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Article
Publication date: 2 January 2018

Evica Stojiljkovic, Bojan Bijelic, Miroljub Grozdanovic, Marko Radovanovic and Igor Djokic

The purpose of this paper is to identify potential helicopter pilots’ errors during their interaction with the flight deck in the process of starting a helicopter in night-time…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify potential helicopter pilots’ errors during their interaction with the flight deck in the process of starting a helicopter in night-time conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic Human Error Reduction and Prediction Approach is used for the analysis of the pilotflight deck interaction. This methodology was used for the identification of errors for 30 pilots during a period of 10 years. In total, 55 errors were identified, and most common errors noted are: error of omission, caused by pilots’ lack of attention or longer periods of no flying, and error of wrong execution, caused by misunderstanding a situation.

Findings

Hierarchical task analysis and classification of pilot’s tasks were used for the analysis of consequences, probability of occurrence, criticality and remedial strategies for the identified pilot error.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not give an ergonomic analysis of the flight deck, as that is not its subject. However, results of the research presented in this paper, together with results presented in references, clearly show that there are disadvantages in the ergonomic design of flight decks.

Practical implications

Based on the identified pilot errors and with respect of existing ergonomic solution, it is possible to begin with the reconstruction of flight decks.

Social implications

Higher quality of pilotflight deck interaction must be ensured for both pilots’ and passengers’ safety, as even a slightest error can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in the fact that it points to the need for synergy of ergonomic design and human reliability methods.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 90 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2007

Don Harris

This paper aims to make a case that with the appropriate use of human factors methods it is possible to design and develop a single crew commercial aircraft using largely existing…

1845

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to make a case that with the appropriate use of human factors methods it is possible to design and develop a single crew commercial aircraft using largely existing technology.

Design/methodology/approach

From a review of the literature it is suggested that some of the functions of the non‐flying pilot would be better assumed by either onboard automation or ground‐based systems.

Findings

It is argued that the design of the flight deck and the role of the pilot require re‐conceptualising to accommodate the requirements for flying a highly automated aircraft single‐handed. With such re‐design, considerable efficiency gains will be achieved, but to fully realise these gains a system‐wide approach is required which extends beyond the design of the aircraft per se.

Research limitations/implications

This is only a high‐level thought piece to stimulate debate. Much greater consideration of all the issues raised is required, as is a change in regulatory requirements.

Practical implications

If implemented, the single crew aircraft could result in a revolution in air transport, offering considerable cost savings, especially on shorter routes with relatively small passenger loads.

Originality/value

A first attempt to use human factors as a design driver to produce operational and economic efficiency by the novel use of existing technologies spun‐out from other areas of aircraft development.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 79 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2004

Simon Newman

The helicopter has been in existence, in its present form for over 50 years and it possesses a wide variety of operational use. This paper focuses on the development of the…

1999

Abstract

The helicopter has been in existence, in its present form for over 50 years and it possesses a wide variety of operational use. This paper focuses on the development of the shipborne helicopter which requires controlled flight in a very complex and potentially dangerous atmospheric environment surrounding a ship's flight deck. This type of helicopter requires dedicated design features to enable appropriate missions to be successfully achieved. It is an interesting feature of the shipborne helicopter that operational problems are as important with the aircraft in contact with the deck as to flight above it. Also there are problems, which begin with extracting the aircraft to the hangar to its eventual reinsertion. The avoidance of unfavourable characteristics has, over the years, resulted in an air vehicle where the aeroelastic properties of the rotor blades govern the operation. The magnitude of the wind speeds over a ship's deck, coupled with the varying rotor speed during the engage and disengage parts of a sortie, expose the rotors to dangerous blade deflections which have, in the past, resulted in damage to the aircraft and, in severe cases, fatalities.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 76 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1986

C.J. Margerison, R.V. Davies and D.J. McCann

Team management and teamwork are critical in the cockpit of a jet aircraft. The crew manage a complex set of interactions on which numerous people depend for their safety…

Abstract

Team management and teamwork are critical in the cockpit of a jet aircraft. The crew manage a complex set of interactions on which numerous people depend for their safety. Airlines worldwide have now recognised the need to train aircrew in team management principles. Until recently attention to the management side of flight operations has limited itself to the rostering arrangements and backroom office systems and procedures that support aircrew. The Aircrew Team Management Programme (ATM) designed by the authors for Trans Australia Airlines consists of a three‐day workshop with follow‐up sessions and simulator training. The prevailing culture in airlines is examined. An action research approach to gathering data for the management programme, its educational design and development, its key elements and implementation and tuition are discussed. It has been accepted by the crew as a valid and relevant form of training.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 7 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2013

Fan Han, W B.L. and Stephen Gaukrodger

The purpose of this paper is to present a new visualization display based on a pinch‐and‐pull concept with 4D spatial‐temporal energy trajectory (4DET), for energy profile…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new visualization display based on a pinch‐and‐pull concept with 4D spatial‐temporal energy trajectory (4DET), for energy profile management of air traffic, specifically in relation to air traffic control for use in the flight deck environments of the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The energetic state of an aircraft may be specified by “fly‐by parameters” which include speed, thrust, altitude, configuration, heading and even flight path; real‐time knowledge of how such parameters complement or influence each other is essential for the successful execution of complex in‐flight procedures. Here, the authors have conducted interviews with pilots and pilot trainers using the cognitive task analysis technique, from which the scope was identified for improving current flight management systems. In particular, pilots reflected a desire for a more innovative means of energy management that strives to utilize and present available flight data in a more efficient, readily‐accessible manner. In response to these concerns the authors propose a novel on‐board visualization display concept for energy management, which goes beyond traditional confines of defining trajectories in space and time.

