Human Factors

Human activity remains at the core of aviation safety and performance, both in current operations and emerging activities. While technology continues to advance, the human element must be carefully integrated into system design and operation. Assembly Resolution A42-8 Appendix O recognizes that human performance contributes to aviation safety, and that leveraging the benefits of new technologies requires systems to be designed to support systems and procedures, which can only be realized when they are designed to enhance the performance of individuals who use them. The Resolution further requires States to integrate human performance considerations into all aspects of safety planning and system design. 

Human performance is shaped by a range of factors at the individual, organizational, environmental, and technological levels, as well as by the complex interactions between these elements. The field of Human Factors examines how people interact with systems with the goal of improving safety, performance, and reliability through designing systems that support human performance. By understanding the system requirements for safe, effective performance and designing processes, structures, and equipment that align with human capabilities and limitations, the aviation industry can continue to improve safety and adapt to future challenges. While technological advances have dramatically improved aircraft capabilities, many incidents and accidents illustrate how system design contributed to human performance during the event. Today, the challenge is no longer just about reducing error, but about understanding how humans operate within increasingly automated and complex systems, identifying and implementing effective interventions that support system and human performance, the well-being of humans, and measuring their effectiveness.

Integrating human factors is essential to achieving the aspirational goal of every flight being safe and secure, as it enhances a wide range of activities, from developing realistic regulations and effective oversight to equipment design, training and competency standards, and organizational design and function, to minimize errors and increase safety and security. 

ICAO Human Factors Manuals: The Human Factors Training Manual (Doc 9683)