Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Operator Workload And Situation Awareness Utilizing First Person View Techniques, Ross Lucas Stephenson Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) sector within the aviation industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. However, the regulatory guidance for the safe integration of sUAS into the National Airspace System (NAS) has not kept pace with this technological growth within the market. Current regulatory limitations of line-of-sight operations may have an impact on the establishment of an equivalent level of safety for sUAS operations as maintained by manned aircraft. The focal point of the discussion of line-of-sight operations has been the ability of the sUAS pilot to see and avoid all obstacles and other aircraft in a safe and timely …

Approaching Language As A Human Factor In Aviation: The Challenges Of Pilot Language Training In The Academic Level In Brazil, Aline Pacheco, Tales Figueiredo Silva

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Language training for pilots poses challenges worldwide as the use of Aviation English entails a number of features portrayed from a Human Factors perspective. Language proficiency is imperative, as required by the ICAO DOC 9835 compliance. It should be noted, however, that a thorough comprehension of effective communication in aviation as a non-technical skill surpasses the particular understanding of issues in the linguistic level, considering that most of the participants in aeronautical communications are non-native speakers of English and the cultural features underlying the linguistic behavior. This awareness must be accounted in training programs, especially in the academic level, where …

Effects Of Gamification On Knowledge Acquisition: Aviation Weather Online Training, Jacqueline Mcsorley

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Due to the high popularity of gaming, researchers have begun to implement aspects of these games into real life (known as gamification). Motivation and engagement may be influenced by certain game mechanics and user types, which then could also impact learning. A gap still exists as to whether leaderboards and narratives impact motivation or engagement when implemented in a non-game context (i.e., an online training program). Studies indicate that aviation weather training for general aviation pilots is underdeveloped, particularly for NEXRAD. In considering the competitive/ goal-oriented nature of pilots, gamification elements such as Achievements and Stories could best motivate pilots-in-training …

Effects Of Cognitive Loading On Pilots And Air Traffic Controller Performance: Implications For Neural Dynamics And Cognitive Flow, Sam J. Holley, Mark D. Miller

Publications

The digitized environment in aviation operations has seen marked growth and expansion as new technologies arrive and are implemented. The flight deck and air traffic control functions are two areas where growth is particularly robust. Previous work has identified the effects of compounded cognitive loading and SHELL interfaces in these work environments, and the potential consequences when relief or collaborative resource management is not employed effectively. This paper examines the relationship of cognitive loading in the context of cognitive flow to identify potential areas where neural metrics might aid in a better understanding of the dynamics to determine thresholds of …

Best Practices For Reducing Interface Errors In Electronic Medical Records, Paige Lawton, Janel M. Ingraham, Beth Blickensderfer

Publications

As Electronic Medical Records (EMR) become increasingly prevalent, the application of human factors principles is essential to facilitate efficiency and usability of these systems and, in turn, to reduce adverse patient outcomes due to user errors relating to the EMR. This paper describes five “best practices” found in the literature which aim to prevent error in the use of Electronic Medical Records. These practices are: Watermarking, Information Control and Management, Hybrid Systems, Cross-Checking Methodology, and Interface Modification. The paper describes each practice and examines the research underlying each approach. Although some practices may be easier to apply than others, they …

Contributory Factors Of Fatigue Among Collegiate Aviation Pilots: An Ordinal Regression Analysis, Flavio A. C. Mendonca, Julius Keller, Daniel Kwasi Adjekum

Publications

Fatigue is a pervasive safety hazard in aviation affecting several aspects of a pilot's’ ability to safely perform their jobs. Several factors can contribute to fatigue, including inadequate sleep, stress, long work hours, excessive workload, and inadequate nutritional habits. In addition to flight training, some factors including academic, social, part-time work, and emerging time management skills are unique for Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 141 collegiate aviation pilots. By utilizing the Collegiate Aviation Fatigue Inventory (CAFI-II) at eight flight programs (n = 422), the current study examined factors such as fatigue training received, time spent working/studying and …

