CRM for single-pilot operations (SRM)

What is Single-Pilot Resource Management (SRM)?

SRM (Single-Pilot Resource Management) is the application of CRM principles (Crew Resource Management) to single-pilot operations — typical of most PPL flights.

Definition (FAA AC 60-22): "The art and science of managing all the resources — information, equipment and personnel — both onboard the aircraft and from outside sources, before and during flight, to ensure a successful outcome."

Difference from CRM:

• CRM (multi-pilot): teamwork among captain, FO, cabin crew, ATC.
• SRM (single-pilot): the pilot fills all roles alone — so systematically using tools and external resources is even more important.

SRM building blocks

The SRM concept (FAA) consists of 5 main areas:

1. Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)

Structured decision-making — see lesson Decision-Making Models: DECIDE and FORDEC.

Tools:

• DECIDE / FORDEC.
• PAVE check before flight.

2. Risk Management — PAVE

Before every flight analyse the four risk sources:

P — Pilot:

• Am I fit (IMSAFE)?
• Do I have the experience for this flight?
• Am I current for weather, time of day, type?

A — Aircraft:

• Is the aircraft airworthy?
• Does it have the required equipment (radio, transponder, navaids)?
• Is performance adequate (M&B, density altitude)?

V — Environment:

• Weather (visibility, clouds, wind, turbulence, icing)?
• Time of day (twilight, night)?
• Terrain (mountains, water, desert)?
• Airspace and restricted areas?
• Aerodromes (runway length, services, alternates)?

E — External Pressures:

• Schedule/family pressure to go?
• Financial considerations?
• Social expectations (passengers)?
• "Press-on-itis" — the most common killer.

3. Task Management

Efficient distribution of tasks across flight phases:

Workload management:

• Pre-flight (on the ground): do as much as possible (route planning, weather, NOTAMs, M&B, V-speed selection).
• In flight: only what couldn't be done on the ground (standard procedures, radio, corrections).
• In critical phases (take-off, landing): minimal workload, "sterile cockpit" (no small talk).

Prioritisation:

• Aviate — keep the aeroplane stable,
• Navigate — position and course,
• Communicate — radio, passenger info.

Automation management:

• Use autopilot, GPS direct-to, EFB tools correctly — without making the pilot dependent.

4. Situational Awareness (SA)

"Knowing where you are, what's happening, what's coming next."

Three levels (Endsley model):

• Level 1 — perception: what is around me right now?
• Level 2 — comprehension: what does it mean?
• Level 3 — projection: what will happen in 5 minutes?

SA-loss warning signs:

• Confusion, surprise at events,
• Fixation on one instrument or problem,
• Ignoring radio calls,
• Selecting the wrong frequency or altitude,
• Time compression / loss of time sense.

Restoring SA:

• Aviate — first, the aeroplane,
• Stop and think — pause, re-evaluate,
• Get help — FIS, ATC, a passenger.

5. Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) awareness

CFIT is among the most frequent accident causes. SRM demands:

• Stick to minimum altitudes (MSA, MORA),
• Study terrain on the chart beforehand,
• In clouds or darkness extra caution,
• Use TAWS if installed.

External resources for the single pilot

The single pilot is not alone — actively tap external resources:

ATC / FIS:

• Traffic information,
• Weather updates,
• Radar vectoring to safe altitudes,
• Mayday/Pan-Pan in an emergency.

Radio advice:

• AFIS, Tower can be called for weather or advice.

EFB / apps:

• Live weather data (ADS-B IN, radar via internet pre-flight),
• Charts, obstacles, aerodromes,
• Flight following.

Passengers:

• Can help with traffic scan,
• Can hold charts or devices,
• But: pilot remains sole responsible.

Stress and SRM

Stress impairs SRM functions:

• Tunnel vision → SA loss,
• React before analyse → impulsivity,
• Give up options → resignation.

Counter-measures:

• Standard procedures rehearsed (emergency checklists).
• Pre-brief before high-workload phases (e.g. approach).
• Calibrate workload — plan before flight, not ad-hoc.

Practical application

Before every flight:

1. IMSAFE (pilot fitness),
2. PAVE (risk analysis),
3. DECIDE/FORDEC when a decision is required.

In flight:

1. Aviate–Navigate–Communicate as base priority,
2. Actively maintain SA — check position, course, weather, fuel every 5–10 minutes,
3. Use help — FIS, ATC, EFB are not weakness but duty.

After flight:

1. Debrief yourself — what went well, what not?
2. Logbook note on experiences.
3. Reflection on any hazardous attitudes that appeared.