FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Human Factors and CRMHard
An air traffic controller issues a clearance to a flight crew: "Climb and maintain flight level three five zero." The first officer responds, "Climbing to flight level three five zero." This exchange demonstrates which CRM communication technique?
- AClosed-loop communication
- BStandardized phraseology
- CAdvocacy statement
- DCross-monitoring
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Closed-loop communication
Closed-loop communication occurs when the receiver reads back or acknowledges a message and the sender confirms it was received correctly, closing the communication loop. This readback-hearback process reduces the risk of miscommunication between ATC and flight crews.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Standardized phraseology refers to using specific approved wording, but the key concept demonstrated here is the acknowledgment loop, not just word choice.
- C. Advocacy statements are used to assertively raise safety concerns, not to acknowledge routine clearances.
- D. Cross-monitoring refers to crewmembers watching each other's actions and instruments, not verbal acknowledgment of ATC clearances.
Closed-Loop Communication
A communication technique in which the receiver repeats back the message to the sender, who then confirms it was understood correctly, ensuring accurate information transfer.
- Reduces risk of miscommunication in high-workload, high-stakes environments
- Commonly used in ATC readbacks and cockpit checklist callouts
- Sender must acknowledge the readback to fully close the loop
- Contrasts with one-way or assumed communication, a common CRM failure point
Memory trick: Say it, read it back, confirm it — close the loop before moving on