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HUMAN FACTORS IN AVIATION

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HUMAN FACTORS IN AVIATION
Introduction
Above seventy percent of airline accidents get attributed to human error. This error has developed to become a vital worry in airline management and maintenance performances (Graeber, 2006). Where there is a human factor one, cannot avoid human error hence precautions should be taken to prevent accidents.
Human Factor
Human factor involves information collection on human limitations and abilities, and application of the information to machines, tools, tasks, system, environment and jobs to generate effective, comfortable and safe human usage (Graeber, 2006). Human factors in aviation emphasize on integrating themselves with the latest technology. This knowledge then gets transformed into policies, training, design, and procedures in the effort to better the performance of the human factor. Aviation is doubtfully a highly dangerous and unforgiving work environment. The so far represented weakest joint among the equipment edge is the human factor.
As used in aviation, human factors envelop system analysis, control, design, automation, human capabilities, skill acquisition, processing of information, plus crew work load, display, and interaction of human and machines. It further covers the environmental factors, psychological, accident prevention and physiological influence. According to the study of NTSB, Human factors also checks on the age of the pilots. The elderly above 50 years have a record of more air accidents than the young. This is so following the reduction of memory capacity (Graeber, 2006).
Fatigue represents a significant physiological factor making one to give a slow reply to an effect. One can get fatigued from different factors including; overwork, stress, less sleep, and personal problems. The state of the body affects ones capability to comprehend the surroundings plus the entire conditions of a flight.
The crushing of Air flight 1008 belonging to Dan Air crashed in 1980 at Mt. La Esperanza represents a brilliant example



References: Fly baby accident reports. (2007). Obtained 12/10/2012, from http://www.bowersflybaby.com/safety/accid.htm. Graeber, C. (2006). Human factors engineering: aviation. Boeing commercial airplanes group. Obtained 12/10/2012, from http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/aero. Human factors and aviation safety. (2007). Obtained 12/10/2012, from http://www.wcupa.edu/academics/schcas.psy/career path/aviation/subfield2.htm Human factors in fatal accidents. (2006). Obtained 12/10/2012, from http://www.narcap.org/humanfactorsinfatalaircraftaccidents.pdf Leland, D. (2007). Night Flights and aviation Accidents. Oxford: Oxford Press.

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