Cockpit and Cabin Crew Coordination and Communication

Human factors studies now identify miscommunication between cockpit and cabin crewmembers as a major obstacle to safe operation of of a flight in both normal situations and during life-threatening conditions. To remedy this problem, crewmembers must have a better understanding of each others' duties; double meanings in signals must be avoided; sterile cockpit procedures should be clarified; flight and cabin crewmember manuals must be consistent; joint training should be instituted; flight attendants should be given sufficient information by the cockpit crew in emergencies; and communication equipment should be independently powered.