Human Factors Problems in General Aviation

Abstract

Approximately 80% of general aviation accidents in the past decade have been attributed to errors made by pilots. For this reason, the most promising approach to making substantial improvements in general aviation safety is through the systematic study of factors affecting the performance of general aviation pilots (i.e., human factors) and use of the resultant information to enhance pilot performance. In recognition of the need for comprehensive information to aid in the planning of such studies, the major objective of the work reported here was to identify and analyze human factors design issues related to the major performance problems of general aviation pilots. Thirty- five such issues were identified, primarily through the review of the human factors, aircraft accident, and general aviation literature. The analysis and discussion of these issues was structured through the use of a conceptual model of the components of the general aviation system. Six such components were identified--(1) aircraft, (2) airports, (3) aeronautical information systems, (4) the pilot certification and ratings, and (6) continuation training and recurrent proficiency assessments.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1980
Accession Number
ADA091670

Entities

People

  • J. B. Shelnutt
  • J. M. Childs
  • W. D. Spears
  • W. W. Prophet

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accidents
  • Air Traffic Control Systems
  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Air Transportation
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircraft Industry
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Commercial Aircraft
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • Flight Simulators
  • Flight Training
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Personnel Management
  • Psychology
  • Students
  • Systems Engineering

Readers

  • Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.
  • Theoretical Analysis.