Methodology for Justification of Aviation Safety Investments

This article focuses on a major human factors–related issue that includes the undeniable role of cultural factors and cockpit automation and their serious impact on flight crew performance, communication, and aviation safety. The report concentrates on the flight crew performance of the Boeing 777–Asiana Airlines Flight 214 accident, by exploring issues concerning mode confusion and autothrottle systems. It also further reviews the vital role of cultural factors in aviation safety and provides a brief overview of past, related accidents. Automation progressions have been created in an attempt to design an error-free flight deck. However, to do that, the pilot must still thoroughly understand every component of the flight deck – most importantly, the automation. Otherwise, if pilots are not completely competent in terms of their automation, the slightest errors can lead to fatal accidents. As seen in the case of Asiana Flight 214, even though engineering designs and pilot training have greatly evolved over the years, there are many cultural, design, and communication factors that affect pilot performance. It is concluded that aviation systems designers, in cooperation with pilots and regulatory bodies, should lead the strategic effort of systematically addressing the serious issues of cockpit automation, human factors, and cultural issues, including their interactions, which will certainly lead to better solutions for safer flights.

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Automation Surprise

Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors ◽

10.1027/2192-0923/a000113 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 28-41 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Robert J. de Boer ◽

Karel Hurts

Keyword(s):

Flight Control ◽

Representative Sample ◽

Aviation Safety ◽

Control Mode ◽

Cognitive Errors ◽

Laboratory Studies ◽

Airline Pilots ◽

Flight Operations ◽

Widespread Phenomenon ◽

Few Data

Abstract. Automation surprise (AS) has often been associated with aviation safety incidents. Although numerous laboratory studies have been conducted, few data are available from routine flight operations. A survey among a representative sample of 200 Dutch airline pilots was used to determine the prevalence of AS and the severity of its consequences, and to test some of the factors leading to AS. Results show that AS is a relatively widespread phenomenon that occurs three times per year per pilot on average but rarely has serious consequences. In less than 10% of the AS cases that were reviewed, an undesired aircraft state was induced. Reportable occurrences are estimated to occur only once every 1–3 years per pilot. Factors leading to a higher prevalence of AS include less flying experience, increasing complexity of the flight control mode, and flight duty periods of over 8 hr. It is concluded that AS is a manifestation of system and interface complexity rather than cognitive errors.

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Aviation safety: Airlines should check pilot applicants' safety history

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e433952008-001 ◽

1988 ◽

Keyword(s):

Aviation Safety

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Factoring in Psychological Research for Aviation Safety at NASA

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e562092011-003 ◽

1997 ◽

Author(s):

Geoff Mumford

Keyword(s):

Psychological Research ◽

Aviation Safety

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Aviation and the Microbiome

Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance ◽

10.3357/amhp.5576.2020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 91 (8) ◽

pp. 651-661

Author(s):

Joshua T. Davis ◽

Hilary A. Uyhelji

Keyword(s):

Psychological Health ◽

Aviation Safety ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Unintended Consequences ◽

Microbial Colonization ◽

Future Research ◽

Aerospace Medicine ◽

Medical Certification ◽

Physical Disorders ◽

The Impact

INTRODUCTION: Although the impact of microorganisms on their hosts has been investigated for decades, recent technological advances have permitted high-throughput studies of the collective microbial genomes colonizing a host or habitat, also known as the microbiome. This literature review presents an overview of microbiome research, with an emphasis on topics that have the potential for future applications to aviation safety. In humans, research is beginning to suggest relationships of the microbiome with physical disorders, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease. The microbiome also has been associated with psychological health, including depression, anxiety, and the social complications that arise in autism spectrum disorders. Pharmaceuticals can alter microbiome diversity, and may lead to unintended consequences both short and long-term. As research strengthens understanding of the connections between the microbiota and human health, several potential applications for aerospace medicine and aviation safety emerge. For example, information derived from tests of the microbiota has potential future relevance for medical certification of pilots, accident investigation, and evaluation of fitness for duty in aerospace operations. Moreover, air travel may impact the microbiome of passengers and crew, including potential impacts on the spread of disease nationally and internationally. Construction, maintenance, and cleaning regimens that consider the potential for microbial colonization in airports and cabin environments may promote the health of travelers. Altogether, the mounting knowledge of microbiome effects on health presents several opportunities for future research into how and whether microbiome-based insights could be used to improve aviation safety.Davis JT, Uyhelji HA. Aviation and the microbiome. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(8):651–661.

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