Cockpit-cabin crew interaction: satisfaction with communication and information exchange.
BACKGROUND
There were 1240 members of flight deck crews (F/D) and cabin crews (C/C) in SAS Norway who responded to a questionnaire that included issues related to communication between crews. The response rate was 84%.


OBJECTIVE
Possible differences between F/D and male and female C/C concerning evaluations of information exchange and communication between crews were examined.


METHODS
A multi-faceted questionnaire containing 250 questions concerning organizational and psychosocial issues, safety questions, and subjective health was employed. Regression analyses were applied to examine predictors of satisfaction with information and communication.


RESULTS
One half of aircrew members were dissatisfied with information exchange and cooperation between the cockpit and the cabin in general. About 70% were dissatisfied with interaction related to debriefing and stop. Differences between F/D and C/C were significant concerning debriefing. Cabin crews, and especially females, reported being inadequately informed about specific operational procedures and technical matters. Nine of ten female C/C wanted better information about technical aspects of the airplane or flying. Pilots reported inadequate information about how emergency procedures influence C/C and passengers. Between 72% and 94% were satisfied with interpersonal relationships, while 53% expressed satisfaction with supervision and social support. A majority (86%) confirmed that frequent changes between crews were stressful. Regression analyses yielded significant relationships between frequencies of meetings, supervision and support issues, and scheduling schemes and satisfaction with information exchange 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.
D000328:Adult; D000401:Aircraft; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires