Reviewing and Investigating some human factors affecting air accidents in the civil aviation industry(1)
(1) Misagh Asgardoon | LinkedIn///ATCO///Aero Space Contrlo Officer
Introduction:
In the aviation industry, safety is critical, and any accidents can result in loss of life and property. Over the years, aviation safety has significantly improved due to advances in technology and human factors. However, accidents still occur, and it is important to understand effective human factors in aviation accidents. Human factors refer to the interaction between individuals, technology, and the environment, and how these factors affect safety and performance [1].
Causes of aviation accidents:
Aviation accidents can be caused by several factors, including human error, technical failure, and environmental factors, such as weather conditions. Human error is often the leading cause of accidents in aviation, and it can be caused by fatigue, stress, lack of communication, and inadequate training [2]. Technical failures can also cause accidents, such as mechanical faults in aircraft or communication systems [3]. Environmental factors, such as bad weather conditions, can make it difficult for pilots to operate the aircraft [4].
Effective human factors in aviation accidents:
To prevent accidents, it is essential to consider effective human factors in aviation accidents. Effective human factors can help minimize accidents caused by human error, technical failure, and environmental factors. These factors include:
1- Communication: Effective communication between pilots and air traffic control is essential to ensure the safe operation of aircraft [5]. Pilots must communicate effectively with air traffic control to receive instructions, such as altitude and speed changes.
2- Training: Proper training is essential for pilots to ensure that they have the necessary skills to operate the aircraft effectively [6]. Pilots must undergo regular training to stay up to date with the latest technology and safety procedures.
3- Decision-making: Pilots must make quick decisions in critical situations, and effective decision-making skills are critical to prevent accidents [7]. Pilots must not hesitate to make critical decisions, and they must have the necessary knowledge and experience to make informed decisions.
4- Fatigue management:Fatigue is a leading cause of human error in aviation, and pilots must manage their fatigue effectively to prevent accidents [8]. Pilots must get sufficient rest before and after their flights.
5- Standard operating procedures:Effective standard operating procedures can help pilots prevent accidents by setting out clear guidelines for the operation of the aircraft [9]. Standard operating procedures also help pilots to communicate effectively with air traffic control.
6- Crew resource management:Effective crew resource management involves effective communication and teamwork between all members of the flight crew [10]. All members of the flight crew must work together to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft.
7- Equipment and technology:The use of effective equipment and technology can help pilots prevent accidents caused by technical failure [11]. Pilots must have access to the latest equipment and technology to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft.
8- Risk management: Effective risk management involves identifying potential risks and taking steps to mitigate them [12]. Pilots must be aware of potential risks, such as bad weather conditions, and take appropriate steps to avoid them.
9- Situational awareness:Situational awareness is essential in aviation, and pilots must be aware of their surroundings and the operation of the aircraft [13]. Pilots must stay alert and focused during the entire flight to prevent accidents.
10- Human factors training: Human factors training can help pilots understand how their behavior and actions can influence the safe operation of the aircraft [14]. Pilots must undergo regular human factors training to stay up to date with the latest safety procedures.
Conclusion:
Effective human factors are critical in preventing aviation accidents. By considering effective human factors, such as communication, training, decision-making, fatigue management, standard operating procedures, crew resource management, equipment and technology, risk management, situational awareness, and human factors training, pilots can ensure the safe operation of the aircraft and prevent accidents. It is essential that all members of the flight crew work together to promote effective human factors and ensure the safe operation of the aircraft. As technology continues to advance, it is also critical that pilots stay up to date with the latest equipment and technology to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft.
References:
[1] International Civil Aviation Organization. (2018). Manual on Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance (Doc 9824-AN/450) [PDF document]. Retrieved from https://www.icao.int/safety/humanfactors/Doc%209824%20-%20Manual%20on%20HF%20in%20Aviation%20Maintenance.pdf
[2] Reason, J. (1990). Human error. Cambridge University Press.
[3] Civil Aviation Authority. (2019). CAP 746: Requirements for Flight Crew Licensing (8th ed.). Retrieved from https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP746.PDF
[4] Federal Aviation Administration. (2021). Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/media/pilot_handbook.pdf
[5] International Civil Aviation Organization. (2013). Manual on Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) for Air Traffic Management (ATM) (Doc 9971-AN/488) [PDF document]. Retrieved from https://www.icao.int/safety/airnavigation/ops/CDM/CDMManualEdition3.pdf
[6] European Aviation Safety Agency. (2021). EASA Aircrew Regulations – Part-FCL. Retrieved from https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/Part-FCL%20-%202021-04-28.pdf
[7] Orasanu, J., & Fischer, U. (1997). Detection of errors and nonadherence to a nominal flight plan: A comparison of four pilot aids. International Journal of Aviation Psychology, 7(2), 111-125.
[8] Civil Aviation Safety Authority. (2019). Pilot Fatigue. Retrieved from https://www.casa.gov.au/standard-page/pilot-fatigue
[9] International Civil Aviation Organization. (2019). Safety Management Manual (Doc 9859-AN/474) [PDF document]. Retrieved from https://www.icao.int/safety/SMI/Documents/Doc9859-AN474-en.pdf[10] Helmreich, R. L., Merritt, A. C., & Wilhelm, J. A. (1999). The evolution of crew resource management training in commercial aviation. International Journal of Aviation Psychology, 9(1), 19-32.
[11] Van Schoor, A. (2007). The role of human factors in aviation maintenance and inspection. The Journal of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 107(9), 599-606.
[12] Federal Aviation Administration. (2021). Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2). Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/risk_management_handbook/
[13] Sarter, N., & Woods, D. (1995). How in the world did we ever get into that mode?: Mode error and awareness in supervisory control. Human Factors, 37(1), 5-19.
[14] Civil Aviation Safety Authority. (2020). Human factors for aviation – Maintenance. Retrieved from https://www.casa.gov.au/standard-page/human-factors-aviation-maintenance
