During an ILS approach in low visibility, the captain is hand-flying as pilot flying (PF) while the first officer serves as pilot monitoring (PM). According to CRM principles regarding effective monitoring and cross-checking, which behavior should the PM primarily be performing?
- AIndependently verifying flight instruments, altitudes, and approach parameters while making standard callouts
- BProgramming the FMS for the next leg of the flight to save time after landing
- CMonitoring only the company frequency for gate assignment information
- DDeferring all instrument cross-checks to the captain since he is more experienced
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Independently verifying flight instruments, altitudes, and approach parameters while making standard callouts
The pilot monitoring's core CRM responsibility is to independently cross-check flight instruments, altitudes, and approach parameters, making standard callouts to catch deviations the PF might miss. Deferring cross-checks to a more experienced pilot defeats the safety purpose of the PM role and reflects poor CRM practice, particularly during a critical phase like an approach.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Programming the FMS for a future leg during a critical approach diverts attention from essential monitoring duties.
- C. Monitoring only company frequency ignores the PM's primary flight-safety monitoring responsibilities.
- D. Deferring to the captain's experience undermines the redundancy that PM monitoring is meant to provide.
Pilot Monitoring (PM) Duties
The pilot monitoring is responsible for independently cross-checking flight parameters, instruments, and automation, and making timely callouts to support the pilot flying, especially during critical phases of flight.
- Independent verification provides redundancy against PF errors
- Standard callouts (e.g., altitude, speed deviations) are essential
- Effective monitoring is a core CRM skill emphasized in FAA AC 120-71
Memory trick: PM watches the numbers so PF can fly the plane.