reliability are more likely to be achieved when this happens.

A common denominator in flying - and in life - is the importance of maintaining an accurate level of awareness regarding your current position and course and comparing it with where you need to be. The aviation system is replete with systems and procedures to help with this process, including such things as position reports, altitude alerts, and EGPWS warnings.

One of the self-assessment tools upon which you rely regularly is the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI). The PAPI is a fixture adjacent to the runway that provides critical information during an approach that enables the crew to assess their current position on the glide path as compared to where they need to be to facilitate a safe landing. The PAPI is a real-time self-assessment guide that tells you if you are too high, too low, or "just right" and requires constant monitoring during the approach. The PAPI reveals the need for adjustments to your present present course of action and those who disregard its feedback put themselves at risk for operational misfortune.

Your Personal PAPI is designed to provide guidance regarding your self-assessment of the skills and behaviors that will equip you for success as a crew member and as a Captain. It is organized into four categories, Preparation, Attitude, Proficiency, and Interpersonal Skills. 

 

We all wander from our desired glide path from time to time. Monitor Your Personal PAPI regularly and be honest with your answers to its questions. Those who come to believe they have no room for improvement or nothing else to learn are threats to safety.

Every professional needs a code by which to conduct themselves and by which to measure their performance. The Professional Aviator's Pledge pledge is a tool for assessing your level of commitment to the qualities and standards that describe the attitudes and behaviors of a professional. Much like Your Person al PAPI it is a self-assessment tool that will enable you to compare where you are with where you need to be.

The elements of this pledge are comprised of statements that outline and define what it means to be a professional. While this pledge has broad application, in some instances it makes specific reference to Instructors and Captains. It is my hope that every aviator will aspire to be both during their career.

Professional Aviator’s Pledge 

I will show up fully rested and prepared to brief, operate, and debrief every event to the best of my ability. 

I will brief and debrief each event fully and completely and find answers to questions to which I do not know the answer.

I will stay current and up-to-date on the latest revisions and procedures. 

I will actively scan for threats to safety and remind others to do the same.

I will not intentionally violate SOP and will challenge those who do.

I will endeavor to ensure that my appearance, demeanor, and conduct inspire trust and confidence among those over whom I have professional influence. 

I will be mindful of the fact that when I wear the uniform, I am an ambassador for the profession and will endeavor to represent it with pride and respect.

I will use my talents and skills to promote flight discipline and solid airmanship for as long as I am privileged to wear the uniform.

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As an instructor or evaluator, I will “call them as I see them” and not allow myself to be influenced by schedules, personal bias, or other factors as a metric for assigning a passing or failing grade. 

As an instructor or captain, I will not undermine the credibility of established policies and procedures in the presence of my students or my crew. 

Early in the book we discussed the three different types of threats to safety with which you will contend. The purpose of having a Personal Threat Scan is to teach the idea of scanning three important aspects of the operation and paying close attention to those moments when something seems "off" in any of these areas. 

People

Resources

Expectations

Make PRE to operational prefix of your Situational Awareness. Use the imagery of a radar scope on which three blips are visible. As each one is scanned, make note of any concerns or anomalies regarding the performance of those with whom you are working and the equipment you operate. Compare these to your expectations regarding the execution of the flight. Your threat scan should take note of things that are not as they should be.

Be aware that experience and your brain’s desire for order and simplicity will conspire to undermine the effectiveness of your scan by encouraging to say nothing and hope for a good outcome. When this happens you will be tempted to minimize or disregard the significance of potential threats to safety. Don't allow assumptions to smother your concerns. Crew SA is best maintained when curiosity is encouraged in the pursuit of understanding.