Aviation Human Factors Research Articles

Analysis of External Factors Influences on Aviation Events Caused by the Human Factor

In manuscript considered human factor in traffic control. It was showed, that we cannot highlight one factor, which most influence to traffic controller or pilot. We need to consider a group of factors. We performed analysis of the influence of human factor in aviation shows that the latter should comprise several external factors, namely: intensity of traffic, weather conditions and magnetic storms, which are related with solar activity and unpredictability of magnetic storms caused by arising sunspots, as well as with putting into operation the new models of airplanes, to avionics of which pilots are forced to adapt for a definite period and acquire their own experience in operation with this model of aircraft.

Bibliometric analysis of human factors in aviation accident using MKD

AbstractThis study aims to provide a better understanding of human factors and human performance mechanism in aviation accident analysis by visualisation and taxonomy analysis using mapping knowledge domain (MKD). An overview of aviation accident analysis involving human factors is first conducted, followed by an introduction of several conceptual models and human reliability analysis methods. Finally, a specific framework for risk assessment of human factors in aviation is proposed. The human factors analysis and classification system structure combined with the quantitative method is the most frequently used mode in aviation accident analysis. From a macro ergonomic perspective, systematic consideration has been emphasised frequently in existing research. Pilots or individuals are thought to be associated with the organisations and environment they located in. On the other hand, the micro ergonomic aspect prefers a quantitative and probabilistic way to reveal the individual's failure mode or error rate. Based on previous studies, the proposed framework provides a systematic view to help with the evaluation of human performance in aviation, taking into account human issues as well as management and environmental factors.

Recognition of the fatigue status of pilots using BF–PSO optimized multi-class GP classification with sEMG signals

Air crashes caused by human factors pose a problem. Many researchers have focused on aviation human factors and found that pilots’ fatigue status is the key factor. In this study, a hybrid multi-class Gaussian process model is proposed to identify the fatigue status of pilots by analyzing the surface electromyogram signals on the back of their neck and upper arm muscles. Instead of using the traditional conjugate gradient technique to determine the optimal parameters, a hybrid bacterial foraging and particle swarm method is proposed to optimize the unknown parameters to improve the classification accuracy of the multi-class Gaussian process. In the proposed method, the entropy-based features are extracted by wavelet translation from the collected signals to estimate the fatigue status of pilots. Experiments are performed through flight simulation in a full-flight simulator to provide three situations for the fatigue level of the subjects. Comparison of experimental results validates the feasibility of the proposed method to identify the fatigue status of pilots and the further enhancements by the proposed classification system in terms of classification accuracy. Results also show that the developed method helps prevent air crashes caused by pilots’ fatigue.

