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As flight deck touchscreen implementation continues to rise, more research is required to understand how task performance is impacted by turbulence. Previous work found that for basic dragging gest...

Engine failure events during critical phases of flight are a rare yet very real possibility on commercial aircraft. The response of the pilots to these events is vital to minimizing possible adversity. New technologies are in development that provide enhanced information on the status of the aircraft engine after sustaining engine damage in order to guide pilot’s decision making. It is important that this enhanced information is aligned with the requirements of the user. This paper describes how user input can effectively be incorporated early on in the design process of new technologies to understand how current systems may be improved. The Perceptual Cycle Model (PCM) is applied to in-depth interview reports from commercial airline pilots on their responses to different engine failure events caused by bird-strikes to the engine. Application of the PCM demonstrates where current processes may be better supported to enhance pilot decision making from such events. From this, areas where improvements could be made using future avionic systems are presented, with user-led design recommendations.

Considerable research and resources are going into the development and testing of Automated Vehicles. They are expected to bring society a huge number of benefits (such as: improved safety, increased capacity, reduced fuel use and emissions). Notwithstanding these potential benefits, there have also been a number of high-profile collisions involving Automated Vehicles on the road. In the majority of these cases, the driver’s inattention to the vehicle and road environment was blamed as a significant causal factor. This suggests that solutions need to be developed in order to enhance the benefits and address the challenges associated with Automated Vehicles. One such solution is driver training. As drivers still require manual driving skills when operating Automated Vehicles on the road, this paper applied the grounded theory approach to identify eight “key” themes and interconnections that exist in current manual vehicle driver training. These themes were then applied to the limited literature available on Automated Vehicle driver training, and a ninth theme of trust emerged. This helped to identify a set of training requirements for drivers of Automated Vehicles, which suggests that a multifaceted approach (covering all nine themes and manual and Automated Vehicle driving skills) to driver training is required. This framework can be used to develop and test a training programme for drivers of Automated Vehicles.

The Schema World Action Research Method (SWARM) has previously been used as a means to explore the underlying decision-making processes involved in retrospective incident reports. The approach has been fruitful in capturing all interacting processes involved in managing incidents. This paper proposes that SWARM may also be used prospectively within the early phases of the design lifecycle for new behavioural-based intervention strategies. Six pilot interviews were conducted to explore pilots’ perceptual cycle processing when faced with a suspected engine oil leak. The aim was to explore whether there may be any deficiencies within current practise and explore ways in which pilots may be better supported in dealing with abnormal system parameters such as this. A number of design recommendations are proposed for a new avionic system capable of supporting and guiding pilots through the decision making process.

Commercial airline pilots are required to make efficient, justifiable and safety-critical decisions when faced with adverse events such as engine failures. Although these are rare events, the consequences are severe, and the pilot response is critical. This paper reviews pilot decision-making when faced with a dual engine failure on take-off using three different decision models; the Recognition Primed Decision Model, Decision Ladders and the Perceptual Cycle Model. In-depth interviews with eight experienced airline pilots were conducted to capture their decision-making processes in response to a dual engine failure on take-off event. The analysis of these interviews using the three different decision models provide recommendations for a proposed decision assistant. The different decision models are discussed in relation to the insight they can bring to developing a future decision assistant tool within the flight deck of commercial aircraft.

There have been a number of high-profile collisions involving Automated Vehicles on the road. Although car manufacturers are making considerable investments into the development of Automated Vehicles, these collisions may deter the public from purchasing and using them. Therefore, solutions need to be developed to prevent these collisions from occurring in the future. One such solution is driver training. A previous literature review identified nine themes which are essential in Automated Vehicle driver training. In this article, a deductive thematic analysis was conducted on five high-profile Automated Vehicle collisions in order to demonstrate the relevance of these themes and to gain insights into how the driver’s behaviour contributed to each collision, thus understand the potential role of training in reducing collisions of this nature. By creating interconnection models for each collision, a consistent pattern emerged. A link was made with the drivers’ attitudes, the accuracy of their mental models and their level of trust in the automation. The automation caused the drivers to become underloaded, which impaired their ability to effectively monitor the automation and the road environment. This could have impaired their situation awareness and their ability to identify and avoid hazards in the path of their vehicle. This analysis suggests that future Automated Vehicle driver training programmes should be multifaceted and cover all nine themes. This analysis has validated these nine driver training themes, so these themes and interconnections can help in the development of a comprehensive training programme for drivers of Automated Vehicles in the future.

