Crew resource management training

This regulation requires Part 135 operators (charter and commuter airlines) to provide crew resource management (CRM) training to all flight crew members and flight attendants. CRM training focuses on human factors that improve safety, including pilot authority, communication skills, teamwork, workload management, situational awareness, fatigue and stress management, and decision-making specific to the operator's environment.

The training must include both initial and recurrent components. Since March 2013, no one may serve as a flight crew member or flight attendant without completing initial CRM training with that operator. The FAA may give credit for CRM training completed before that date.

In practice, this means pilots and flight attendants working for Part 135 operators must participate in formal CRM programs beyond just technical flying skills. This addresses the reality that most aviation accidents involve human factors rather than purely technical failures.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*