humanfactorsinaviation-thaiflyingclub.docVIP

human factors in aviation These issues are looked into in much greater depth in our aviation medicine section human factors A.? general Elsewhere we have discussed the technical aspects of flying. The reader should now understand how lift is produced by an airfoil to make an airplane fly, the basic construction of an airframe. ail about the operation and care of an aero engine, how to use aircraft communication and navigation radio equipment, how to navigate from A to B, the vagaries of weather, etc. Not too many years ago, it was generally believed that if an individual had a good understanding of all these technical aspects of pilotage, he had acquired the basic prerequisites to be a successful, efficient and safe pilot. In the last few years, however, it has been learned that a thorough grasp of these subjects, though essential, is not enough. Human factors are a very important part of flight crew training. Human aspects, such as cockpit organization, crew co-ordination, fitness and health, sensory illusions and decision making are as vital to safety in the air as are flying techniques. The relationship of people with machines, the environment and other people is part of the human factor equation. There is much to understand about the pilot himself and his physical and involuntary reactions to the unnatural environmental conditions of flying. During the Second World War, it was first realized that some airplane losses were due to pilot incapacitation rather than to enemy action. The challenge of explaining these unusual occurrences was taken up and since that time much research has been conducted into such subjects as hypoxia, spatial disorientation, hyperventilation, the bends, impairment due to drugs and alcohol, and mental stress. Startling and sobering information is now available. Man is essentially a terrestrial creature. His body is equipped to operate at greatest efficiency within relatively narrow limits of atmospheric pressure and, through years of h