1. Mission Pilot Skill Set
Flying Skills
Solid Private Pilot Skill set (Commercial Pilot Preferred)
Bandwidth: Not task saturated just flying the aircraft
Comfort with low-level flying and pilotage navigation
Comfort with marginal weather flying
Comfort with instrument flying (instrument rating preferred)
Background and Knowledge
Thorough understanding of pertinent CAP Regulations
Thorough understanding of material in NESA Courses
Thorough understanding of the aircraft to be used (RTFM)
Discipline
Knows his/her limitations and stays within them
Knows and follows the rules (FARs / CAPRs)
Leadership Abilities (The MP is a Crew Leader)
Assess capabilities of others
Direct the efforts of others
Set the proper tone and maintain professional discipline
Coach and train others

2. Mission Pilot Skill Set
Organizational Skills
Religious use of checklists (ground and air)
Good cockpit organization
Ability to prioritize and “multiplex”
Planning and Attention to Detail
Prepares in advance
Comes equipped and clothed for the mission
Thinks through the “what ifs”
Communication Skills
Clearly and succinctly states thoughts and ideas
Good knowledge of FCC, FAA and CAP radio protocols
Listens well

3. Crew Resource Management (CRM)
The creation of an environment in which all available resources are utilized to ensure maximum situational awareness and the safest, most efficient accomplishment of the mission.

4. Crew Resource Management (CRM)
Requires all of our skills
Knowledge
Discipline
Leadership
Organization
Attention to detail
Requires planning and briefing
Clearly defined roles/responsibilities based on qualifications/abilities
A common understanding of the overall mission plan
Effective Communication
Not too much, not too little
Listen before talking
Gain the attention of he receiver and verify message receipt
Communicate whenever it will enhance situational awareness
Sterile cockpit during critical phases of flight

5. Crew Resource Management (CRM)
Teamwork in decision-making
All personnel have a valued input
PIC responsible for final decisions
Plug gaps as they appear
Call out missed radio calls
Immediately communicate safety of flight issues
Be ready to assist with emergencies
Assume traffic/terrain watch when PIC goes heads-down
Periodically ask the question: “Have we overlooked anything??”

6. Crew Resource Management (CRM)
Examples of Effective CRM Techniques in Light Aircraft
Crew briefings (using checklists) on ground and before each phase of flight
Assignment of avionics usage (ex right-seater has FM, GPS & DF)
Judicious use of isolation and comm split modes on audio panel
Non-flying pilot monitors and verbalizes instrument indications on takeoff
PIC verbalizes actions during critical phases of flight
All crew members tracking progress of aircraft and monitoring assigned radios
Positive transfer of aircraft control
Two challenge rule
Non-flying pilot monitors instrument approach and calls critical altitudes and visual sightings
Anyone can “stop the train”. “Knock it off”, “Go around”, “This is stupid”

7. Mission Pilot Proficiency
Key Skills Need Practice
Specialty takeoffs and landings in realistic environments
Low-level pilotage and DR at 1000 AGL in MVFR
Ground reference and max performance maneuvers
Visual search patterns (parallel, creeping line, exp. square)
Electronic search patterns (with Becker and L-Tronics)
Mountain flying techniques
Instrument procedures and weather flying
Night flying (not just in the pattern)
Emergency procedures
Aircraft Familiarity Issues Exist
7 aircraft
7 different POHs (!!!)
5 initial check rides to fly them all
3 GPS systems
3 audio panel models
2 FM radio models
2 DF models
3 different autopilots (with a 4th and 5th coming!!)

8. Mission Pilot Proficiency
Bottom Line:
You will NOT be able to become…or remain fully proficient on the flying hours that you get at the monthly SAREXs.
Additional practice WILL be necessary!