Degraded visual conditions present a great challenge to rotary-wing aircraft. These conditions can obscure cues used to interpret speed, location and approach. With such cues obscured, pilots must rely on in-cockpit instrumentation, increasing workload, whilst reducing situation awareness. When operating within degraded visual conditions, pilots require easy access to flight critical information, presented in a way that minimises additional workload and maximises situation awareness. One technology that can be beneficial within such conditions is a head-up display (HUD). This study explores the impact of an iteratively designed HUD on pilots’ workload and situation awareness during the safety-critical descent and landing flight phases, during both clear and degraded visual conditions across a series of simulated trials. Results suggest that access to the HUD facilitated pilot awareness, whilst maintaining workload in all conditions. Results support the view that HUDS are beneficial to rotary-wing pilots, particularly in degraded visual environments.

Use of touchscreens in the flight deck has been steadily increasing, however, their usability may be severely impacted when turbulent conditions arise. Most previous research focusses on using touchscreens in static conditions; therefore, this study assessed touchscreen use whilst undergoing turbulent representative motion, generated using a 6-axis motion simulator. Touchscreens were tested in centre, side and overhead positions, to investigate how turbulence affected: (1) error rate, movement times and accuracy, (2) arm fatigue and discomfort. Two touchscreen technologies were compared: a 15" infra-red and a 17.3" projected capacitive touchscreen with force sensing capability. The potential of the force sensing capability to minimise unintentional interactions was also investigated. Twenty-six participants undertook multi-direction tapping (ISO 9241; ISO 2010 ) and gesture tasks, under four vibration conditions (control, light chop, light turbulence and moderate turbulence). Error rate, movement time and workload increased and usability decreased significantly, with screen position and increasing turbulence level. Practitioner Summary: This study evaluated the use of infra-red and projected capacitive touchscreen technologies using multi-directional tapping and gesture tasks, whilst being subjected to different levels of turbulence representative motion. Performance degraded significantly with increasing turbulence level and touchscreen location. This has implications for future flight deck design.

Recently, ergonomics and safety researchers have turned their attention towards applying combinations of sociotechnical methods rather than using single methods in isolation. In the current research, a mixed-method approach combining two systems-based methods, Accimaps and the Systems Theoretic Accident Model and Process - Causal Analysis using Systems Theory (STAMP-CAST), and one cognitive approach, the Perceptual Cycle Model (PCM), were employed in analysing a rail-level crossing incident in Bangladesh. Each method was applied individually to investigate the collision, and interventions were proposed corresponding to incident events at different risk management framework levels. The three methods provided different perspectives of the whole picture, together identifying an array of contributory factors. The complementary nature of these methods aided in proposing a comprehensive set of safety recommendations, thereby demonstrating the benefit of a mixed-method approach for collision investigation in low-income settings.

The introduction of temporary instructions to amend standard operating procedures, to address emerging safety risks, is an example of the well-intentioned decision-making that occurs every day in organisations that manage safety. These organisations typically assess these changes for potential risks; however, even simple changes can have unpredictable and emergent effects in complex sociotechnical systems. A case study of a procedural change in UK air traffic control, to address the risk from unintentional flight level deviations, is explored through the use of a model of adaptation to understand the unexpected and unpredicted effects of the change and uncover the adaptations that already existed within normal work that were a source of safety. Recommendations on the need for systemic safety methodologies that can identify and enhance the features of sociotechnical systems that support this adaptive capacity are identified with reference to this model for adaptation in complex sociotechnical systems.

