Integration of the SHEL Model with the Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) Program

Abstract

The SHEL Model has been used to explore relationships between liveware, environmental, hardware and software factors. This study attempts to integrate Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) program data with the SHEL model. Aircraft record data that can be used to monitor the human interface within the entire system, plus identify faults and potential failures within the system before a major accident or incident occurs. These data have existed for over four decades, and FOQA offers a way to both analyze and act upon them. The relationships between the SHEL model and FOQA data can help to ensure our nation’s skies are the safest and most efficient in the world.