Human Factors in the Aerospace Environment

Catalog description

The study of the psychological and physiological limitations of humans operating in complex environments is essential for reducing the incidence of errors in the aviation and space arenas. This course will provide a basic understanding of human factors concepts relevant to the aerospace environment including the importance of effective communication, situational awareness, decision-making, team effectiveness, crew/cockpit resource management, and safety management. Students will gain proficiency in identifying the various aspects of human sensory, motor, and cognitive attributes influencing human performance. Topics to be discussed will include physiologic contributors to human error including fatigue and stress, as well as life events, mission demands, technology, system design, administrative policies, and environmental influences. Mitigation and countermeasures to decrease risk will be discussed. A critical analysis of selected NTSB aircraft accident reports will serve as examples for students to evaluate ways to detect, prevent, and manage various human factors issues that sustain, enhance, and optimize human performance and safety.