When you think about what keeps airplanes safe, complex systems and rigorous training probably come to mind. But another key factor is communication—clear, confident, and timely exchanges between everyone in the cockpit. This has been put under the spotlight in unexpected ways, like in HBO's The Rehearsal. In season 2 of the docu-comedy series, the show took a deep dive into real-world aviation scenarios to explore why communication sometimes breaks down, especially when first officers hesitate to speak up to captains. These "authority gradients," or gaps in confidence between senior and junior crew members, have been linked to serious aviation incidents over the years. By recreating flight environments and observing how pilots interact under pressure, the show uncovered just how challenging—yet critical—it is to foster a cockpit culture where speaking up is both expected and supported.

Let’s look at practical, actionable strategies rooted in Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles, as well as the lessons learned from both real-world experience and Fielder’s unconventional investigation. Let’s look at practical, actionable strategies rooted in Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles, as well as the lessons learned from both real-world experience and Fielder’s unconventional investigation.

1. Create a Culture of Speaking Up

One of the recurring lessons in aviation accident investigations is the danger of silence. The Rehearsal underscores how human nature and hierarchy can make first officers hesitant to raise concerns.

Actionable Strategies:

  • Address Hierarchy Directly: Train crews to recognize the “authority gradient.” Role-play scenarios where junior crew members must voice concerns to senior staff, making it routine and expected.
  • Set the Tone in Briefings: Encourage the captain to open every pre-flight briefing by inviting feedback, questions, and reminders that safety overrides rank.
  • Normalize Challenging Conversations: Just as CRM teaches, reinforce that questioning or double-checking isn’t confrontation—it’s collaboration.

2. Use Standardized Language and Closed-Loop Communication

Clear, standardized communication reduces the risk of misunderstandings, especially under high pressure.

Actionable Strategies:

  • Practice Read-Backs: Always repeat back important instructions, especially altitude, headings, and clearances. This simple habit can catch errors before they become critical.
  • Use Plain Language: Avoid jargon or non-standard phrases. The goal is clarity, not style.
  • Close the Loop: After giving or receiving instructions, confirm understanding with a direct response—“Roger,” or by restating the action you’ll take.

3. Encourage Team Situational Awareness

Effective communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about building a shared understanding of the current situation.

Actionable Strategies:

  • Verbalize What You See: Encourage crew members to narrate changes in systems, weather, and traffic. Statements like, “I’m noticing our fuel is running lower than expected,” help build shared awareness.
  • Check In Regularly: Ask explicit questions, such as, “Are we all on the same page about our current approach?” This can prompt otherwise quiet team members to speak up.
  • Share Concerns Early: Teach crews to voice potential issues immediately, not to “wait and see” if someone else mentions it.

4. Debrief and Reflect to Continuously Improve

Every flight offers opportunities to strengthen communication skills. Learning from each flight—especially the ones where things didn’t go perfectly—can build a safer team.

Actionable Strategies:

  • Hold Brief Post-Flight Reviews: Gather the crew and spend five minutes discussing what went well and what could be improved about that day’s communication.
  • Invite Honest Feedback: Create a judgment-free zone where anyone can safely share their perspective about cockpit interactions.
  • Document and Share Lessons: Keep a running logbook of communication challenges and solutions and encourage sharing among colleagues.

5. Integrate Mindfulness and Self-Awareness

Human factors like stress, fatigue, or even the fear of embarrassment can compromise communication. The Rehearsal showed that sometimes the toughest barrier is our own discomfort with “awkward” conversations.

Actionable Strategies:

  • Practice Mindfulness Techniques: Encourage brief mental resets, like deep breathing before complex tasks, to help crew members stay present and focused.
  • Check In With Yourself: Regularly assess your own mental state. If you’re stressed or distracted, let your team know, so others can support or clarify as needed.
  • Model Vulnerability: Leaders—especially captains—can demonstrate that it’s okay to admit uncertainty or ask for input, making it easier for others to do the same.

6. Make Communication Training Ongoing and Interactive

Traditional CRM training set the stage for open dialogue, but ongoing practice is essential to keep skills sharp.

Actionable Strategies:

  • Regular Scenario Training: Use simulations, role-playing, or even game-based training (as humorously depicted in The Rehearsal) to reinforce effective communication under pressure.
  • Peer Observation and Coaching: Encourage crew members to give each other gentle, constructive feedback after flights or during practice sessions.
  • Stay Curious: Ask, “What would I do if I were in the other person’s shoes?” This perspective-taking supports empathy and better communication in the cockpit.

7. Foster an Inclusive, Team-Oriented Atmosphere

Safety thrives in a cockpit where everyone feels respected and heard.

Actionable Strategies:

  • Acknowledge All Contributions: Recognize ideas and suggestions from all team members, regardless of experience level.
  • Rotate Roles in Simulator Sessions: Switch up roles during training exercises to help each member appreciate the challenges others face.
  • Celebrate Successes: Highlight examples of effective communication during team meetings or briefings to reinforce positive behaviors.

By applying these strategies in daily practice, flight crews can break down barriers to communication and build a cockpit culture where information flows openly and efficiently. The lessons from CRM—and the quirky, insightful approach of The Rehearsal—both point to the same thing: fostering a safe environment in aviation is about more than just skill or knowledge. It’s about the courage to speak up, the humility to listen, and the discipline to keep lines of communication open at all times.

Prioritizing these habits doesn’t just make flying safer; it makes every member of the crew more confident, more connected, and more prepared for whatever the skies might bring.