Page 18 - AAPT March 2019

Feature Story
Is the human dimension the

key to successful

automation?

By Ryan Lake

The field of aviation automation
is rapidly expanding and has been
continually doing so since its earliest
introduction in the mid-1950s. When
we consider the data presented on
the history of aviation accidents, there
is clearly a significant reduction in
incidents in the late 50s and 60s (ICAO,
1998). Although not the only factor,
the introduction of automated systems safety and improving pilot performance. Unintended
aimed at eliminating negative factors on This initially perplexing observation effects on human
human performance has made a clear can nevertheless be explained through performance
impact on aviation safety (Chialastri, the analysis of the human factors
2012). component or the human-automation The basic problems identified with
It is worthwhile to note that past the co-ordination. This essay will discuss control of an aircraft using a flight
spike in the mid-’70s, the occurrence the reasons for concern in this regard, management system can be described
rate of aviation incidents has not detailing the effects of poorly adapted by three common questions asked by
continued to significantly reduce (ICAO, automation on human performance and flight crew; What is it doing?,Why did
1998). Both Oster et al. (2010) and how it can occur. It will then investigate it do that? and What will it do next?
the ATSB (1996) in separate studies the modern aviation-system designer (James et al., 1993). Although there
of aviation accidents concluded that approach towards the human dimension are a number of serious issues that can
the pilot was the main causal factor in of automation and how that approach arise when a system designer neglects
the accident, suggesting that although has developed over time. to consider the human component
automation technology has continued Finally, we will look at what the of an automated system, these three
to rapidly improve in both sophistication consideration of human factors discipline fundamental questions sum up the crux
and reliability. can achieve towards perfecting human of the problem. What is often briefly
I t has had an apparent ly automation coordination on the flight described as; situational awareness.
disproportionate net result on aviation deck. According to Endsley (1996)

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