Understanding Aviation Operators’ Variability in Advanced Systems
Publication - January 2021
This study aims to identify variability in aviation operators in order to gain greater understanding of the changes in aviation professional groups. Research has commonly addressed human factors and automation in broad categories according to a group’s function (e.g., pilots, air traffic controllers [ATCOs], engineers). Accordingly, pilots and ATCOs have been treated as homogeneous groups with a set of characteristics.
Methodology
As key solutions centre on the increased understanding and preparedness of operators through quality training, the authors deploy an iterative mixed methodology to reveal generational changes of pilots and ATCOs. In total, 46 participants were included in the qualitative instrument and 70 in the quantitative one.
Old and New Generations of Operators
The results show that there is a generational gap between old and new generations of operators. Although positive views on advanced systems are being expressed, concerns about cognitive capabilities in the new systems, training and skills gaps, workload and role implications are presented.
Different Profiles of Operators
The practical implications of this study extend to different profiles of operators that collaborate either directly or indirectly and that are critical to aviation safety. Specific implications are targeted on automation complacency, bias and managing information load, and training aspects where quality training can be aided by better understanding the occupational transitions under advanced systems.
In this paper, the authors aimed to understand the changing nature of the operators’ profession within the advanced technological context, and the perceptions and performance-shaping factors of pilots and ATCOs to define the generational changes.
Authors
- Maria Papanikou
- Utku Kale
- András Nagy
- Konstantinos Stamoulis
Aviation Engineering research group
The aviation industry must become smarter and more sustainable. The Aviation Engineering research group is ensuring the sector has all the knowledge and insights it needs to transition to, and develop, more-efficient en more-environmentally friendly engineering and operational practices.