Human Factors in Aviation

Human factors is a combination of aviation medicine, psychology, engineering and ergonomics. It encompasses all of these factors trying to understand the man/machine interface in the aircraft.

It has its roots in aviation accident investigations resolving these where no clear technical cause could be found when aircraft became more and more reliable over the years.

Today, this field focuses in accident prevention, pilot performance in the aircraft, ergonomics in cockpit design and it relates to the single pilot aircraft as to multi-pilot crew on long haul commercial operations.

These human factors have their influence on the decision making process by the pilot and the safe outcome of the flight, which should never be in doubt no matter what.

This section will deal with pilot performance, his/her fitness to fly and the effects of using drug, smoking on the human body.

Pilot Performance

Pilot performance is about a couple of factors: airmanship, personality, crew management. They relate to the pilot as a person, his or her ability to make good judgements and decisions and to be able to communicate effectively with others. Remaining cool and rational at all times and instill confidence in the crew and passengers.

Airmanship

The ability to show common sense, have the highest standards and good aviation skills. Meaning to fly the aircraft well, think clearly and make good and sound decisions so that the safe outcome of a flight is never in doubt. Clear communication skills and getting along with other pilots, maybe new to the operation, is very important as is to keep his/her cool in more difficult situations and being very professional as a pilot as to become a good example to others in the profession.

Personality

Defining the persons character properties. It is in part genetic and part learned through experience, education and the way we were brought up by our parents. For a part this can be modified, relearned if you wish. As we get older we (should) become more mature in our ways of thinking and our behavior in human relations and our job. This will not be for everyone though, sadly.

When aircraft were made of wood and men of steel, pilots were thought to be made of the right stuff when they where the stable extrovert type, capable of doing everything on their own, self reliant and they would not be caught making a stupid mistake. They just did not screw up. It was thought that this was the right personality. But in this day and age with glass cockpits, fly by wire aircraft and a multi-pilot crew airline flying, the macho type pilot has no place anymore. It is the wrong stuff. Accidents have happened just because of this lack of communication with other crew members.

Crew management

A pilot in command needs to get on with other people, crew people for example. He or she is ultimately responsible for the aircraft, its safe operation and all onboard. The crew (the pic is also a crew member) should co-operate as a well oiled machine, essential for safe flight and they should regularly follow line operations flight and crew resource management training to keep current.

Characteristics of a good pilot in command are amongst others, to be a good and competent pilot with firm technical knowledge about the aircraft and good flying skills, a good leader able to inspire others and getting the best out of his crew and consult them in the decision making process, always thinking ahead of the situation and making sound decisions.

Perfection

Pilots should try to attain perfection in their flying, this applies to private and commercial pilots alike. Just aim to do it right always. Try to perfect your flying skills all the time.

A nearly perfect pilot (is there such a thing as a perfect pilot?) is consistent, flexible, safe, accurate and dependable. He or she is also confident (not too much though) in their decisions. This pilot never stops learning from his own experience and from others too and tries to fly to the highest standards, improving along the way and be and sets examples for others and will always helps others in their career.

The opposite

Characteristics of a not so perfect or sloppy pilot are: a show off, careless, overconfident (a know it all or been there, done that type), rough handling of the aircraft, impulsive, takes risks, flies without regard to rules and regulations their by risking equipment and lives.

Aviation has no place for such persons. If any pilot wishes to show off, then do this by showing technical knowledge of the aircraft, being reliable, dependable, effective and with knowledge of procedures and good decisions. Just be professional!