FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Human Factors and CRMMedium
A first officer believes the captain's planned approach speed is too fast for the gusty crosswind conditions. Rather than staying silent or simply complying, the first officer states clearly, 'Captain, I'm concerned Vref plus 15 may be too fast given the gusts—I recommend we add only 10 knots,' and continues to press the point until it is addressed. This behavior best demonstrates:
- AHazardous attitude of anti-authority
- BGroupthink
- CAuthority gradient
- DAssertiveness
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Assertiveness
Assertiveness is the CRM skill of clearly and respectfully stating concerns, offering solutions, and persisting until the issue is resolved, without being aggressive or passive. This scenario shows the first officer using a direct, respectful, and persistent approach rather than deferring silently or acting defiant.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Anti-authority is a hazardous attitude of disregarding rules/authority, not constructive assertiveness.
- B. Groupthink involves suppressing disagreement for consensus, the opposite of speaking up.
- C. Authority gradient describes the power distance dynamic itself, not the FO's communication behavior.
Assertiveness
The CRM skill of clearly stating concerns and recommended actions in a respectful, direct manner and following through until addressed.
- Balances between passivity and aggression
- Includes stating the concern, offering a solution, and checking for understanding
- Essential for overcoming steep authority gradients
Memory trick: State it, propose a fix, and stick with it — that's assertive, not aggressive.