Building Bridges

Free AccessBuilding BridgesMichaela Schwarz and Melanie ToddMichaela Schwarz European Association for Aviation Psychology (EAAP), Vienna, Austria Search for more papers by this author and Melanie Todd Australian Aviation Psychology Association (AAvPA), Melbourne, Australia Search for more papers by this authorPublished Online:April 02, 2020https://doi.org/10.1027/2192-0923/a000187PDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInReddit SectionsMoreSince 1956 the European Association for Aviation Psychology (EAAP) has been promoting the study of psychology and the scientific pursuit of applied psychology and human factors in the field of Aviation. In 1992 the Australian Aviation Psychology Association (AAvPA) was founded to join forces to raise awareness of aviation psychology and human factors in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Dr Melanie Todd, at the time AAvPA Secretary and I had the pleasure to serve on the AAvPA Board from 2008 to 2010. Together with the rest of the AAvPA executive, we worked hard to bring Aviation Psychology and Human Factors down under closer to Europe and vice versa. Our main levers back then were promoting each other’s bi-annual conferences/symposia, training courses and facilitating a close network between EAAP and AAvPA members.Today AAvPA members enjoy the same benefits as EAAP members and EAAP members are welcome to participate at the AAvPA Symposium at special AAvPA rates. Together with our members we have achieved several milestones. The foundation of the new journal Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors (APAHF) as the official journal for EAAP and AAvPA in 2011 in cooperation with Hogrefe Publishing was certainly a high point.We are proud that since the first issue in January 2011 and with combined efforts of the editorial board, associate editors, authors, members, and our colleagues from Hogrefe Publishing, two issues could be published timely each year. The journal is an indispensable means to promoting scientific research, applied practices, book reviews, news and events in aviation psychology and human factors. We are happy to see the number of manuscript submissions and the quality of original (scientific) articles is increasing each year. At the same time we are pleased to see science applied in practice sometimes in close cooperation with industry partners. Further, it has always been a goal of both EAAP and AAvPA to support students in the field of aviation psychology and human factors. This journal, in addition to the symposia, also provides a mechanism for student papers to be published and emerging research to be highlighted.In our view it is important to understand the needs of our industry stakeholders when it comes to human performance and people issues. We would like to see the journal further develop as a medium to inform researchers and academics about industry news and help identify possible research areas, questions and problems. In return, academia can inform industry partners by addressing questions and problem areas through scientific studies delivering sound empirical evidence.In this spirit, we encourage both academia and industry partners in aviation to continue to build bridges to increase aviation safety between Europe, Australia, and beyond. We hope that our readers will see the great potential our scientific journal can bring to their daily operations and look forward to more submissions addressing current industry developments and trends.Michaela Schwarz and Melanie ToddEAAP and AAvPA Presidentspresident@eaap.net; president@aavpa.orgMichaela Schwarz is an aviation psychologist and human factors expert working towards improving human performance in aviation and rail. She received her doctoral degree in psychology from the University of Graz, Austria in 2016. Her main research focus and specialities are the assessment and improvement of safety – just culture and safety-relevant behaviour, the integration of human performance elements in safety management systems and the development and delivery of human factors training programs. Michaela has been a member of the EAAP Board for 10 years and EAAP President for 2 years.Melanie Todd is a Human Factors specialist, working across various high reliability industries. She received her doctoral degree in psychology in 2014, with a focus on pilot performance and licensing. Melanie has worked in both regulatory and investigative roles as a specialist in human factors, primarily in aviation with experience in rail and maritime investigations. Her specialist interest areas include accident and incident investigation, human error analysis, fatigue risk management, and training. Melanie has been a member of the AAvPA Executive Committee for over 15 years and AAvPA President for over 6 years.Michaela Schwarz, EAAP, Vienna, Austria, E-mail president@eaap.netFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 10Issue 1March 2020ISSN: 2192-0923eISSN: 2192-0931 Published onlineApril 2, 2020 InformationAviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors (2020), 10, pp. 1-2 https://doi.org/10.1027/2192-0923/a000187.© 2020Hogrefe PublishingPDF download

Analysis of the Operation of the Ground Handling Agent in the Aspect of Safety

Abstract The role of the human factor in aviation is a critical element for the safety of flight operations. It is described by methods such as SHELL and BowTie, which propose solutions to minimize the risk of occurrence of aviation events. The work presents the development of these concepts by introducing the method of testing the predisposition of airport staff using a specialized system which is the Polipsychograph - a system dedicated to designing and carrying out psychological tasks testing human mental, cognitive and motor skills in connection with the assessment of his professional capabilities. The work contains the results of 40 tests performed on employees dealing with airport ground handling on a daily basis. Research has shown that the employee’s predisposition depends on the quality of work entrusted to him. The paper presents a method of assessing the psychophysical predisposition of an employee allowing him to be directed to work corresponding to his qualifications.

From Classroom to Industry: Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance Decision-Making

The presence of human factors in aviation remains a critical area of research given the safety implications of human error. Understanding what specific factors contribute to human error allows managers and operators to take steps to mitigate these hazards. Several methods have been tested in the cockpit and cabin crew environments, but less attention has been given to the aviation maintenance sector, despite the prevalence of accidents resulting from human error. With the introduction of AC-172A, the FAA validated the need for additional research and training on the role of human factors in aviation maintenance errors. However, a key component in this process is often overlooked--the role of decision-making. In aviation maintenance, the environment can change rapidly. Technicians must react and adjust their behavior, and their decision-making abilities, accordingly. Human factors such as fatigue, pressure, and distractions can interrupt cognitive processes and judgment, and in turn, decision-making. As technicians adapt to these environmental challenges, strategies must be in place to facilitate optimal decision-making. Recommendations for addressing the presence of human factors in aviation maintenance and the resulting impact on the decision-making process include taking both a proactive and reactive approach to human error identification. Proactively screening for individuals who are too risk-averse or too comfortable with taking risks can help hiring managers employ the right personnel equipped to make appropriate decisions in high consequence industries, such as aviation. Additionally, by encouraging and reviewing hazard reports, steps can be taken to mitigate human error factors in the future. Anonymous hazard reporting tools such as the REPAIRER allow maintenance managers to leverage existing (and FAA-required) safety management systems (SMS) by including a human factors analysis.

