...Running Head : Aviation Aerospace Human Factors in Aviation Aerospace Some of the greatest challenges in the operation and design of large machine systems such as aviation vehicles and aerospace vessels, arise from human factors . It is from such challenges that human-factor engineering has emerged, determined to optimize the interaction between man and machines for the purposes of safety and efficiency. As such, human-factors engineering concerns itself with operating procedures and the training of personnel , as well as issues of interface design (Britannica , 2008 ). These are crucial issues to aviation and aerospace, as human error has been identified as a primary contributor to more than 70 percent of commercial airplane hull-loss accidents. Graeber (1999) asserts that human error is a major concern within the areas of not only flight operations but in maintenance and traffic management as well. To remedy these matters, human factors engineering must identify the limits and characteristics of cognition , information processing and memory and how they can most effectively be integrated into the day to day operations of aviation and aerospace. This means going beyond mere personnel training and redundant safety protocols, but making knowledgeable and flexible observations about how humans interface with aviation and aerospace technology. Because technology tends to evolve faster than our ability to predict how humans interact with it, the overseers of aviation and...
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...The Dirty Dozen The company I work for is very big on human factors, as we all have to go through training for it when we first get hired on. And one specific part of human factors they focus on is the aviation "Dirty Dozen". I bring this up because it is a large part of what the Safety Management System (SMS) uses when investigating an aircraft maintenance damage incident. The aviation Dirty Dozen are: fatigue, stress, complacency, communication, awareness, distraction, lack of knowledge, teamwork, lack of resources, pressure, lack of assertiveness, and norms (The Dirty Dozen, n.d.). I have been involved in an incident (or two) myself, and when I talked to the SMS investigator, they literally went down the list of the Dirty Dozen and asked me if I had any issues with any of the conditions. They understand that the employees are human, and are prone to conditions that cause mistakes. I'm not saying that the Dirty Dozen is a fail-safe excuse for an incident, but it gives the investigator the human factor condition(s) that might have played a role, instead of just blaming the employee for the aircraft incident. This allows the investigator to make a fully informed decision on what the proper course of action is following the incident. I have seen thousands of dollars in aircraft damage and good mechanics be reprimanded from verbally to termination. The Dirty Dozen. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2014, from...
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...Human Factors Models Abbie Ijams 4/15/14 PEAR Model – Aviation Maintenance The PEAR model recognizes four things: 1. The people who do the job 2. The type of environment in which they work 3. The actions that are taken 4. The recourses necessary to complete the job People: Most human factors programs are centered around people. They are the least reliable. However, they are necessary. There are four issues when considering the people in human factors. * Physical – physical size, age, strength, and sex. * Psychological – workload, experience, attitude, and emotional state. * Physiological – health, fatigue, lifestyle, and hunger * Psychosocial – interpersonal relations (people skills) Environment: There are two main locations in aviation maintenance – the ramp, hangar/shop and the relationship environment with the rest of the company. The first one can have issues with noise level, temperature, and other physical problems. The organizational factors with the rest of the company, however, has to do with communication, mutual respect, and cooperation. Actions: Human factors programs analyze the actions of individuals and the reasons they make the decisions that they do. Job Task Analysis (JTA) is used to determine what resources, instruction, and tools are needed to perform a task, as well as a person’s skill level and attitude. Resources: There are physical and non-physical kinds of resources. The physical types...
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...HFACS Written Project By Todd Ross Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Abstract American Airlines flight 1420, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, Crashed at the end of runway 4R at Little Rock Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas. Human Factors (HFACS) play a major role as flight crew decision making abilities were evident. A few human factors played into this accident and as a post accident investigation concluded, this accident could have been prevented is the right pre-causations were done. Options were provided to weather cancel, or divert into other areas that had better weather. Inclement weather conditions were the external factor that played a major role in this accident, however weather can be avoided in most cases. Other aspects that were avoidable errors made by humans were pilot fatigue and the confusion to the ground emergency personnel that cause a response time delay. Executive Summary Flying under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 on an instrument flight rule, American Airlines flight 1420, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, N215AA, crashed as it lost control on landing causing the aircraft to overrun the end of runway 4R. Flight 1420 departed Dallas/Fortworth approximately 2240 with 2 flightcrew members, 4 flight attendants and 139 passengers. According to the NTSB, the determined that the probable cause of this accident were the flight crew failures to discontinue the approach with severe...
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...Human Factors Analysis and Classification System Abstract As aircrafts become more reliable over the years, humans have progressively become more of a causal factor in aviation accidents. Thus, being able to analyze an accident from a human factor perspective is of paramount importance. However, a proper framework of accident analysis is necessary to address the complex and often nebulous nature of human error. The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System Maintenance Extension (HFACS-ME) is one such framework that serves as an accident investigation and data analysis tool. This article will analyze how HFACS-ME is used from an applied perspective and demonstrate its utility using case studies. Human Factors Analysis and Classification System Maintenance Extension The Human Factors Analysis & Classification System (HFACS) was originally developed to analyze and classify human errors and other factors contributing to aviation incidents. HFACS combines features from Heinrich’s “Domino Theory” and Edward’s “SHEL Model” as well as Reason’s model to uncover factors that contribute to accidents (Schmidt, J. Lawson, D., n.d.). The Maintenance Extension of HFACS termed HFACE-ME was created to address aviation maintenance related incidents and facilitates the recognition of defective or absent defenses at four levels namely, Unsafe: Management Conditions, Maintainer Conditions, Working Conditions, and Maintainer...
