ABSTRACT
The reality is that all aviation professionals have one common limitation: they are all human beings. The science of human factors explores these human limitations and applies that knowledge to the design and operation of aviation systems. Historically, the aviation industry had a reactive approach to safety. After a major accident occurred, the investigation would reveal a weakness or concern, which the industry would then correct. Human factors research explores limitations associated with being human, and therefore is not limited to pilots. Crew resource management (CRM) training explores human factor issues that relate to pilot errors, with emphasis on communication, leadership, stress, fatigue management, and decision-making. Technical skills refer to the mental and physical attributes required to operate professionally. Line-oriented flight training (LOFT) was developed as an evolution of CRM, which allows pilots to safely encounter an in-flight challenge and practice applying non-technical skills in a training environment.