Advances in safety science point towards an approach to the management of safety-related risks within complex sociotechnical systems that focuses on the understanding of adaptation. The study of adaptation would benefit from the use of structured and formalised approaches at, and across, all levels of the organisational hierarchy (individual, team and organisation). However, with a large number of potential Human Factors methods available to the safety practitioner, it is unclear which methods are most appropriate for an exploration of this important tenet of systems thinking. A 3-round ranking Delphi study has been conducted to survey the range of methods to determine a soft consensus amongst subject matter experts. In each of the three rounds the list was successively refined. Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) and Critical Decision Method (CDM) were recommended for the micro level (which could be complemented by HTA). At the meso level, CDM and CWA together with complementary methods, such as Systems Theoretic Accident Modelling and Processes (STAMP), Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) and the Event Analysis for Systemic Teamwork (EAST) method. STAMP and FRAM were recommended at the macro level, which could be complemented with Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA), Ethnographic Analysis, EAST and the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS). The methods, taken together, should provide a means of exploring adaptation at all of the sociotechnical system levels. This work provides safety practitioners with consolidated guidance on the methods that could be used to explore adaptation as a source of safety in complex sociotechnical systems.

Dynamic Risk Analysis (DRA) is a continuous, adaptive process of risk evaluation that can play a fundamental role in the prevention, control and mitigation of new or changing risks in real time. In order to better understand DRA, a systematic review was conducted, followed by thematic analysis and the development of a network model. This model depicts weighted and directional connections to reveal the significance of information and decision making in managing dynamic risk. The research also reveals that people follow rules to a point but will then adapt to meet the challenge of unexpected circumstances. The influence of the environment is also evident, as it cannot only create unique risks but exacerbate existing ones. Throughout the literature there is some debate regarding the use of qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methods in managing dynamic risks. However, when allied with DRA, greater resilience may be added to safety management systems. Considering the factors identified in this research offers a new approach to the problem of managing new or changing risks. What this now means in practical terms is that there is potential to develop a syllabus for DRA training.

Technological advancement brings opportunities for enhanced information, support, and functionality within the flight deck. Whilst this has many benefits to the pilot and the overall safety of the aircraft, the practical integration of new technologies needs to be carefully considered throughout the entirety of the design process. The application of Human Factors methods must ensure that new technologies do not expose the system to new failures. This paper compares two methods of generating design recommendations for new technological features; the system human error reduction and prediction approach (SHERPA) and the Design with Intent (DwI) method. The assimilation of the recommendations from both methods presents interesting findings that highlight the benefits of integrating end-users within structured Human Factors methods to generate effective and usable technological interfaces. Case examples showing the similarities and differences between the concepts that the two methods generate are presented. The practicalities in using each approach within a Human Factors-driven design process are also discussed. The findings highlight the importance of end-user engagement in the early phases of the design lifecycle and how this relates to a Human Factors approach to design.

This present paper is to apply the Systems Theoretic Accident Model and Process (STAMP) and its corresponding the Causal Analysis using Systems Theory (CAST) as an innovative method to analyze a road traffic collision involving a goods vehicle travelling downhill ostensibly caused by a brake failure on a mountain road in Vietnam. The developed STAMP-CAST model of the collision under study showed that although driver’s inexperience, together with the truck’s low quality and severe road conditions were found as potential factors directly leading to the collision, the inadequate control actions of various actors residing at higher levels of the Vietnamese road transport system also contributed to the crash.

Recent advances in safety science point towards a different approach to the management of risk within safety-related industries that focusses on successfully harnessing the adaptations present within complex socio-technical systems. However, adaptation is a concept with a variety of interpretations that impairs the ability of industrial practitioners to understand and apply this concept to the management of safety. We present a systematic review of the safety literature using a grounded theory approach from a variety of industrial domains and theoretical standpoints to identify the key features within complex socio-technical systems that describe how adaptation and safety are related. A model for adaptation, developed from these ideas, is then described. This model is then used to explain the response of UK oceanic air traffic controllers to the closure of US airspace following the terrorist attacks in the US on the 11th September 2001. The case study highlights how the model aids an enquiry into the features of adaptation that are present within complex socio-technical systems. The review also identifies the need for further research to assist industrial practitioners connect the role of adaptation at the level of the individual to the adaptive capacity at the level of the organisation.

