ABSTRACT
The knowledge and tools of engineering psychology and cognitive ergonomics may provide considerable help in solving one of commercial aviation’s most significant challenges, reducing the accident rate. Although continuous improvement in equipment reliability will undoubtedly prevent some future accidents, its potential contribution to safety is negligible compared to that offered by improving the reliability of human performance. Improving flight safety is a goal expected by the flying public and shared by all aircraft manufacturers and operators. The history of commercial aviation demonstrates the industry’s success in achieving this goal with each new generation of aircraft. There are many areas that offer potential for safety improvements in large commercial aeroplane operations. Cognitive engineering is already assuming a major role as the industry considers the effects of the new technology on both pilot and controller skills, workload, and co-ordination with other aircraft, airline operations centres, and air traffic management centres.
