Team-Based Human Factors Challenges

Since the beginning of aviation, human error has been considered the main factor in accidents and incidents. Without a doubt, one of the greatest challenges for aviation has been and will continue to be avoiding human error and being able to control its incidence. I can define the human factor as the behavior of aeronautical personnel (pilots, mechanics, controllers, etc.) before, during, and after their duties. That same behavior depends on factors that can increase or decrease the safety of the operations. In this case, I will talk about the human factor in pilots.

It is estimated that roughly 80% of all aviation accidents are related to human factors. It must be remembered that when flying there will always be a risk, whether internal or external, but the objective is to reduce that risk to the lowest possible level. As a result of these human errors, the importance of learning and understanding effective Aeronautical Decision-Making skills cannot be overemphasized. ADM is a systematic approach to the mental process used by pilots to consistently determine the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances (U.S. Department of Transportation, n.d). When the pilot wants to go flying, would be an example of using this mechanism. Decision passes over this person and puts into analysis his decision to go or not to fly.

Examining these four elements will provide greater situational awareness, thus improving your decision-making including the pilot, aircraft, environment, and external pressures. This is called the PAVE model (Pilot Institute, 2021). The pilot should be in good health condition before the flight, the aircraft needs to maintain airworthy condition, the environment involves the weather conditions and airspace situation, and the pilots should not be influenced by someone else to make decisions on external pressures.

With these considerations, aviation safety will increase and most pilots will understand that human factors should be considered.

References

Pilot Institute Articles. (2021, September 19). Understanding aeronautical decision-making. Pilot Institute. https://pilotinstitute.com/aeronautical-decision-making/ Links to an external site. 

U.S Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Aeronautical decision-making. Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Federal Aviation Administration. Oklahoma City.