Telemedicine Security: Challenges And Solutions, Crystal Fausett, Joseph R. Keebler, Megan C. Christovich, Jarod M. Parker, John M. Baker

Publications

The proliferation of telemedicine spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic has come with a variety of human factors challenges. Such challenges include mitigating potential risks associated with the quick transition to virtual care. We identify challenges and solutions related to telemedicine security, and analyze our results using Schlarman’s People, Policy, Technology framework (2001). Our systematic literature review synthe-sizes gray literature (white papers, news articles, and blog posts) in addition to formal (published) litera-ture. This methodology closes the gap between academic research and professional practice and aids in providing timely, practical insights related to cybersecurity and safety in virtual care environments. As …

The Impact Of Human Factors And Maintenance Documentation On Aviation Safety: An Analysis Of 15 Years Of Accident Data Through The Pear Framework, Flavio A. C. Mendonca, Natalie Zimmermann

Publications

Regardless of the type of maintenance performed on aircraft, instructions are to be used to provide the aviation technicians completing the maintenance activities with guidance on, and an outline of, the maintenance items to be performed and completed. However, the use of instructions does not guarantee the correct and proper completion of the maintenance activities as the instructions may be erroneous and/or maintenance personnel can misunderstand, misinterpret, or improperly follow the procedures outlined. Resulting maintenance errors can potentially result in aircraft accidents, as illustrated by Air Midwest Flight 5481. With the purpose of understanding how human factors associated with written …

The Effects Of At-Home Remote Work Environments On Human Cognitive Performance And Work Task Performance Based On Current Societal Conditions, Angela Arias

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Home-based remote work systems present a unique set of cognitive performance and work task performance challenges to employees without remote work experience. The COVID-19 pandemic forced companies into transforming their work system structures, and their employee roles, without the preparation or education of the dynamics that surround home-based remote work systems. This thesis benefits the Human Factors community by investigating the effects of at-home remote-based work environments on cognitive performance, and work task performance, of employees who currently work remotely from home. A multimethod approach was employed to carry out this research. A survey was administered to home-based remote employees, …

From Classroom To Industry: Human Factors In Aviation Maintenance Decision-Making, Bettina Mrusek, Stephanie Douglas

Publications

The presence of human factors in aviation remains a critical area of research given the safety implications of human error. Understanding what specific factors contribute to human error allows managers and operators to take steps to mitigate these hazards. Several methods have been tested in the cockpit and cabin crew environments, but less attention has been given to the aviation maintenance sector, despite the prevalence of accidents resulting from human error. With the introduction of AC-172A, the FAA validated the need for additional research and training on the role of human factors in aviation maintenance errors. However, a key component …

An Analysis Of Self-Reported Sleepiness And Fatigue Measures From Collegiate Aviation Pilots, Flavio A. C. Mendonca, Julius Keller, Thomas Laub, Sarah Wolfe

Publications

Fatigue can be deleterious to pilot performance. The National Transportation Safety Board has called on the aviation community to reduce fatigue related accidents. Currently, there are few studies and guidance specific to collegiate aviation pilots. The current study is part of a larger effort by the authors to gain a clearer understanding of fatigue within the collegiate aviation environment. Collegiate aviation pilots are a unique group with different schedules, lifestyles, and demands when compared to airline, military, and on-demand pilots. The purpose of this study was to examine self-reported fatigue and sleepiness measures. Research instruments included the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale …

Pilot Selection Research Gaps: What We Do And Don't Know About "The Right Stuff", Tomas C. Scott, Meredith Carroll Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Ever since the commencement of high-powered flight, pilot selection has been a crucial process within military, general, and commercial aviation. Through effective pilot selection, individuals with the necessary aptitudes, or "the right stuff" to get through a training program and successfully perform the job, can be chosen. There is a range of different aptitudes that have been shown through research to correlate with effective pilot performance. However, there is currently not a comprehensive understanding of the aptitudes, including both cognitive abilities and psychological attributes, necessary not only for effective pilot performance but also for a successful career as an aviator. …

