Definition
In crew and cockpit resource management, the act of clearly stating one's position, observation, or concern about a situation — even when speaking to someone of higher authority — in a respectful but firm manner, so that safety-critical information is heard and addressed.
Plain English
Speaking up clearly when something doesn't look right, instead of staying quiet or hinting at it.
Context Anchor
Seen in resource management discussions about communication, decision-making, and a pilot’s responsibility to speak up when something does not seem safe.
Derivation
From Latin asserere, meaning 'to claim' or 'to declare.' In aviation, it carries that same sense of declaring something plainly — making your position known rather than hoping someone else notices.
Why Pilots Care
Effective assertion prevents accidents when junior crew members voice concerns that more senior pilots might otherwise miss.
Intuition Check
Assertion does not mean arguing, showing off, or being aggressive. In this context, it means speaking up clearly and respectfully when safety or good decision-making requires it.
Example Sentence 1
When the student noticed the airspeed decaying on final, he used assertion and said clearly, 'We're getting slow — I'm adding power.'
Example Sentence 2
Strong assertion skills allow any crew member to question a decision that appears unsafe.