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Predicting design induced pilot error using HET (human error template) – A new formal human error identification method for flight decks

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

N. A. Stanton
Affiliation:
Department of Design, Brunel University, Middlesex, UK
D. Harris
Affiliation:
Cranfield University, Bedford, UK
P. M. Salmon
Affiliation:
Department of Design, Brunel University, Middlesex, UK
J. M. Demagalski
Affiliation:
Cranfield University, Bedford, UK
A. Marshall
Affiliation:
Marshall Ergonomics Ltd, Hampshire, UK
M. S. Young
Affiliation:
Department of Design, Brunel University, Middlesex, UK
S. W. A. Dekker
Affiliation:
School of Aviation, Lund University, Ljungbyhed, Sweden
T. Waldmann
Affiliation:
College of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland

Abstract

Human factors certification criteria are being developed for large civil aircraft with the objective of reducing the incidence of design-induced error on the flight deck. Many formal error identification techniques currently exist which have been developed in non-aviation contexts but none have been validated for use to this end. This paper describes a new human error identification technique (HET – human error template) designed specifically as a diagnostic tool for the identification of design-induced error on the flight deck. HET is benchmarked against three existing techniques (SHERPA – systematic human error reduction and prediction approach; human error HAZOP – hazard and operability study; and HEIST – human error In systems tool). HET outperforms all three existing techniques in a validation study comparing predicted errors to actual errors reported during an approach and landing task in a modern, highly automated commercial aircraft. It is concluded that HET should provide a useful tool as a adjunct to the proposed human factors certification process.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2006 

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