Research within the road transport domain is progressively recognising the importance of taking a systems view of accident analysis. This signals a movement away from the more traditional approaches that aim to determine cause-effect relationships and attribute blame to the end user. The multiple accidents associated with distracted driving have typically sought to establish the role of the driver and attribute responsibility to the individual. This paper will look at the approach that has been used to study distracted driving, the methods employed to study it and the recommendations they have provided to practise. The role of rapidly developing technology is discussed as more sources of distraction are presented to the driver. The limitations of the current approach lead to the proposition of a systems approach to driver distraction that aligns with the study of safety in other domains. This paper provides a novel overview of the variety of methodologies used to study distracted driving and how they may impact on the resulting countermeasures. The suggestion of a research-practise gap within the road transport domain is explored. The benefits of systems based approaches, and their place in advancing driver distraction research for the development of future recommendations, are presented.

Objective To explore the types of errors that commercial pilots may make when trying to resolve a suspected engine oil leak using the interfaces currently available. Background The decisions that pilots make often have to be made quickly and under time pressure, with the emphasis on avoiding critical situations from arising. To make the correct decisions, it is vital that pilots have accurate and up-to-date information available. However, interaction with flight deck interfaces may lead to error if they are not effectively designed. Method A hierarchical task analysis was conducted using evidence from pilot interview data to understand the pilots’ typical response to a suspected engine oil leak scenario. This was used as the primary input into the Systematic Human Error Reduction and Prediction Approach (SHERPA). Results A total of 108 possible errors were identified. The most common error type was a retrieval error, in which flight crews may retrieve the wrong information about the engine. A number of remedial measures are proposed to try and overcome such issues. Conclusion This analysis provides an initial starting point for identifying potential future design ideas that can assist the pilots in dealing with oil leaks. Application This work has identified the value of applying human error identification methodologies to the assessment of current flight deck processes surrounding engine oil leaks. The method presented permits the operational analysis of possible errors on the flight deck and facilitates the proposition of remedial measures to implement technological innovations that can mitigate error.

To date, vehicle manufacturers have largely been left to their own initiatives when it comes to the design, development and implementation of automated driving features. Whilst this has enabled developments within the field to accelerate at a rapid pace, we are also now beginning to see the negative aspects of automated design (e.g., driver complacency, automation misuse and ethical dilemmas). It is therefore becoming increasingly important to identify systemic aspects that can address some of these Human Factors challenges. This paper applies the principles of the Risk Management Framework to explore the wider systemic issues associated with automated driving in the United Kingdom through the novel application of network metrics. The authors propose a number of recommendations targeted at each level of the Risk Management Framework that seek to shift the power of influence away from vehicle manufacturers and back into the hands of governing bodies.

The Perceptual Cycle Model (PCM) has been widely applied to understanding processes such as decision-making and situation awareness as it provides a distributed approach, acknowledging the role of both internally held mental schemata and external environmental information in shaping these processes. There are, however, no associated methods with this model and therefore researchers have had to be creative with other methods in order to infer perceptual cycle processing. This paper presents the Schema-World-Action Research Method (SWARM) in which cognitive prompts for eliciting perceptual cycle information have been developed, initially for the aviation domain. Application of the method is exemplified through a case study of an aviation critical incident. The results demonstrate high theoretical validity with the PCM and a test–retest reliability assessment demonstrated high reliability when the method was applied on two separate occasions. Future research endeavours are acknowledged in which the m...

