COCKPIT CABIN CREW INTERACTION - SATISFACTION WITH COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION EXCHANGE

Background: There were 1240 members of flight deck crews (F/D) and cab in crews (C/C) in SAS Norway who responded to a questionnaire that inc luded issues related to communication between crews. The response rate was 84%. Hypothesis: Possible differences between F/D and male and fe male C/C concerning evaluations of information exchange and communicat ion between crews were examined. Methods: A multifaceted questionnaire containing 250 questions concerning organizational and psychosocial i ssues, safety questions, and subjective health was employed. Regressio n analyses were applied to examine predictors of satisfaction with inf ormation and communication. Results: One half of aircrew members were dissatisfied with information exchange and cooperation between the coc kpit and the cabin in general. About 70% were dissatisfied with intera ction related to debriefing and stop. Differences between F/D and C/C were significant concerning debriefing. Cabin crews, and especially fe males, reported being inadequately informed about specific operational procedures and technical matters. Nine of ten female C/C wanted bette r information about technical aspects of the airplane or flying. Pilot s reported inadequate information about how emergency procedures influ ence C/C and passengers. Between 72% and 94% were satisfied with inter personal relationships, while 53% expressed satisfaction with supervis ion and social support. A majority (86%) confirmed that frequent chang es between crews were stressful. Regression analyses yielded significa nt relationships between frequencies of meetings, supervision and supp ort issues, and scheduling schemes and satisfaction with information e xchange and cooperation. Conclusions: Results suggest a strong need to provide more open, continuous and effective communication between the cockpit and the cabin. Several practical suggestions for improvements are discussed.