Human Factor in Aviation

 “To err is human” (Alexander Pope), unfortunately, this saying is always in effect, even in the aviation industry. This is why it is important to understand what the human factor is and its role in aviation. The human factor takes into account that we humans are affected by external and internal stressors like fatigue or sadness (PHAK). These stressors cause us to make mistakes, lose focus, it diminishes our attention to detail. Even without these stressors, humans are prone to make mistakes. In simpler terms, the human factor is the understanding that any process that requires human involvement is subject to imperfections (Kozuba). In aviation, imperfections can lead to accidents and human endangerment, for example, in the aircraft service of refueling there are a few things that could go wrong like a fire or a fuel spill. If another vehicle were to drive too close while the plane is being refueled the exhaust could cause a fire, or if someone leaves a cell phone in their pocket this could cause a spark that could result in a fire.

Because there are other aircraft services happening simultaneously to the refueling, refueling becomes a team effort that requires proper coordination and communication. Everyone needs to be aware of when the fuel truck is coming and when it starts the refueling process. The human factor comes in when communication fails and someone unknowingly enters the refueling area with an unauthorized item. So if you are part of the refueling team not only do you have to be aware of the job that you are doing you also have to be aware of what is going on around you, so that these mistakes do not happen. This is also why you never want to refuel on your own you need your team to help ensure everything is being done safely.

Kozuba, J. (2011). Impact of human factor on the likelihood of aircraft accident. Archives of Transport System Telematics, 4, 29–36.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (2016). Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK). Retrieved

https://safetyfirst.airbus.com/safe-aircraft-refuelling/

 

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