Human Factors PDF

HUMAN FACTORS IMPORTANCE ✓ We need to know how humans are affected during flight ✓ How we process information ✓ How we respond physiologically Overview • Aeronautical Decision Making • Aviation Physiology Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) ✓ Systematic Approach ✓ Best course of action in any circums...

HUMAN FACTORS IMPORTANCE ✓ We need to know how humans are affected during flight ✓ How we process information ✓ How we respond physiologically Overview • Aeronautical Decision Making • Aviation Physiology Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) ✓ Systematic Approach ✓ Best course of action in any circumstances ✓ Risk assessment ✓ Stress management ✓ Enhances safety ✓ Good pilot judgment` Pilot Error ➢ Accident caused by a decision or action made by the pilot ➢ Chain of poor choices The Decision-Making Process 1. Detect a change 2. Estimate the need to react 3. Choose a course of action 4. Identify solutions 5. Do the actions 6. Evaluate the effect of the actions Situational Awareness - Solid mental picture of what is happening - For safety before, during, and after flight Four Risk Elements 1. Pilot 2. Aircraft 3. Environment 4. External Pressure 1. Pilot Am I fit to fly? I illness M medication S stress: Acute and Chronic A alcohol F fatigue: Acute and Chronic E at Right 1 HUMAN FACTORS Stress – is the sum of all biological reactions to any adverse stimulus – disturbs the “Body’s Natural Balance” ACUTE STRESS – involves an immediate threat that is perceived as danger CHRONIC STRESS – defined as a level of stress that presents an intolerable burden, exceeds the ability of an individual to cope, and causes individual performance to fall rapidly Stressors 1. ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS - Conditions associated with the environment - Temperature and humidity, Extreme noise, Vibration or a smelly seatmate 2. PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS - Physical conditions - Fatigue, Lack of physical fitness, Sleep loss, Missed meals and illness. 3. PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS - Social or emotional factors - death in the family, sick child or demotion at work Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation – Working – Active recreation – Mental stress – Depression – Jet lag/Sleep loss – Boredom ACUTE FATIGUE – is the kind of tiredness people feel after a period of strenuous effort, physical and mental strain, excitement, or lack of sleep. CHRONIC FATIGUE – continuous high stress levels extending over a long period of time and usually has a psychological root. 2. Aircraft • Is this the right aircraft for the flight? • Am I familiar with and current in this aircraft? • Is this aircraft equipped for the flight? • Does this aircraft have sufficient fuel capacity? 3. Environment • Weather o Ceiling and Visibility o Ready for alternative plans or diversion o wind strengths and crosswind components - thunderstorm present or forecast • Terrain o Obstacles, Safe altitudes on route • Airports o NOTAMS o Choose a flight route wisely o frequency • Airspace o Survival gear in the event of forced landing o check airspace and any temporary flight restrictions (TFR) along the route of flight 2 HUMAN FACTORS 4. External Pressures • The pilot does not want to disappoint the passengers • Emotional pressures • To demonstrate pilot qualifications; and • The desire to impress someone (the two most dangerous words) “ WATCH THIS” 5 Hazardous Attitudes 1) Anti-Authority “Don’t tell me what to do” Antidote: “follow the rules, they are usually right” 2) Impulsivity “Do it quickly” Antidote: “Not so fast, think first” 3) Invulnerability “What is the worst that could happen?” Antidote: “I’m not GOD, it could happen to me” 4) Resignation “What’s the use?” Antidote: “Don’t Give up, there is still a chance” 5) Macho “I can do it!” Antidote: “Taking chances is foolish” Situational Awareness • This degrades in two scenarios ✓Workload is too high ✓Workload is too low Workload Management • Increase workload at low activity times C – COMPASS/HI check synchronized L – LOG accomplished E – ENGINE & ELECTRICS – normal A – ALTITUDE check R – RADIO set O – ORIENTATION of map F – FUEL check against time flown F – FIELD for emergency landing selected ✓ Planning ✓ Prioritizing ✓ Sequencing 1. Organize the Cockpit 2. Orientate Maps 3. Radio Navigation 4. Use Checklist 3