CRM is a fundamental way for pilots to approach decision-making and communication by considering and applying every available resource. Examples of resources include flight attendants, air traffic controllers, dispatchers, company materials, personal experience, and, most importantly, one's colleague(s).

A classic example of Crew Resource Management (CRM) is the flight deck coordination during United Airlines Flight 232 in 1989. When the DC-10 suffered a catastrophic engine failure that destroyed all three hydraulic systems, the captain, Al Haynes, utilized the skills of every person in the cockpit, including an off-duty pilot who happened to be on board. Instead of the traditional "Captain is God" hierarchy, Haynes encouraged open communication, active listening, and collective problem-solving. This allowed the crew to manage a nearly uncontrollable aircraft and save the lives of 184 people. Today, CRM is a mandatory safety discipline in 2026 aviation, emphasizing that a first officer should feel empowered to speak up if they see a mistake, effectively shifting the culture from a single-point-of-failure leadership style to a resilient, team-based safety net.