Discussion Thread:
Possible Human Factor Issues through the Introduction of New Systems
James M. Oyler
School of Aeronautics, Liberty University
AVIA 300: Aviation Safety
Dr. Jason Puckett
25 April 2024
Possible Human Factor Issues through the Introduction of New Systems
Within the field of aviation, the number one priority is that of safety. As newer and more
advanced systems become available, as in the past, there exists possible issues associated with
the learning curve as it applies to the implementation and operation of these advanced methods
and hardware. Try to imagine the difficulties of a pilot who is upgrading to a new aircraft or
aircraft maintainer is training to learn a new, more complex system. We might also attempt to
relate to the air traffic controller as he is learning a new radar system. Each of these types of
individuals are very well versed in their current positions but as newer, more advanced systems
are introduced, difficulties can arise in the learning, training, and implementation aspect when
doing away with the old and adopting the new standards. What are some human factor issues that
might arise in a circumstance like this?
For this body of work we will focus on some of the hardships he or she might endure as
they adapt to disruptions in their normal operational methods. Advancements in aviation have
happened exponentially ever since two brothers decided to create the first powered airplane.
Wilbur and Orville Wright were the pioneers on whose shoulders all aviators have stood since
then. Their first flight lasted a mere twenty-six (26).
Just sixty-six (66) years later, we had advanced to the point where we successfully sent
the first human being to set foot on another celestial body. The year was 1969 and the man was
Neil Armstrong. All three astronauts (Armstrong, Aldrin, Collins) aboard spent eight (8) days,
three (3) hours, eighteen (18) minutes, and thirty-five (35) seconds in space traveling 953,054
miles. during Apollo 11’s mission to the moon and back. That might provide some idea on how
fast advancements occur within aviation, and it hasn't shown any signs of slowing down from
1969 to the present.
Human Performance Factors and Associated Risks
Whenever new systems are implemented, there is always a a time period of adjustment with
those who are responsible for the operations of said systems. This brings risk into the equation
particularly when downtime is not an option. Human beings make mistakes plain and simple.
They always have and always will. The best we can do is try to minimize these mistakes so that
when they do occur, they are not tragic in nature.
Two (2) human performance factors that can be the most dangerous are stress and
emotions. It can sometimes be hard to determine if someone is experiencing these two factors.
Emotions are very hard to combat as anything a person sees or hears can trigger either a positive
or negative emotion. Generally, it is easier to tell if someone is stressed out. Take the air traffic
controller who is trying to learn a new piece of hardware or a new standard operating procedure
that he or she may or may not think is necessary. These two (2) human performances factors can
trigger an unfavorable outcome because of the distractions they can cause. (FAA, 2022)
For anyone employed in an area such as aviation, mishaps can cost innocent people their
lives. Innocent people are banking on the fact that everyone from the pilot to the person working
the ticket gate is trained and doing their jobs correctly. For the air traffic controllers, the pilots,
and those in charge of maintaining aircraft, they are not allowed to have an off day. This is why
it is important for all involved to check their emotional baggage at the door when they get to
work. No matter what is going on in our lives we must take responsibility and understand the
gravity of the positions we hold in the aviation sector. At any given time, the aviation network is
filled with individuals with different personalities, preferences, pressure, backgrounds, and
experiences interacting with one another and operating advanced technology designed by
similarly diverse people. Add to that the fact that some of those people will be experiencing a
bad day, some might be communicating in a different language or over a poorly functioning
radio, and it is a Blessing that the system works as well as it does. Humans are excellent problem
solvers, but this strength has a downside. Our abilities are based on pattern matching and the
application of heuristics or what can be described as simple mental subroutines. Even though
most of the time, this will lead to a successful outcome, on other occasions, such as when the
situation has been misread or misunderstood, the results can be severe. (2024)
Think of the aircraft mechanic and the tremendous responsibilities they are charged with.
If one bolt has not been torqued to the proper specification or maybe they forgot to retrieve a
screwdriver from within a flight critical part, the dire consequences that can stem from such a
slip up. The aircraft mechanic did do it intentionally. He was merely distracted by someone
wanting to borrow one of his or her tools and they had to stop their task to locate the tool for the
borrower. The mechanic knew they were finished with that task and forgot about leaving their
tool inside the engine nacelle. It doesn't take long to realize the focus and dedication it takes to
meet the responsibility requirements associated with aviation.
Sometimes the stress of not making a mistake can have a negative impact on those in all
aviation occupations, particularly the pilot. Negative emotions coupled with the stress of
performing at a high level are real and throughout the aviation industry they must be recognized
and mitigated. This is why it is vitally important for those holding these positions of
responsibility to recognize on their own when intervention and supervision needs to take place.
One way to do this is through an R.A.T. or Risk Assessment Tool. Pilots use a Flight
Risk Assessment Tool, but this same technique can be adopted by other occupations dealing with
flight safety. A risk assessment tool is nothing more than a checklist of sorts that asks various
questions dealing with how a person is feeling that day. Are they tired? Have they had enough
sleep? Are there any external pressures that might affect one’s performance for the day? The list
can be as detailed as is necessary to properly ascertain their mental and physical wellbeing for
the day. It takes a special individual to be employed in and around aircraft. Not everyone can
hold these positions and it is incumbent that all involved be honest and truthful to themselves for
the sake of others that might suffer the consequences otherwise.
If those of us that are fortunate enough to be included in the field of aviation can
approach it with the same attitude and dedication, we give towards our Christian way of life we
will have the greatest protection of all. That protection comes from the Almighty himself. Below
are some passages of scripture to remind us that we have two responsibilities in life. One is to the
Lord and the other is representing the Lord on this pane of existence.
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them
will obtain mercy.”
Proverbs 20:18
“For each will have to bear his own load.”
Galatians 6:5
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is
due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
2nd Corinthians 5:10
(King James Bible, 2020)
References
FAA. (2022). Risk management handbook Federal Aviation Administration.
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-06/risk_management_handbook_2A.pdf
(2024).Vitalsource.com.https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/reader/books/9781307916744/pageid/
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King James Bible . (2020). OFFICIAL KING JAMES BIBLE ONLINE: AUTHORIZED KING
JAMES VERSION (KJV). Kingjamesbibleonline.orgs://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/
