Human Factors is the study of how people interact with specific mechanics, technology or systems and has the goal in reducing human error, increase productivity, and enhance safety and comfort (Wikipedia, 2018). Koonce extends on this definition by stating that human factors is designing for human use or fitting the task to the human (Koonce, 1979).
According to Boeing, approximately 80% of all aircraft accidents are caused by human error (Boeing, 2008). This figure includes errors by pilots, air traffic controllers, mechanics or other secondary service providers that may (or may not) have a direct connection to a respective aircraft.
Human Factors (in the aviation industry) is used to understand and optimize how people use and interact with the many systems and procedures that are involved while fulfilling their duties. This could involve how pilots use and work with their instruments and gauges; how Air Traffic Controllers view, interpret and respond to data and even how mechanical engineers analyse, monitor or rectify systems based on reports or hardware failures.
By understanding how the multitude of specialists in the aviation sector interact with and use the technology and systems related to their tasks, engineers and system designers are able to design, implement or amend systems, procedures and technology in a manner that reduces human error – and therefore increase safety. This reduction in human error and increase in safety justifies the study of Human Factors in the aviation industry.
References
Boeing, 2008. EFFECT OF REDUCING MAINTENANCE ERRORS. [Online]
Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_factors_and_ergonomics
[Accessed 9 June 2018].
Koonce, 1979. Human Factors in ATC (Unit 6 notes). Quoted by Marek Bekier. Sydney, Australia: University of New South Wales.
Wikipedia, 2018. Human factors and ergonomics. [Online]
Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_factors_and_ergonomics
[Accessed 9 June 2018].