Human Factors & Going Green: Study Abroad On Sustainability And Transportation, Barbara Chaparro, Alex Chaparro, Christina Frederick

Sustainability Conference

The Northern European countries have been leaders in sustainability efforts, and support of alternative modes of transportation, focusing on implementation, design and strategies that make these efforts easier to adopt by the broader community. Human Factors (HF) is a discipline that studies human behavior and capabilities with the purpose of applying to the design of products, equipment and systems to maximize safety, effectiveness, and user satisfaction. Three senior faculty in the ERAU human factors department are sponsoring a summer study abroad merging sustainability and human factors. The focus of this study abroad program is on understanding Human Factors as it …

Impact Of Electronic Flight Bag On Pilot Workload, Saravanan Suppiah

Student Works

The increase of automation in the aviation industry pose challenges to human performance. To attest this point, studies about aircraft accidents reveal that pilots’ response to automated systems are always not coherent. Research findings suggests that pilots’ interaction with automated systems in highly demanding tasks situations results in the increase in workload and if they are unable to resolve it in time, it will compromise flight safety. Therefore, in the interest to further explore the impact of automation on human factor constructs, the study aimed to investigate the impact of Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) on pilot workload. The study measured …

Beyond 2020 Nextgen Compliance: Human Factors And Cognitive Loading Issues For Commercial And General Aviation Pilots, Mark D. Miller, Sam Holley

Publications

As previously identified by the authors, digitized flight decks have realigned SHELL model components and introduced cognitive overload con­cerns. Considering changes from implementing Next Generation air traffic management requirements in 2020, the authors assess digitized interfaces associated with cockpit displays of information integral to performance based navigation and similar operations. Focus is placed on Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast, digitized communications, and expanded electronic flight bags. The ADSB (In) cockpit display will enable pilots to have flight visual awareness on aircraft, terrain, weather and hazards to flight through live satellite updates every second. Increased optical demands and cognitive loading are anticipated …

The Repairer Reporting System For Integrating Human Factors Into Sms In Aviation Maintenance, Mark D. Miller, Bettina Mrusek

Publications

Acknowledging the FAA’s well-known PEAR model, and the influence of the dirty dozen in aviation maintenance, the authors examine a tracking and reporting system that fulfills FAA requirements for safety management systems in aviation maintenance organizations. Implications and suggestions for a robust safety management system which encompasses human factors and ORM, applicable to an aviation maintenance environment are presented, with the inclusion of specific risk hazards. The resulting safety reporting system proposed addresses both consistency and reliability challenges, unique to the aviation maintenance environment. Using the four pillars of safety as a foundation, the REPAIRER strategy procedures serves as the …

A Change In The Dark Room: The Effects Of Human Factors And Cognitive Loading Issues For Nextgen Tracon Air Traffic Controllers, Mark D. Miller, Sam Holley, Bettina Mrusek, Linda Weiland

Publications

By 2020 all aircraft in United States airspace must use ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) Out. This is a key component of the Next Generation (NextGen) Air Transportation System, which marks the first time all aircraft will be tracked continuously using satellites instead of ground-based radar. Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) in the Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) is a primary NextGen upgrade where digitized automation/information surrounds STARS controllers while controlling aircraft. Applying the SHELL model, the authors analyze human factors changes affecting TRACON controllers from pre-STARS technology through NextGen technologies on performance. Results of an informal survey of STARS …

Fatigue In Collegiate Aviation, Erik Levin, Flavio Coimbra Mendonca Mr, Julius Keller, Aaron Teo

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Flight training has received little attention in fatigue research. Only transfers of knowledge gained in commercial and military aviation have been applied to general aviation without bridging the gap to the training environment. The purpose of this study was to assess collegiate aviation students’ perceptions of lifestyle and mitigation strategies related to fatigue. Participants were recruited from a Midwestern university’s accredited Part 141 flight school and a partner fixed base operator (FBO). The researchers of this study used a survey questionnaire to gather quantitative and qualitative responses. The majority of participants (68%) had logged less than 250 flight hours and …

Fatigue Identification And Management In Flight Training: An Investigation Of Collegiate Aviation Pilots, Flavio A. C. Mendonca Ph.D.