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...Dirty Dozen Twelve of the most common human factors that are related to aircraft accidents or incidents are called the Dirty Dozen. These factors have been identified to affect people and make them to make the poor decisions. The concept of the Dirty Dozen was created in 1993 by Gordon Dupont, he was working for Transport Canada during this time, while he was creating a training program on human factors in aviation. It is now recognized as the foundation of the aviation industries human factor in aviation maintenance. (Adams, 2009) Lack of communication This is one of the more important parts of the Dirty Dozen. Communications are a two way street that has to do with the person who is giving the communications to the person receiving the communications. During verbal instruction it is common the as little as 30% of a message is received. It is safe practice to keep important messages written down so there is not a lack of communications. Some maintenance outfits use log books so that other shifts can refer back to what was done and by who. Verbal messages need to be relatively short with key things being emphasized on. As a person that is getting instructions it is very important no to assume anything and to have things clarified. (Adams, 2009) Distraction Distractions are anything that can take the attention of a person during a task. There are distraction during work that cannot be removed and heave to be worked with. Noises are a key...
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...Many factors work together to create the perfect conditions for the “Next Big One” to occur and result in a worldwide pandemic. While the list of factors is wide, two environmental factors that are most likely to influence the occurrence of the NBO are pollution of air and water which play a big role, especially in point source outbreaks. Contamination of air and water may also provide favorable conditions for widespread transmission. The other environmental factor is food contamination caused by human or zoonotic transmission. Two specifically human factors include cultural practices, travel, and many other societal norms. Social-economic status which influences an individual’s education, nutritional status, housing conditions, etc. is the second human factor that influences the occurrence of the NBO. All these factors work together and intertwine to create favorable conditions to determine when, where and how the “Next Big One” will occur in the human population....
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...difficulty in sleeping and an increase in fatigue, as well as digestive problems. Longer-term signs of stress include susceptibility to infections, increased use of stimulants and self-medication, absence from work, illness and depression. It is important to recognise the early signs of stress and to determine whether it is acute or chronic. Coping with daily demands at work can be achieved with simple breathing and relaxation techniques. However, perhaps more effective is having channels of communication readily available through which to discuss the issue and help to rationalise perceptions. It is entirely appropriate that some of these channels involve social interaction with peers. As with fatigue, sleep, diet and exercise are all important factors in helping to reduce stress and build resilience to stressors. If the stress is chronic, then...
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...Human Factors in Aviation Safety Final Paper Curtis D. Hudson Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Human factors in aviation isn’t a new concept but at the time when the Hubble telescope, and stealth bombers were still fresh ideas, Human factors was just now hitting its stride. In 1988, Earl Weiner and David Nagel coincidently released a book titled Human Factors in Aviation (Salas, Maurino and Curtis). During this time, HF was still being slowly accepted and established as a practice to help increase the awareness and improve aviation safety. This period is also significant because prior to then, Human Factors researchers were not involved with aviation system designs and were normally included upon design completion. The incorporation of having HF researchers involved in the design process helped the role evolve and expand the field research. As students of HF research we are aware of the importance of the technology and design of the cockpit, crew resource management (CRM), health and judgment of the crew and how automation plays a role in aviation. This was also a somewhat foreign practice in the beginning. Human Factors researchers were limited to the cockpit and overall cabin technology design. It can be argued that Human Factors in Aviation played a big role in the way business is conducted now compared to before this book was written. When we hear of an aviation mishap, particularly a plane crash, the first thing that comes...
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...Organisational needs Relates to the existing workforce and how this needs to be adapted to continually meet the needs of organisations which are constantly changing. This could result in taking on more staff or reducing the level of staffing. Skill requirements Relates to the skills of the current workforce and will help to plan if training or recruitment may be needed. This is to ensure that the workforce have the required level of skills as the organisation changes Supply of labour Relates to the number of suitable people available to work. This could be on a local, national or international level. This is also dependent on what skills are needed and what is happening to rates of employment Labour costs Relates to the costs in respect of the workforce. This will depend on the number of employees needed and the level and type of skills needed. Workforce skills Relates to the skills of potential employees relating to an area or to a sector. This will identify if there is a skills shortage and the need to take appropriate action eg offering extra benefits to attract the right people. Government policy Relates to policies which impact on education, work and training. This will for example have an effect on the ability and skills of people when they leave education. Labour market competition Relates to the supply of suitable potential employees. If there is a shortage of suitable labour this will result in problems with recruitment and the need to pay a higher...
