Human Factors at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): From Research to Reality

Abstract

The purpose of this discussion panel is to inform human factors researchers and practitioners of the role of human factors throughout the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and how the FAA uses human factors research to enhance aviation safety and to support the performance of the national airspace system. Through this panel, the FAA hopes to provide outreach by communicating the Agency’s research needs and requirements to help researchers and practitioners facilitate the transition from research and development to tangible outcomes for the public. This panel will describe the role of the FAA Human Factors Division in coordinating human factors research at the Agency, the process for how research projects are initiated at the FAA, and the challenges faced in transitioning results to implementation in the field or in regulation. Two examples of research programs (Electronic Flight Bag and the Air Traffic Front Line Manager (FLM) Quick Reference Guide) that were successfully implemented are discussed.