Sofema Aviation launches online initial CRM training for flight crew

Sofema Aviation has released a new narrated online Crew Resource Management course for flight crews, aimed at meeting EASA theoretical training requirements and strengthening core non-technical skills. The program is available now and is designed to support operators before simulator and classroom training.

Why it matters: - The new course gives flight crews an online starting point for Crew Resource Management training before practical simulator and classroom sessions. - CRM training supports communication, teamwork, decision-making, threat and error management, leadership, situational awareness, and resilience in flight operations. - The course is designed to help operators meet the theoretical requirements of EASA Part-ORO, including ORO.FC.115 and ORO.FC.215.

What happened: - Sofema Aviation announced the launch of its Crew Resource Management (CRM) Training for Flight Crew – Initial (with Voice-Over). - The course is delivered as a narrated, interactive computer-based training program. - The online course is available now. - The company listed support at CRM@sassofia.com.

The details: - The training covers human performance and limitations, including stress management, fatigue, vigilance, and situational awareness. - The course includes a module on resilience and the startle effect, with focus on how crews respond to unexpected, unusual, and stressful situations. - The program addresses automation philosophy, system limitations, automation mode awareness, and automation complacency. - The training also covers communication and culture, including shared situational awareness and communication in multinational and cross-cultural flight deck environments. - Captain Valery Venkov technically reviewed and approved the course. - Venkov is an Airbus A320 captain with more than 18,000 flight hours and has served as an Airbus A320 instructor since 2005. - The course is intended to provide operators with a theoretical CRM foundation before crews move into practical training. - The program is meant to complement operator-specific practical training, including Flight Simulation Training Device sessions and other operational training elements. - EASA guidance emphasizes applying CRM knowledge in operational settings, including through Line-Oriented Flight Training scenarios. - The implementation of CRM training should reflect each operator’s specific operating environment. - Company-specific briefings, operational case studies, and Safety Management System inputs support CRM integration into an organization’s safety culture, as outlined in AMC1 ORO.FC.115. - CRM training can also involve flight crew, cabin crew, and, where applicable, technical crew. - EASA guidance also highlights interactive discussions, task analysis, and classroom or virtual sessions after theoretical CRM training.

Between the lines: - Sofema Aviation is positioning the online course as a practical bridge between regulatory theory and hands-on crew training. - The voice-over format suggests the company is aiming to make initial CRM training easier to deliver at scale across operators. - The emphasis on operator-specific follow-on training reflects how CRM is applied differently depending on fleet, routes, and internal safety processes.

What's next: - Operators can use the course as the theoretical base for their own practical CRM programs. - Crews are expected to reinforce the course material through simulator work, LOFT scenarios, and team-based discussions. - Sofema Aviation says the course is ready for immediate use by flight crews and operators.