Understanding aviation operators’ variability in advanced systems
- 16 September 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Emerald in Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology
- Vol. 93 (10), 1691-1698
- https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat-03-2021-0065
Abstract
This study aims to identify variability in aviation operators in order to gain greater understanding of the changes in aviation professional groups. Research has commonly addressed human factors and automation in broad categories according to a group’s function (e.g., pilots, air traffic controllers [ATCOs], engineers). Accordingly, pilots and Air Traffic Controls (ATCOs) have been treated as homogeneous groups with a set of characteristics. Currently, critical themes of human performance in light of systems’ developments place the emphasis on quality training for improved situational awareness (SA), decision-making and cognitive load. As key solutions centre on the increased understanding and preparedness of operators through quality training, the authors deploy an iterative mixed methodology to reveal generational changes of pilots and ATCOs. In total, 46 participants were included in the qualitative instrument and 70 in the quantitative one. Preceding their triangulation, the qualitative data were analysed using NVivo and the quantitative analysis was aided through descriptive statistics. The results show that there is a generational gap between old and new generations of operators. Although positive views on advanced systems are being expressed, concerns about cognitive capabilities in the new systems, training and skills gaps, workload and role implications are presented. The practical implications of this study extend to different profiles of operators that collaborate either directly or indirectly and that are critical to aviation safety. Specific implications are targeted on automation complacency, bias and managing information load, and training aspects where quality training can be aided by better understanding the occupational transitions under advanced systems. In this paper, the authors aimed to understand the changing nature of the operators’ profession within the advanced technological context, and the perceptions and performance-shaping factors of pilots and ATCOs to define the generational changes.Keywords
This publication has 22 references indexed in Scilit:
- Impact of gender, age and experience of pilots on general aviation accidentsAccident Analysis & Prevention, 2011
- Interactive Effects of Team and Task Shared Mental Models as Related to Air Traffic Controllers' Collective Efficacy and EffectivenessHuman Performance, 2009
- Routes to failure: Analysis of 41 civil aviation accidents from the Republic of China using the human factors analysis and classification systemAccident Analysis & Prevention, 2008
- Automation-induced complacency for monitoring highly reliable systems: the role of task complexity, system experience, and operator trustTheoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, 2007
- Pilot age and expertise predict flight simulator performanceNeurology, 2007
- Driving automation: learning from aviation about design philosophiesInternational Journal of Vehicle Design, 2007
- Automation Bias: Decision Making and Performance in High-Tech CockpitsThe International Journal of Aviation Psychology, 1998
- On the Relation Between Personality and Job Performance of Airline PilotsThe International Journal of Aviation Psychology, 1996
- Do Not Despair: There Is Life after ConstructivismScience, Technology, & Human Values, 1993
- The nominal group as a research instrument for exploratory health studies.American Journal of Public Health, 1972