Findings

Expanding the concept of a 4D spatial‐temporal trajectory (4DT) to include the notion of energy, hereafter referred to as the 4DET, automated, real‐time, calculations of energy requirements can be incorporated within intuitive, user‐interfaced, 3D visualisation displays.

Practical implications

An intuitive algorithm and display concept expected to help future ATCOs and pilots with more interactive and reliable control of aircraft energy dissipation in an era of increased information overload. This may be particularly relevant for dealing with stressful flight scenarios such as take‐offs and landings, ultimately improving arrival‐time accuracy and airport efficiency.

Originality/value

Through this 4DET concept the paper unveils an innovative method for improving transport punctuality and flight safety, which in particular may be applicable for future European air traffic management initiatives, in keeping with the general projected trend of increasing air traffic in the skies.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 85 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 August 2000

656

Abstract

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 72 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Harnessing the Power of Failure: Using Storytelling and Systems Engineering to Enhance Organizational Learning
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78754-199-3

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2020

Mehmet Burak Şenol

Real flight is cognitively demanding; accordingly, both indicators and display panel layout should be user-friendly to improve pilot-aircraft interaction. Poor pilot-interface…

Abstract

Purpose

Real flight is cognitively demanding; accordingly, both indicators and display panel layout should be user-friendly to improve pilot-aircraft interaction. Poor pilot-interface interactions in aircrafts could result in accidents. Although a general reason of accidents is improper displays, relatively few studies were conducted on interfaces. This study aims to present an optimization model to create intuitively integrated user-friendly cockpit interfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

Subjectivity within most usability evaluation techniques could bring about interface design problems. A priori information about indicator’s possible locations may be available or unavailable. Thus different analytical approaches must be applied for modifications and new interface designs. Relative layout design (RLD) model was developed and used in new interface designs to optimize locations of indicators. This model was based on layout optimization and constructed in accordance with design requirements, ergonomic considerations with the pilot preferences. RLD model optimizes interface design by deploying indicators to the best locations to improve usability of display panel, pilot-aircraft interaction and flight safety.

Findings

Optimum interfaces for two problem instances were gathered by RLD model in 15.77 CPU(s) with 10 indicators and 542.51 CPU(s) with 19 indicators. A comparison between relative and existing cockpit interfaces reveals that locations of six navigation and four mechanical system indicators are different. The differences may stem from pilots’ preferences and relativity constraints. Both interfaces are more similar for the central part of the display panel. The objective function value of relative interface design (Opt: 527938) is far better than existing interface (737100). The RLD model improved usability of existing interface (28.61 per cent considering decrease in the objective function values from 737100 to 527938.

Practical implications

Future cockpit and new helicopter interface designs may involve RLD model as an alternative interface design tool. Furthermore, other layout optimization problems, e.g. circuit boards, microchips and engines, etc. could be handled in a more realistic manner by RLD model.

Originality/value

Originality and impact of this study related to development and employment of a new optimization model (RLD) on cockpit interface design for the first time. Engineering requirements, human factors, ergonomics and pilots’ preferences are simultaneously considered in the RLD model. The subjectivity within usability evaluation techniques could be diminished in this way. The contributions of RLD model to classical facility layout models are relativity constraints with the physical constrictions and ergonomic objective function weights. Novelty of this paper is the development and employment of a new optimization model (RLD) to locate indicators.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 92 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1991

Mayday

THE inclusion of cockpit resource management in manufacturers training courses and the attitudes of pilots to increased automation on the flight deck are two subjects that have…

Abstract

THE inclusion of cockpit resource management in manufacturers training courses and the attitudes of pilots to increased automation on the flight deck are two subjects that have recently received increased prominence in the study of human factors in aviation. These topics together with the results of extensive research studies and the technological progress in information gathering were among areas explored at a Royal Aeronautical Society Conference which was attended by representatives from airlines, manufacturers, research and development organisations and other civil and military bodies.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 63 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1992

Terry Ford and CEng. MRAes

FOR its 1992 Technical Presentation the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators considered flight deck developments for the 21st century and gave indications of trends now being…

Abstract

FOR its 1992 Technical Presentation the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators considered flight deck developments for the 21st century and gave indications of trends now being realised and portents for the future. From NASA assumptions for the next generation cockpit and aircraft's physical, fiscal and operating environment were stated, based on the concept that the design has its genesis in the environment in which it must be productive and efficient.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 64 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

1 – 10 of 203