The Triad of Situational Awareness Framework A Systematic Approach to Managing Threats and Errors in Aviation

Abstract

Threat and Error Management (TEM) is a foundational concept in aviation safety, emphasizing proactive identification and mitigation of operational threats and human errors. Central to effective TEM is situational awareness (SA), which enables pilots to perceive, comprehend, and project critical information in dynamic flight environments. Despite extensive research on SA, gaps remain in categorizing the specific types of awareness necessary for comprehensive threat and error management. This study introduces the Triad of Situational Awareness Framework (TSAF), which categorizes situational awareness into three interrelated dimensions: self-awareness, system awareness, and environmental awareness. Using a qualitative Comparative Case Analysis approach, the study examines the crashes of Colgan Air Flight 3407 and Trans-Colorado Flight 2286 to explore how breakdowns in these dimensions contributed to accidents. Findings indicate that lapses in any TSAF dimension can cascade into complete situational awareness failure, compromising a pilot’s ability to recognize threats and mitigate errors. Self-awareness deficits, including fatigue and impaired proficiency, system awareness lapses such as delayed instrument monitoring, and environmental awareness failures, including misperception of weather or terrain, were all critical factors. The study demonstrates that integrating TSAF into pilot training and operational practices can enhance threat and error management, improve decision-making, and reduce the risk of aviation accidents