Publications

Pilot fatigue is a significant hazard affecting flight operations;

• Generally the product of one or more factors: Disrupted or lack of sleep;
• Inadequate food and or fluid intake;
• Mental;
• and Physical fatigue.

Previous studies have focused on military and commercial flight operations;

• Little to nothing has been done to investigate fatigue identification & management by general aviation pilots!

Effectiveness Of Hazardous Attitudes Mitigation In Pilot Training, Matthew D. Furedy Ed.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

One of the minimum levels of flight training required to fly within the US includes obtaining the necessary skills to acquire a Private Pilot Certificate. Further training requirements are needed depending on whether one desires to operate under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) or Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). It has been stated by the FAA that Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) training for pilots has been effective in reducing in-flight errors by up to 50 percent. Hazardous attitudes and their associated antidotes are currently discussed as part of the FAA’s ADM training for pilots. The purpose of this study is to add …

The Effects Of Cultural Factors On Safety In Aviation Focusing On Asian And Western Cultures, Ji Yeon Song

Student Works

Several aviation accidents from the past, such as the Asiana Flight 214 crash at San Francisco International Airport in 2015, have highlighted possible effects of Korean hierarchy culture on the safety of flight. Previous research conducted primarily with the use of surveys revealed that Asian pilots are less likely to report an unsafe condition out of fear that it will damage their relationships with coworkers and superiors. Western pilots see reporting as dealing with the problem and not a person, thus they feel more open to it. This study looked at student pilots’ ability to recognize and deny an unsafe …

Safety Analysis Of Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (Ads-B) System, Rajee Olaganathan

Publications

ADS-B is one of the significant implementation systems of NextGen, to help pilots and air traffic controllers to create a safer, and more efficient National Airspace System (NAS). First, this research paper will briefly describe the ADS-B system, its design structure, ADS-B In and ADS-B Out systems, its efficiency both in pilot applications and in air traffic control applications, and then discuss about the system safety analysis. The preliminary hazard analysis and fault tree analysis will be done for the identified and selected hazards, and will be briefly discussed. The paper will conclude by providing recommendations to prevent/mitigate the hazards …

Human Factors Contributing To Unstabilized Approaches And Landings In Commercial Aviation Incidents: An Analysis Of Asrs Reports, Garrin E. Ross

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the human factors reported as contributing to operational incidents of unstabilized approaches and landings in United States-based commercial aviation. While previous aviation safety studies have analyzed aviation incident data when investigating the human factor influences during commercial aviation operations and incidents, unstabilized approaches and landings have not been explicitly examined using similar methods. Informed by the findings and recommendations of the Flight Safety Foundation’s Approach and Landing Accident Reduction Task Force, this study examined and analyzed the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) incident report data from unstabilized approach and landing events. The …

Human Factors Applied To Perioperative Process Improvement, Joseph R. Keebler, Elizabeth H. Lazzara, Elizabeth Blickensderfer, Thomas D. Looke

Publications

• Human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) is its own scientific discipline that can be applied to understanding performance in perioperative medicine.
• Humans are not perfect decision makers and are affected by a variety of factors that can greatly harm their ability to perform, including attention, bias, stress, and fatigue.
• HF/E has a unique perspective on human error, and HF/E can illustrate how moving away from blame can enhance safety.
• HF/E offers strategies for undertaking a systematic approach to assessment of work processes in perioperative medicine that can be used to increase safety and wellbeing of patients and providers.

