Human Factors in Aviation

 

    There are many factors that come in to play when discussing safety in the aviation field. Human factors is one of the most important when discussing safety due to the overwhelming amount of influence it has on aviation accidents today. Human factors is defined as the understanding of the properties of human capability, the application of the understanding to the design development, and deployment of systems and services, and the art of ensuring successful application of these principles into the working environment. (FAA, 2018) With the huge advancements of technology in aviation, the amount of accidents caused by equipment has reduced significantly, as the rise in accidents caused by human factors has taken it's place.

    One challenge faced in aviation today that is highly affected by human factors is the communication methods used between pilot's and flight crew, and air traffic controllers. During peak flight times, air traffic controllers face huge workloads and frequency congestion that can lead to potential issues. On the other side of things Pilot's may not always understand why a controller may issue directions to an aircraft, and due to workload may not have time to give a detailed explanation. That's why it is important for clear and effective communication is vital in aviation. Missing just one important transmission could have serious consequences. Engineers in the aviation field have already developed new technology to help counteract some of the possible confusion in communication caused by human factors, including improvements to interfaces used for communication systems on aircraft. (Satow, 1999) I believe the improvement to technology, and the awareness of human factor related difficulties in these improvements will continue to reduce the amount of aviation accidents and make aviation safer for everyone.

References

Aviation Administration. (2018). Chapter 14: Human Factors. In Aviation maintenance technician handbook (pp. 14-1-14-30). Newcastle, WA: Aviation Supplies & Academics.

Satow, R. (1999, June 24). The Role of Human Factors in Improving Aviation Safety. Retrieved September 14, 2020, from http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/aero_08/human_textonly.html