Definition
In aviation, human resource management is the effective use of all available people to achieve a safe and efficient flight. It includes how the pilot works with crewmembers, air traffic controllers, flight service specialists, dispatchers, maintenance personnel, passengers, and anyone else whose actions or information can affect the flight.
Plain English
Using the people around you well. The pilot is not alone — controllers, mechanics, dispatchers, other crew, and even passengers can all help keep the flight safe. Human resource management is the skill of communicating with them clearly and using their help wisely.
Context Anchor
Seen in resource management discussions, especially when a pilot is deciding how to use help from passengers, controllers, instructors, or other aviation personnel.
Derivation
Human comes from a Latin word meaning “person” or “people.” Resource means something available for use when needed, and management means directing or handling something carefully. Together, the phrase points to handling people as useful sources of help, information, and support during flight.
Why Pilots Care
It reduces single-pilot errors by deliberately drawing on the observations and expertise of others rather than flying in isolation.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as a company’s hiring or personnel department. In this FAA flying context, “human resource management” means using people around the flight as safety resources.
Example Sentence 1
Good human resource management means briefing your passenger before takeoff so they know to stay quiet during radio calls and how to help spot traffic.
Example Sentence 2
Coordinating with ATC and the ramp crew before departure showed effective human resource management.