9 - Human Error in Aviation Operations

Abstract

This chapter discusses human error in aviation operations. No completely adequate understanding of human error exists, but significant progress is being made to achieve that understanding. Even the simple framework for discussing error in a systematic fashion should help the reader to better understand the basis for error in the operation of a complex system such as the national airspace system. Working on any one component of the system, whether it is the pilots, the machinery, or any of the other human actors, is bound to fail at some level. All these components are interdependent, and changes in any one eventually are reflected in the others. For just this reason, attempts to increase levels of aviation safety solely through the use of automation, as is sometimes suggested, cannot succeed. On the other hand, it is becoming clear that the technology that has been developed can and must play an increasingly significant role in helping to deal with the problem of human error. Progress, too, is being made in the understanding of how to aid humans to make better decisions, both through training and through machine facilitation or management of the decision process. Although the effective enhancement of the decision-making process of the pilot will no doubt be a slow process, there clearly exists substantial room—and hope—for improvement.