ABSTRACT
Setting aside the differences in terminology, aviation psychology has a great deal to say about how aviation systems should be designed. To meet the goals of reducing errors, improving performance, and enhancing comfort, a system must accommodate the physical, sensory, cognitive, and psychological characteristics of the operator. Despite progress and many successes, designing systems that preclude the potential for error remains an as yet unfulfilled goal—more so in general aviation aircraft and associated systems than in transport category aircraft. These errors may result from slips, lapses, or mistakes. One way to break this chain of technology and error is to step outside the specific technologies and look at overarching principles that should be applied to all new technology development. Thus, instead of looking for the best shape for the landing gear control, this chapter looks for the general principles by which such controls should be designed.
