Evaluating Human Factors in the Commercial Pilot-Airplane Airman Certification Standards

Abstract

This research aimed to identify risk management elements in the Commercial Pilot-Airplane Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and to evaluate tasks relating to or involving human factors. The investigation examined the risk management elements under each task in the Commercial Pilot-Airplane ACS and classified them under the preconditions for unsafe acts of the Human Factors Analysis Classification System (HFACS). The method of investigation was a qualitative research approach to determine the human factors element prevalent in the Commercial Pilot-Airplane ACS. Three research questions were stated: (1) Which factor under the preconditions for unsafe of HFACS has the highest number of tasks relating to or involving human factors? (2) Which risk management element is prevalent in the commercial airplane pilot ACS? (3) In order of priority, which risk elements need to be emphasized in the training programs? An analysis of the data and information synthesis was done to arrive at results, conclusions, and recommendations to improve the training program. The recommendations are: (1) Conduct adequate training in the use of aircraft systems and automation to enhance human performance and reduce workload, stress, fatigue, and human errors; (2) Include scenario-based training (SBT) in the training syllabus that will challenge pilots to improve decision-making that can mitigate the loss of situational awareness and lack of effective crew resources management; and (3) Incorporate team-building techniques into the training syllabus to enhance crew performance.