What CRM lesson comes from the 767 fuel issue?

• A. The Use Of Automation Makes Cross-Checking Unnecessary
• B. CRM Emphasizes Concise, Minimal Communication To Save Time
• C. Both Pilots Must Communicate And Cross-Check Each Other To Fight Complacency
• D. CRM Principles Only Apply To Flight Planning

Answer: (C)

The point being tested is that CRM relies on two-way, proactive communication and mutual cross-checking between pilots to prevent complacency and catch errors early. In a fuel scenario on a large jet like a 767, one pilot might assume the other has it covered or that the displayed numbers are exact. But fuel management requires both crew members to verify, verbalize calculations, compare readouts, and confirm endurance and reserves. By openly discussing fuel state, asking for recalculations, and cross-checking against planned figures, any discrepancy is surfaced and addressed before it becomes a problem. This collaborative checking—and the willingness to challenge assumptions—keeps the crew from over-relying on automation or on one person’s judgment.

The other options don’t fit CRM principles. Relying on automation to eliminate cross-checking is dangerous; CRM always emphasizes active cross-checks. Thinking that communication should be minimized to save time contradicts CRM’s goal of maintaining situational awareness through clear, complete dialogue. And CRM isn’t limited to flight planning—its practices apply across all phases of flight.