The network analysis method, Event Analysis of Systemic Teamwork (EAST), was used to examine routine aviation operations from multiple perspectives from six key areas (i.e. Dispatch, ATC, ATM, Maintenance, Loading, and the Cockpit). Data was collected over a five-day observational field trial at an international air cargo operator. Researchers recorded the activities of agents operating within the six key areas over three outbound and two inbound flights. Three networks (i.e. social, information and task) were created for four key phases of flight: (i) pre-flight checks and engines start (ii) taxi, take-off and assent, (iii) descent, landing and taxi, and (iv) park and shut down. The networks represent a 'work audit' of short-haul cargo operations, which enabled a detailed understanding of the interactions and connections within the current system. Implications for the future of distributed crewing concepts are discussed. Practitioner Summary: An analysis of the aviation system was undertaken using the amalgamated data from three outbound and two inbound flights. These analyses show the social, information and task interactions for cargo operations. This has been used to specify requirements for future distributed crewing options.

This paper studies the use of touchscreen displays on the flight deck, focusing on the usability of commonplace single and multi-touch gestures. Results from this study show that for the two-main set of independent variables (vibration conditions and display positions) it was found the usability of the touchscreens decreased as the magnitude of the vibration increased, and that for the three display positions, the centre and side display positions usability was similar with the overhead being significantly worse in all turbulent test conditions and evaluation tasks.

The safety of rotary-wing operations is significantly affected by the local weather conditions, especially during key phases of flight including hover and landing. Despite the operational flexibility of rotary-wing craft, such craft accounts for a significantly greater proportion of accidents than their fixed-wing counterparts. A key period of risk when operating rotary-wing aircraft is during operations that occur in degraded visual environments, for example as a result of thick fog. During such conditions, pilots’ workload significantly increases and their situation awareness can be greatly impeded. The current study examines the extent to which providing information to pilots via the use of a head-up display (HUD) influenced perceived workload and situation awareness, when operating in both clear and degraded visual environments. Results suggest that whilst the HUD did not benefit pilots during clear conditions, workload was reduced when operating in degraded visual conditions. Overall results demonstrate that access to the HUD reduces the difficulties associated with flying in degraded visual environments.

Civilian rotary-wing aircraft pilots typically rely on visual information from the external environment to guide flight, but are increasingly required to operate in degraded visual environments. The current study evaluated the impact of a head-up display (HUD) upon pilot performance, perceived situation awareness and workload. A 2 × 2 repeated measures design required qualified rotary-wing pilots (N = 6) to fly in clear and degraded visual conditions both with and without the HUD. In degraded visual conditions, the HUD significantly improved pilot perceived situation awareness whilst simultaneously reducing workload. Objective flight technical performance data offered preliminary support for a positive change in pilot behaviour when using the HUD in degraded visual conditions.

Flight within degraded visual conditions is a great challenge to pilots of rotary-wing craft. Environmental cues typically used to guide interpretation of speed, location and approach can become obscured, forcing the pilots to rely on data available from in-cockpit instrumentation. To ease the task of flight during degraded visual conditions, pilots require easy access to flight critical information. The current study examined the effect of 'Highways in the Sky' symbology and a conformal virtual pad for landing presented using a Head Up Display (HUD) on pilots' workload and situation awareness for both clear and degraded conditions across a series of simulated rotary-wing approach and landings. Results suggest that access to the HUD lead to significant improvements to pilots' situation awareness, especially within degraded visual conditions. Importantly, access to the HUD facilitated pilot awareness in all conditions. Results are discussed in terms of future HUD development. Practitioner Summary: This paper explores the use of a novel Heads Up Display, to facilitate rotary-wing pilots' situation awareness and workload for simulated flights in both clear and degraded visual conditions. Results suggest that access to HUD facilitated pilots' situation awareness, especially when flying in degraded conditions.

The Perceptual Cycle Model presents a process-orientated approach to understanding decision making by exploring the interaction between a person's cognitive schema, the actions they undertake and information available in the world. This Early Stage Research (ESR) paper presents the work being undertaken to refine the key elements of this model in order to gain a deeper understanding of aeronautical decision making. This has been achieved via the generation of a classification scheme based on critical incident data from twenty helicopter pilots. As an ESR paper the work is still in progress and therefore options for data analysis, potential applications of the research and avenues for future work are discussed.