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT PROCESSES ON AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

ABSTRACT Aircraft maintenance activities are one of the most important criteria for the safe and effective execution of aviation operations. In aircraft accidents and incidents, maintenance factor is vital for the development of safety for organizations, authorities and countries in the aviation field. Effective maintenance activities will also contribute to the costs of organizations by ensuring the safe operations of aircraft with people. Maintenance activities are carried out by maintenance technicians in areas such as hangars or aprons. Aircraft maintenance technicians' performance in performing maintenance activities directly impacts flight safety and technician safety, which in turn has a positive or negative impact on organizations. Improving technician competency assessment processes can reduce maintenance errors, improve technician performance, create positive impacts on safe and efficient flight operations, reduce maintenance costs and benefit of entire aviation industry. Technician competency should be considered in performance evaluations and assignments by assessing in all levels with the compatibility of videly used human resources management methods. In this study, technician competence assessment processes are mentioned, the effects of these processes on aviation safety are explained and solutions are proposed to develop and apply the assessment processes. Keywords: Aircraft maintenance, aircraft maintenance technician competency, competency assessment, human factors in aviation.

Aviation Human Factors Related Industry News

Aviation Human Factors Related Industry News

Acercamiento al campo de la Psicología aeronáutica

El impacto de la psicología en el sector aeronáutico es innegable. Este artículo presenta un estudio de profundización que indaga la forma en la cual el sector aéreo ha recurrido a la ciencia que indaga por las motivaciones del comportamiento, y trata de que ésta permita entender de qué manera la actuación humana se ajusta con los objetivos que buscan fomentar y mantener la seguridad operacional a través del estudio e intervención sobre el elemento humano y la comprensión de los Factores Humanos en Aviación. Se hace un recorrido por la definición del campo y la forma en que éste, desde sus comienzos, tuvo un interés por las respuestas comportamentales humanas en las condiciones de vuelo, así como preguntas sobre la selección de las personas que intervienen en la operación aérea y finalmente, el impacto de este campo en el contexto colombiano. El presente texto pretende situar cómo se ha definido la psicología aeronáutica, cuál es su objeto de estudio y la concepción de sujeto al interior de esta. Así mismo, plantear algunas de las limitaciones del hacer del psicólogo en este campo.

Meetings and Congresses

Meetings and Congresses

Meetings and Congresses

Meetings and Congresses

Aviation Human Factors Related Industry News

Aviation Human Factors Related Industry News

Cognitive Human-Machine Interfaces and Interactions for Unmanned Aircraft

This paper presents the concept of Cognitive Human-Machine Interfaces and Interactions (CHMI2) for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Ground Control Stations (GCS). CHMI2 represents a new approach to aviation human factors engineering that introduces adaptive functionalities in the design of operators' command, control and display functions. A CHMI2 system assesses human cognitive states based on measurement of key psycho-physiological observables. The cognitive states are used to predict and enhance operator performance in the accomplishment of aviation tasks, with the objective of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall human-machine teaming. The CHMI2 system presented in this paper employs a four-layer architecture comprising sensing, extraction, classification and adaptation functionalities. An overview of each layer is provided along with the layer's metrics, algorithms and functions. Two relevant case studies are presented to illustrate the interactions between the different layers, and the conceptual design of the associated display formats is described. The results indicate that specific eye tracking variables provide discrimination between different modes of control. Furthermore, results indicate that the higher levels of automation supported by the CHM 2 are beneficial in Separation Assurance and Collision Avoidance (SA&CA) scenarios involving low-detectability obstacles and stringent time constraints to implement recovery manoeuvres. These preliminary results highlight that the introduction of CHMI2 functionalities in future UAS can significantly reduce reaction time and enhance operational effectiveness of unmanned aircraft response to collision and loss of separation events, as well as improve the overall safety and efficiency of operations.

