An investigation into pilot and system response to critical in-flight events. Volume 2: Appendix

Materials relating to the study of pilot and system response to critical in-flight events (CIFE) are given. An annotated bibliography and a trip summary outline are presented, as are knowledge surveys with accompanying answer keys. Performance profiles of pilots and performance data from the simulations of CIFE's are given. The paper and pencil testing materials are reproduced. Conditions for the use of the additive model are discussed. A master summary of data for the destination diversion scenario is given. An interview with an aircraft mechanic demonstrates the feasibility of system problem diagnosis from a verbal description of symptoms and shows the information seeking and problem solving logic used by an expert to narrow the list of probable causes of aircraft failure

Classification and reduction of pilot error

Human error is a primary or contributing factor in about two-thirds of commercial aviation accidents worldwide. With the ultimate goal of reducing pilot error accidents, this contract effort is aimed at understanding the factors underlying error events and reducing the probability of certain types of errors by modifying underlying factors such as flight deck design and procedures. A review of the literature relevant to error classification was conducted. Classification includes categorizing types of errors, the information processing mechanisms and factors underlying them, and identifying factor-mechanism-error relationships. The classification scheme developed by Jens Rasmussen was adopted because it provided a comprehensive yet basic error classification shell or structure that could easily accommodate addition of details on domain-specific factors. For these purposes, factors specific to the aviation environment were incorporated. Hypotheses concerning the relationship of a small number of underlying factors, information processing mechanisms, and error types types identified in the classification scheme were formulated. ASRS data were reviewed and a simulation experiment was performed to evaluate and quantify the hypotheses

An investigation into pilot and system response to critical in-flight events, volume 2

Critical in-flight event is studied using mission simulation and written tests of pilot responses. Materials and procedures used in knowledge tests, written tests, and mission simulations are include

An exploration of decision making oscillations in dynamic and undynamic environments

The rapidly changing nature of information and use of information systems within organisations has seen the emergence of a gradual mistrust of human decision-making approaches. This is evident today with both researchers and practitioners advocating for an increased use of data-driven decision making. Although the advantages of using a data-driven approach have been well-documented, there has been scant research on the interplay between a data-driven approach and more human-centric decision making from an information systems perspective. To that end, this research study seeks to explore oscillations in decision-making approaches while having access to information systems in dynamic and undynamic environments. Data was gathered across four case study locations, in two distinct environments. The first of these was classified as a dynamic environment and two case studies were investigated involving aircraft pilots and an air traffic controller. The second was classified as an undynamic environment, with two further case studies investigated involving a pharmacist and national grid controller. The output of this study makes a number of contributions to IS theory and practise. Firstly, this study extends cognitive continuum theory to the information systems domain. In doing so, this study validates that decision makers will oscillate between an intuitive, system-aided judgement, and data-driven approach to decision making. Secondly, two distinct mechanisms are identified and once activated these mechanisms will oscillate a decision makers decision-making approach. These mechanisms are referred to as the personal sensitivity to a negative outcome mechanism and the process loafing mechanism. Thirdly, this research has validated that the environment a decision maker operates is a factor in the decision-making approach used. However, it was also found that the personal sensitivity to a negative outcome mechanism will override the environment a decision maker is in once activated. Fourthly, this study highlights the need for organisations to consider decision making approaches when implementing new policies, procedures, and information systems

Aerospace Medicine and Biology: A continuing bibliography with indexes, supplement 145

This bibliography lists 301 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in August 1975

Effects of circadian rhythm phase alteration on physiological and psychological variables: Implications to pilot performance (including a partially annotated bibliography)

The effects of environmental synchronizers upon circadian rhythmic stability in man and the deleterious alterations in performance and which result from changes in this stability are points of interest in a review of selected literature published between 1972 and 1980. A total of 2,084 references relevant to pilot performance and circadian phase alteration are cited and arranged in the following categories: (1) human performance, with focus on the effects of sleep loss or disturbance and fatigue; (2) phase shift in which ground based light/dark alteration and transmeridian flight studies are discussed; (3) shiftwork; (4)internal desynchronization which includes the effect of evironmental factors on rhythmic stability, and of rhythm disturbances on sleep and psychopathology; (5) chronotherapy, the application of methods to ameliorate desynchronization symptomatology; and (6) biorythm theory, in which the birthdate based biorythm method for predicting aircraft accident susceptability is critically analyzed. Annotations are provided for most citations

