Citation
(2001), "Human factors: the big picture", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773eac.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
Human factors: the big picture
Human factors: the big picture
Given by Ms Hazel Courtney, Senior Design Surveyor, CAA, this paper gave a comprehensive review of what is our single biggest safety risk. The paper discusses what "human factors" means, where some of the issues come from, and what is being done in one particularly important area type certification of aircraft design. The term "human factors" means different things in different parts of the industry; in all cases, however, the subject involves trying to achieve effective integration of the human element with other aspects of the aviation system. Considering the flight crew, there is an interface between them and each different element of aviation. These different areas are not necessarily compatible with each other and it is the pilot who will have to provide the additional "translation" function because he/she is the only part of the system able to do so. These are not the same as "direct" human factors issues, and may be referred to as "meta" human factors issues, i.e. the "next level" of human factors consideration.
Considering FMS (flight management systems) events over many sectors, these kind of events were common (Figure 2). Relationships between training and systems design, and between system design and operational environment, were explored, with the results from experienced crews being different from FMS novices. This kind of issue is not restricted to the electronic flightdeck systems. Incidents are quoted of mismatches in the relationship between design and context of use. Numerous system mismatches have been reported between design and training when aircraft design changes from three flight crew to two and between the need for pilot training in certain situations and the ability (or willingness) of situation facilities to provide a realistic representation.
Of course the pilot is not the only important human operator in the aviation system; the maintenance engineers are in a similar position and also interface with many different aspects.
Figure 2
FMS related events reported in commercial operations
It is the regulator's job to ensure the setting and achievement of at least a minimum standard in each area – not the optimum recommended standard. There are new regulatory projects in the type certification design area.
Direct and "meta" human factors have been mentioned, as has the importance of the compatibility of the many different areas. A new JAA initiative on human factors aspects of flight deck design, as well as new training courses, have been devised.