Behavioural marker systems (observational frameworks geared towards the assessment of non-technical skills by way of behavioural markers) exist across a variety of high-risk occupations, however, no identifiable system currently exists developed from rotary operative data. In this study, discussion groups (n = 9) were undertaken with subject matter experts (n = 20)-including pilots and technical crew operating across search and rescue and offshore transport environments-with the objective of identifying role-specific behavioural markers. Systems were reviewed on an iterative basis by the academic team and received final reviews by additional subject matter experts (n = 6). Two behavioural marker systems were constructed: HeliNOTS (O) for offshore transport pilots and HeliNOTS (SAR) for search and rescue crews; each with domain-specific behavioural markers. Both represent a significant step towards a nuanced approach to training and assessment of helicopter flight crews' non-technical skills and are the first publicly available systems tailored to these distinct mission types.Practitioner summary: There is no publicly available behavioural marker system based on data from rotary operatives. Across this study, two prototype systems were developed: HeliNOTS (SAR) for helicopter search and rescue, and HeliNOTS (O) for helicopter offshore transport. Both HeliNOTS systems represent a nuanced approach towards rotary CRM training and assessment.

Mountaineering is a potentially high-risk activity, encompassing uncertain and dynamic terrains and adverse weather conditions. Within this context mountain guides work with client groups to plan activities and enhance safety. Despite the integral nature of mountain guides, and their responsibility for other individuals, to date there has been no research examining the range of non-technical skills necessary for safe and effective performance within this role. The current study investigates the non-technical skills utilised by mountain guides and evaluates potential influencing factors that might impact performance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 British mountain guides. Content analysis led to the development of six non-technical skill categories (situation awareness, decision-making, leadership, teamwork & communication, cognitive readiness, task management) with 18 associated elements. A number of the elements, including managing client expectations and adaptive communication were entirely unique to this study. Identified influencing factors included client behaviour, factors influencing cognition, environmental conditions and actions of other groups. The results highlight the importance of these skills within the mountain guide context, and the degree to which these skills could be compromised through influencing factors. This suggests a need for non-technical skills training going forward within this complex and high-risk domain.

Objective: The research objective of the current study was to examine and compare the non-technical skills utilised by search and rescue and offshore transport helicopter pilots.Background: Non-technical skills encompass the interpersonal and cognitive skills necessary for safe and efficient team performance in high-risk environments. There is a lack of research investigating non-technical skill use during helicopter flight or assessing differences in skills according to mission parameters.Method: The current study comprised of twenty-eight semi-structured qualitative interviews, based upon the critical incident technique (16 offshore transport pilots, 12 search and rescue pilots). Interviews were thematically coded to identify, and compare, non-technical skills.Results: All key non-technical skills were reported across both pilot groups. Differences were identified at the element level of skills across the group (e.g. while both groups reported utilising situational awareness, elemental sub-components were based upon different attentional factors). A category of cognitive readiness was identified specific to search and rescue, this category encapsulated the elements necessary for a swift, effective response to emergencies.Conclusion: The results indicate helicopter pilots’ non-technical skills vary according to mission parameters, suggesting specific flight goals require different nuances of non-technical skills for mission achievement. We suggest that non-technical skills training should be tailored to the mission focus of helicopter pilots in order to further error mitigation strategies, enrich training relevance and enhance effectiveness.

The paper examines General Aviation (GA) pilot risk perception and decision-making via an online vignette study. GA is a high-risk area of aviation with many GA accidents considered to be the result of pilot performance rather than mechanical failure. Pilots (n = 101) were presented with 12 go/no-go take-off decision scenarios across four risk categories (compromised performance, environment, faulty equipment, missing equipment). Scenarios depicting a missing checklist, missing sunglasses and stress were considered less risky than illness, a faulty airspeed indicator (ASI) and a broken seatbelt. Pilots weighed their take-off decisions against mitigating factors, protective measures and flight parameters. Situation awareness training and a focus on pre-flight planning may help to enhance flight safety within this group.

Crew resource management (CRM) is a training technique designed to enhance the use of non-technical skills. Originally developed in aviation, it is now widely used for practitioners in safety-critical work settings. This chapter describes non-technical (CRM) skills training and assessment, with particular reference to the current regulations for airline pilots in Europe. It then considers applications of this approach in other domains, namely, healthcare, the oil and gas industry, and agriculture.