Examining The Different Learning Strategies Between Extroverts And Introverts Among Flight Students At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, John R. Brooks

Student Works

Extroverts and introverts have unique approaches to new materials that make learning more efficient. In aviation where quick learning and responses are required, students may struggle because preferred comprehension strategies are not utilized. The research question is whether introverts/extroverts learn better when given the option to approach materials using strategies that match their personality type. 16 participants are placed into one of two different groups (either extrovert/introvert). The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire – Revised (EPQ-R) determines personality trait. Participants are then subdivided into one of four random groups. All participants are given instructions on how to complete two different flight maneuvers …

Shell Revisited: Cognitive Loading And Effects Of Digitized Flight Deck Automation, Mark D. Miller, Sam Holley

Publications

Acknowledging the SHELL human factors model, authors examine interfaces among components and assess problems created when the model is aligned with modern digitized flight deck systems. Complacency and overreliance on automated systems are evaluated, and cognitive load and potential for degraded situational awareness are examined. Authors present a SHELL overlay demonstrating where particular digitized functions and operations present challenges to operators and markedly influence effective SHELL interactions in highly complex flight deck systems. Human factors contributing to the Asiana Flight 214 accident are examined and correlates identified with the SHELL analysis. Implications for advanced crew resource management are presented, and …

Commercial Aircraft Electronic Checklists: Benefits And Challenges (Literature Review), Paul L. Myers Iii

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Procedural omissions and errors have been an inherent problem in aviation since 1935 when a B-17 crashed shortly after takeoff to the era of today’s advanced aircraft. Paper, then electronic, checklists were developed to address those omissions and errors. Electronic checklists attempt to further reduce paper checklist errors and results indicate some improvements have occurred. However, new error modes and unique challenges surfaced with electronic checklists that must be recognized and addressed.

Note: This is a non-peer refereed literature review paper.

Assessing Computer Vision Syndrome Risk For Pilots, Curt Mowry, David C. Ison

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The purpose of this study was to determine if pilots are at risk for computer vision syndrome (CVS) as computer display technology becomes commonplace in modern cockpits and simulators. A review of computer vision syndrome respect to causes and effects is provided. Display technology used in aircraft and simulators are outlined. Ergonomics and human factors for pilots in aircraft and in simulators are discussed in relation to video displays. A survey of 178 individuals was conducted to determine if there is a statistically significant link between exposure to computer displays and three categories of symptoms of CVS on the flight …

Book Review: Understanding The Misunderstandings In Pilot-Controller Dialogue, Jason M. Newcomer

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Misunderstandings in any environment can be detrimental, if not counterproductive, to the intentions, expectations, or objective(s) of any communication, but in complex airspace congested by heavy traffic, pilot-controller transmissions, and various meteorological phenomena, they can be catastrophic. Barshi and Farris combine 45 years of aviation experience, 20 years of related research, and advanced education with sound methodology to deliver a well-balanced combination of theoretical and practical work to the fields of aviation, human factors, and psychology. Though Misunderstandings in ATC Communications, the authors guide readers through a series of experiments, literature, and transcribed air traffic control recordings to explore …

Patient Safety In The Cardiac Operating Room: Human Factors And Teamwork: A Scientific Study From The American Heart Association, Joyce A. Wahr, Richard L. Prager, J. H. Abernathy Iii, Elizabeth A. Martinez, Eduardo Salas, Patricia C. Seifert, Robert C. Groom, Bruce D. Spiess, Bruce E. Searles, Thoralf M. Sundt Iii, Juan A. Sanchez, Scott A. Shappell, Michael H. Culig, Elizabeth H. Lazzara, David C. Fitzgerald, Vinod H. Thourani, Pirooz Eghtesady, John S. Ikonomidis, Michael R. England, Frank W. Selke, Nancy A. Nussmeier

Publications

The cardiac surgical operating room (OR) is a complex environment in which highly trained subspecialists interact with each other using sophisticated equipment to care for patients with severe cardiac disease and significant comorbidities. Thousands of patient lives have been saved or significantly improved with the advent of modern cardiac surgery. Indeed, both mortality and morbidity for coronary artery bypass surgery have decreased during the past decade. Nonetheless, the highly skilled and dedicated personnel in cardiac ORs are human and will make errors. Refined techniques, advanced technologies, and enhanced coordination of care have led to significant improvements in cardiac surgery outcomes.