Situational awareness in a crew context means:

Situational awareness in a crew context refers to the ability to perceive, comprehend, and predict the factors in the environment that may affect operations. This encompasses not just what is happening immediately, but also an understanding of the broader context, including the actions of other crew members, the status of the aircraft, and potential external influences such as weather or air traffic.

The understanding of everything happening around you is crucial in a dynamic environment where decisions often need to be made quickly and effectively. It aids in enhancing communication among crew members, ensuring that everyone is contributing to a shared understanding, which ultimately improves safety and operational efficiency.

Being unaware of external factors would prevent crew members from having a complete picture, which can lead to misjudgments and errors. Focusing only on immediate tasks limits the ability to anticipate and respond to changes in the operational environment. Similarly, waiting for orders from a leader may inhibit proactive decision-making and responsiveness, which are key components of effective crew resource management. Therefore, comprehensive understanding positions the crew to work together cohesively and maintain safety in all situations.