HUMAN FACTORS

The subject “Human Factors and Error Management” is most commonly termed as “Human Factors”.

(b)     The principles behind this subject area reflect the fact that as humans we all make errors. If we can accept that we all make errors, then a policy of zero error tolerance is unlikely to be an effective safeguard against errors. Therefore, a policy of error management is much more likely to result in safe operations.

(c)      This subject tells us to recognize various factors, commonly called “Human Factors” that affect us as humans, both positively and negatively, affecting our work performance and imposing limitations on our capabilities.

(d)       Research and study revealed today much about human capabilities and limitations. An understanding of these predictable human capabilities and limitations and the application of this understanding in working environment are the primary objectives of Human Factors. The result will be twin: safety and efficiency, although the major focus is on SAFETY; safety has always been the primary rationale for HF programs.

(e)      The elements of Human Factors are not new, although the subject as a matter of study is new; in most cases, human factors are application of “common sense” in working situation. The spirit of applying these common senses aim at utilization of all available resources - equipment, procedures and people - to promote safety and enhance the efficiency of flight operations as well as promote/improve quality of performance. In cockpit environment, this is called Crew Resource Management (CRM), while in maintenance, this is Maintenance Resource Management (MRM).

(d)      The CRM or MRM is concerned not so much with the technical knowledge and skills required to fly/operate an aircraft but rather with the cognitive and interpersonal skills needed to manage the flight/maintenance operations within an organized aviation system.