Pilot\u27s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, 2016

The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge provides basic knowledge that is essential for pilots. This handbook introduces pilots to the broad spectrum of knowledge that will be needed as they progress in their pilot training. Except for the Code of Federal Regulations pertinent to civil aviation, most of the knowledge areas applicable to pilot certification are presented. The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge provides basic knowledge for the student pilot learning to fly, as well as pilots seeking advanced pilot certification. For detailed information on a variety of specialized flight topics, see specific Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) handbooks and Advisory Circulars (ACs). Occasionally the word “must” or similar language is used where the desired action is deemed critical. The use of such language is not intended to add to, interpret, or relieve a duty imposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). It is essential for persons using this handbook to become familiar with and apply the pertinent parts of 14 CFR and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). The AIM is available online at www.faa.gov. The current Flight Standards Service airman training and testing material and learning statements for all airman certificates and ratings can be obtained from https://www.faa.gov

Effects of participation in a simulated live-fire maneuver on cognitive performance of firefighters: An examination of individual differences

Firefighting involves numerous physical, mental, and environmental stressors that could potentially impact cognition and, ultimately, safety. PURPOSE: Examine the effects of participation in a live-fire maneuver on executive control of new-recruit firefighters immediately following supervised fireground operations and determine which select physiological variables [heart rate (HR)], psychological states (e.g., state anxiety), or perceptual responses (e.g., thermal sensation) relate to cognitive performance. Individual differences (e.g., aerobic fitness, personality) related to differing levels of cognitive performance in firefighters were also identified. METHODS: New-recruit, male firefighters (N = 85; 25.76 ± 4.06 yrs) participated in a live-fire night-burn drill as part of a 6-wk academy training program. This involved emergency response, fire attack, and sear-and-rescue (54:44 ± 4:56 mins). Computerized tests of cognitive inhibition (modified flanker task), attention (0-back task), and working memory (n-back task: 1-back, 2-back) were completed pre and post firefighting. Throughout the evening, HR was continuously recorded and affective and perceptual states of each firefighter (thermal sensation, RPE, respiratory distress, feelings, felt arousal, fatigue, anxiety) were recorded pre and post (Post-0, End) firefighting. On separate days, participants completed questionnaires assessing personality and other individual characteristics, and aerobic fitness was estimated from a 1.5-mile run time. RESULTS: RT was significantly shorter Post Drill than Pre Drill for both Congruent (Mdiff = -33.61±4.15 ms, p .05) and 0-back RT to non-target trials became longer (Mdiff = 20.46±8.11 ms, p = .014, 95% CI: 4.22,36.70). Flanker accuracy significantly decreased for both congruent (Mdiff = -1.12±0.35%, p =.002, 95% CI: -1.82,-0.42) and incongruent (Mdiff = -3.00±0.80%, p <.001, 95% CI: -4.60,-1.40) trials from pre to post drill, with selectively greater decrement to incongruent trial accuracy accompanied by a diminished interference effect for RT (Mdiff = 9.77±2.23 ms, p <.001, 95% CI: 5.31,14.24) and an increase in interference accuracy (Mdiff = 1.88±0.67%, p = .007, 95% CI: 0.54,3.23). 0-back accuracy on target trials (Mdiff = -2.05±0.90%, p = .027, 95% CI:-3.85,-0.24) and d' (Mdiff = -0.11±0.04, p = .020, 95% CI:-0.19,-0.02) were significantly lower Post Drill than Pre Drill, with no significant change in accuracy on non-target trials. For the 1-back task, target trial accuracy (Mdiff = -5.00±1.38%, p = .001, 95% CI:-7.77,-2.23) and d’ (Mdiff = -0.33±0.10, p = .001, 95% CI:-0.52,-0.14) were significantly lower Post Drill than Pre Drill, with no significant change in non-target trial accuracy (p < .05). However, the nominal decrease in 2-back accuracy on target trials only approached significance, with no significant change in non-target trial accuracy or d'. A preliminary examination of individual-level factors, including physiological and perceptual responses to firefighting and personality, indicated potential ability to predict cognitive performance, but require future investigation. HR and dispositional resilience revealed the most steadfast relationships to performance. CONCLUSIONS: Current findings suggest a selective effect of firefighting performance on executive control processes, such that aspects of cognition requiring more control (such as incongruent trials on the flanker task and target trials on the n-back task) are more detrimentally affected by firefighting than less challenging counterparts (i.e., congruent trials and non-target trials). This provokes future investigation of the timing of cognitive changes, the extent to which scores on computerized assessments might reflect real-life firefighting performance, the possible manipulation of predictive factors to enhance performance through training, and the ability to recognize the need for rehabilitation and recovery in terms of cognitive function beyond physical needs

Safe Skies for Tomorrow: Aviation Safety in a Competitive Environment

This report contains the results of that analysis, and a review of critical management issues for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been added to the basic questions about the adequacy of Federal standards and programs. During the course of the study, it became clear that a full report for Congress would have to consider how policy is determined and implemented, and thus the operation of FAA and the role of the Department of Transportation