The Effect of Automation on Human Factors in Aviation

This paper looks to examine the effect of modern day automation on the human machine by reviewing literature spanning over three decades. Using the current human factors model SCHELL, we will review a significant aviation accident to determine the human factors components that contributed to the fatal crash. Conditions such as automation bias and complacency continue to surface as contributing factors in aviation accidents and incidents. A novel application to combat these human errors for operational pilots during low work phases of flight is suggested. The importance of visualisation in the maintenance of manual flying skills is discussed with support from a neuroplasticity experiment that highlights the significance of this action.

Ergonomics and Human Factors in Aviation

Ergonomics and Human Factors (E/HF) in Aviation is essential for the safety and efficiency of commercial airlines, passenger, cargo and military operations, and for the well-being of their passenge...

Pilots' perceptions of justice and job identification

This article sheds light on pilots' perceptions of justice and their job identification. The research investigates pilots' perceptions of the fairness with which they are treated, how these perceptions might influence their identification with their jobs and whether this identification influences operational safety. The methodological approach integrates the pilot-organisational behavioural model introduced in this research into two commonly known models of the human factor in aviation: the 'Software-Hardware-Environment-Liveware (pilot)-Liveware (team)' - or SHELL - model and the 'Swiss cheese' model. The article includes an outline regarding aviation safety and recommendations for applying our approach to other transportation industries.

Aviation Human Factors Related Industry News

Aviation Human Factors Related Industry News

Humans and Intelligent Vehicles: The Hope, the Help, and the Harm

Intelligent vehicles offer hope for a world in which crashes are rare, congestion is reduced, carbon emissions are decreased, and mobility is extended to a wider population. As long as humans are in the loop, over a half century of research in human factors suggests that this hope is unlikely to become a reality unless careful attention is paid to human behavior and, conversely, the potential for harm is real if little attention is given to said behavior. Different challenges lie with each of the two middle levels of automation which are the primary focus of this article. With Level 2 automation (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; NHTSA), the driver is removed from always having to control the position and speed of the vehicle, but is still required to monitor both position and speed. Humans are notoriously bad at vigilance tasks, and can quickly lose situation awareness. Moreover, even if vigilant, the driver needs to interact with the vehicle. But voice-activated systems which let the driver continue to glance at the forward roadway are proving to be a potential source of cognitive distraction. With Level 3 automation (NHTSA), the driver is out of the loop most of the time, but will still need to interact with the vehicle. Critical skills can be lost over time. Unexpected transfers of control need to be considered. The surface transportation and aviation human factors communities have proposed ways to solve the problems that will inevitably arise, either through careful experimentation or extensions of existing research.

Aviation Human Factors Related Industry News 1Parts of this section are compiled from “Aviation Human Factors Industry News” and reproduced with permission of Roger Hughes.

News and AnnouncementsAviation Human Factors Related Industry News 1Parts of this section are compiled from “Aviation Human Factors Industry News” and reproduced with permission of Roger Hughes. Published Online:April 10, 2015https://doi.org/10.1027/2192-0923/a000077PDFView Full Text ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInReddit SectionsMoreFiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited byDigital Production and Artificial Intelligence in the Aircraft Industry19 April 2022 | Russian Engineering Research, Vol. 42, No. 4Artificial Intelligence Systems in Aviation Volume 5Issue 1April 2015ISSN: 2192-0923eISSN: 2192-0931 InformationAviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors (2015), 5, pp. 67-69 https://doi.org/10.1027/2192-0923/a000077.© 2015Hogrefe PublishingPDF download

Aviation Human Factors Related Industry News 1Parts of this section are compiled from Aviaion Human Factors Industry News reproduced with permission of Roger Hughes.

Aviation Human Factors Related Industry News 1Parts of this section are compiled from Aviaion Human Factors Industry News reproduced with permission of Roger Hughes.