Understanding the EASA requirements for CRM trainers can be a daunting task. With the CRM regulations constantly evolving, this article intends to provide an overview of the latest EASA requirements for personnel who offer training, checking, and assessment.
It is worth noting that EASA refers to CRM Trainers (CRMT), which is the same as CRM Instructors (CRMI).
For those looking for detailed requirements of CRM trainers, EASA Part AMC2 ORO.FC 146 serves as the essential reference point.
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Requirement: Complete an initial CRMT course (40 hours/5-days).
“(c)(3) The initial training of flight crew CRM trainers should include the following:
(i) introduction to CRM training and competencies for CRM trainers:
(A) ability to interact with and manage a group;
(B) ability to pre-plan an objective and timely training session;
(C) ability to deliver a good balance of ´telling´, ´selling´and ´facilitating´:
(D) ability to connect realistically poor and good CRM to the operations;
(E) ability to assess the performance, the progress and needs of trainees in a meaningfully way;
(ii) operator’s management system as defined in point (a)(7) of AMC1 ORO.FC.115; and
(iii) characteristics of the flight crew CRM training as defined in Table 1 of AMC1 ORO.FC.115 and its integration into line operations:
(A) the different types of CRM training (initial, recurrent, etc.)
(B) combined training; and
(C) training related to the type of aircraft or operation.”
What it means: To qualify as a CRM trainer, you must complete an initial CRM Trainer (CRMT Core) course, typically delivered over five days, in line with EASA requirements.
The course is designed to develop both facilitation skills and a solid understanding of human factors. It covers how to deliver effective CRM training, alongside key topics within human performance.
These topics are defined in Table 1 of AMC1 ORO.FC.115. While the full table is extensive and not included here, it covers areas such as stress and stress management, fatigue and vigilance, workload management, monitoring and intervention, human error and reliability, and cultural differences. These examples are not exhaustive.
Requirement: Have adequate knowledge of Human Performance and Limitations (HPL).
“(i) have adequate knowledge of human performance and limitations (HPL), whilst:
(A) having obtained a commercial pilot license in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011; or
(B) having followed a theoretical HPL course covering the whole syllabus of the HPL examination;”
What it means: Most pilots holding a CPL/ATPL will already have followed an HPL course. This is, however, not the case for cabin crew members. To qualify as flight crew CRM trainers, cabin crew members must complete an HPL course to become eligible to meet EASA’s requirements for CRM trainers.
At NaviMinds, we offer an integrated training pathway to make it easy to get compliant. When booking a CRMT core course with us, you can seamlessly integrate it with our Human Performance and Limitations course for a discounted rate.
Requirement: Have adequate knowledge of the relevant flight operation in accordance with (d)
“(d) Knowledge of the relevant flight operations
(1) The operator should evaluate the experience and knowledge of the flight crew CRM trainer. The evaluation of the operator should include at least:
(i) the operational experience of the flight crew CRM trainer as a flight crew member;
(ii) whether this experience as a flight crew member or a former flight crew member covers the aircraft category, the aircraft generation and the form of operations, as relevant to the operator.
(2) if the flight crew CRM trainer does not have the relevant knowledge of the relevant flight operation based on the evaluation in (1), the operator should provide training to the flight crew CRM trainer to provide the adequate knowledge.
(3) The operator should describe the assessment and training in the operations manual.”
What it means: The specific of (d) can be interpreted in various ways. Some authorities require a flight crew CRM trainer to have experience as a flight crew member or a former flight crew member. Other authorities interpret this slightly differently and allow cabin crew (with no experience as flight crew members) to conduct CRM training for flight crew members, provided they have adequate knowledge of the aircraft category, generation, and form of operations relevant to the operator.
Alternatively, EASA states that one can establish a team of CRM trainers.
“(e) Team of CRM trainers
If the flight crew CRM trainer is qualified in accordance with (b) but does not meet the conditions defined in (d), he or she may be assisted by a training assistant that has the knowledge of the relevant flight operations.
As in accordance with (e), cabin crew members with no flight crew experience can conduct CRM training for flight crew members if this happens together with a flight crew CRM trainer that meets the conditions in (d).
Requirement: The flight crew CRM trainer must be assessed by their operator in accordance with (f).
“(f) Assessment of a flight crew CRM trainer
(1) The operator should ensure that the process for the assessment is included in the operations manual describing methods for observing, recording, interpreting and debriefing the flight crew CRM trainer. All personnel involved in the assessment must be credible and competent in their role.
(2) The assessment should enable the flight crew CRM trainer to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to train the CRM training elements in the non-operational environment. Special attention should be given to fields such as group management, group dynamics and personal awareness.
(3) The initial assessment of a flight crew CRM trainer by the operator may take place when conducting their first CRM training course.
(4) The assessment of flight crew CRM trainers should be conducted by flight crew CRM trainers with a minimum of 3 years of experience.”
What it means: After completing the initial course, the CRM trainer must be assessed while delivering their first CRM training session. This assessment must be conducted by an experienced flight crew CRM trainer to evaluate the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge and deliver CRM training effectively in a non-operational environment.
To carry out this assessment, the CRM trainer examiner (CRMTE), nominated by the operator, must have a minimum of three years of relevant experience.
Some operators may find this requirement challenging to meet – particularly if they have previously relied on external CRM training providers and do not have an in-house CRMTE who is qualified to perform the assessment. In such cases, NaviMinds can support the operator by conducting the required assessment on their behalf.
Requirement: The period of validity of the flight crew CRM trainer qualification should be 3 years.
“(i) The flight crew CRM trainer should complete CRM trainer refresher within the last 12 months of the 3-year validity period; and
(ii) The flight crew CRM trainer should meet one or both of the following conditions:
(A) conduct at least 3 CRM training events within the 3-year validity period;
(B) be assessed within the last 12 months of the 3-year validity period in accordance with (f); and
(iii) If the flight crew CRM trainer qualification has expired, it can be renewed if all of the conditions below are met. The validity should be 3 years after completion of (A) and (C) below, whichever comes first:
(A) complete CRM trainer refresher training;
(B) receive refresher training on knowledge of the relevant flight operations, as necessary:
(C) be assessed in accordance with (f).”
What it means: Once you’ve completed a 5-day CRMT core course, your license is valid for three years. During this time, you must complete three CRM training events/sessions. Before the end of the three years, you must receive a CRMT Refresher course to renew your license.
Ensuring regulatory compliance can be challenging. At NaviMinds, we make it easy. Current or former flight crew members lead our CRM training courses, ensuring a practical and hands-on approach. Moreover, our courses fully comply with major regulatory bodies worldwide, including EASA, ICAO, FAA, CAA, and others.
Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive training programs.
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