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...Ergonomics, human engineering or human factors engineering is the science of creating products or designing machines which maximize safety, comfort or efficiency of people who use them. People who work with ergonomics apply general principles of industrial engineering, psychology, anthropometrics, which is the science of human measurement, and even biomechanics to adapt certain designs of products or workplaces to peoples constitution, strengths and limitations. This science also takes into consideration peoples reactions and the amount of time they need to process a specific task or information received from their environment, as well as the capacity of dealing with certain psychological factors, mainly stress and isolation. Once a study about a certain group of peoples reactions to their environment has been made, people who design with ergonomics attempt to develop the best possible design for a system or product. Ergonomists view people and a the object or machine they will use as a sole unit, and the ergonomic approach to design blends the persons abilities with those of the machine. When designing one must take into account the several limitations of both the mechanical and the human factor involved in a certain workspace. Human beings need to rest or experience less stress when realizing a certain task or they will spend their energies quickly and begin making mistakes when working, they are also subject to illness, accidents and the need of rest. The...
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...April 3, 2016 C H A P T E R 3 Evaluation Methods Learning Objectives 1. Recognize differences between evaluation methods and how they support the human factors design cycle 2. Design formative and summative human factors studies 3. Understand representative sampling and the implications for study design and generalization 4. Design an experiment considering variables that are measured, manipulated, controlled, and cannot be controlled 5. Interpret results and recognize the limitations of a study 6. Identify the ethical issues associated with collecting data with human subjects 1 April 3, 2016 PURPOSE OF EVALUATION 3 TIMING AND TYPES OF EVALUATION 5 LITERATURE REVIEW, HEURISTIC EVALUATION, AND COGNITIVE WALKTHROUGHS USABILITY TESTING COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION AND CONTROLLED EXPERIMENTS IN-SERVICE EVALUATION 5 7 8 9 STEPS IN CONDUCTING A STUDY 10 STUDY DESIGN 11 ONE FACTOR WITH TWO LEVELS ONE FACTOR WITH MORE THAN TWO LEVELS MULTIPLE FACTORS BETWEEN-SUBJECTS DESIGN WITHIN-SUBJECT DESIGNS MIXED DESIGNS SAMPLING PEOPLE, TASKS, AND SITUATIONS 13 13 13 14 14 14 15 MEASUREMENT 15 DATA ANALYSIS 16 ANALYSIS OF CONTROLLED EXPERIMENTS ANALYSIS OF DESCRIPTIVE STUDIES 16 17 DRAWING CONCLUSIONS AND COMMUNICATING RESULTS 18 STATISTICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND TYPE I AND TYPE II ERRORS STATISTICAL AND PRACTICAL SIGNIFICANCE GENERALIZING AND PREDICTING ...
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...Ergonomics Nov 29, 2011 Abstract The purpose of this paper is to discuss ergonomics. How important proper ergonomics can be to both the employer and the employee. To talk about some of the education and training options available to companies for its employees. Some employer responsibilities and how OSHA enforces them. And finally, a look at a few organizations created to influence ergonomics. Introduction Ergonomics is basically the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body, its movements, and its cognitive abilities. Throughout this paper I will go over the importance of proper ergonomics, along with a certain medical disorder that can result from ergonomic hazards. Then discuss different types of ergonomic education and training, as well as the delivery options available. Look at some basic employer responsibilities as well as OSHA Enforcement. And briefly go over two organizations that influence human factors and ergonomics around the world. Importance of Proper Ergonomics The science of fitting workplace conditions and demands of the job to the capabilities of the working population is Ergonomics. Ensuring effective and successful ergonomic practices will help generate higher productivity, greater avoidance of illness and injury, and even a possible increase in job satisfaction among the workforce. The avoidance of illness and injury is extremely important in today’s workplace as many companies are dealing with...
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...US$ 1.5 Million. Do note that this cost does not include damage to the facilities, equipment, or vehicles. Which mean the overall cost could be higher than the estimate. If damage were assumed in all ground operation incident report, the estimated cost would increase 3.5 times. And with high composite ratio aircraft becoming the norm, the cost could spiral upward in excess of more than 5 times. Thus, it is important these ground operation incidents are reduced. Ground operation incident, occurs primarily due to human errors. Possible common reasons include insufficient training, complacency and environmental factors. There are also no detailed legislations in place to regulate the industry, unlike Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) organisations, which is governed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of UK. Since human errors aren’t a new problem, many researches have been conducted in the past. There are systems developed to address the issue of human error. However, these systems, namely Safety Management System (SMS) and Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) are not mandatory in ground operation. In the era of electronics and computing, the industry should harness it capabilities to form a safety net. Thus, in this report, 2 main recommendations are given...
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...analysis about requirements” (Gale, 2013, p. 48). After careful review of the stakeholder requirements for the new technological upgrades, the big concern was security on all levels to overcome as the weekly reading discussed security fatigue and avenues not to follow. For example, the first step is to keep management abreast of any changes, and second don’t cry wolf. “Thirdly, it helps to place a realistic quantification on your projections” (Lacey, 2009, p. 256). Training was another way of enhancing stakeholder knowledge about the complete change, and the transition ran smoothly, and the turnover was also smooth. References Gale, S. F. (2013). Setting the Course. Module Two Supplement: IT 552 – Human Factors in Security course website. Lacey, D. (2009). Managing the Human Factor in Information Security. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons,...
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