Human factors in aviation

 

    What are Human factors in aviation? In my own terms when mankind uses the knowledge gained from all ages of flying and they apply those skills into systems and procedures in aviation we have human factors. This is a very wide topic to cover that not only involves us getting things right, but also risk factors, and behaviors that can cause issues in aviation (PHAK Chapter two).  
    As many of us do, I have seen how human factors play a role in the operations of our aircraft. When relating to a teams performance level you must first look at the individual. Factors such as the Macho mentality, invulnerability, and anti-authority can be major hinderances in all aspects of aviation (PHAK chapter 2). I have seen first hand, in our maintenance department, an individual have all three of these factors showing in his work. The individual was very knowledgeable in their field, but they had become arrogant believing some rules didn't apply to them(Macho). On a training exercise all ops came to a halt because this person failed to remember that they were on a team. They failed to remember that the actions of one effects the whole. A single tool was left in the fuselage. Missing from the tool box with no record of who had taken the tool. While there had been risk mitigations already in place this individual allowed these negative human factors to interfere with the teams success as a whole. 
    With the steps of Aeronautical decision making already in effect the issue was resolved before any FOD was produced or worse the loss of the aircraft in flight. My company had previously done a variety of risk management steps. By identifying the hazards they understood a missing tool was an issue.  This is why there is a check in/out binder that must be signed by another person for accountability. Through monitoring the results this has proven to be a worthwhile mitigation. 

There are numerous factors that are always present in day to day operations. Both positive and negative. In any case the Aeronautical decision making process allows us to overcome weaknesses do to human factors. By use of ADM and risk mitigation tools our teams are more safety prone. Starting with the individuals mindset of healthy choices the whole culture in our aviation worlds can be a positive one (PHAK chapter 2).

   

References

Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical knowledge chapter 2, Aeronautical  Decision making.

FAA.gov, Human Factors Division