Human Factors and Flight Physiology © 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.Aerospace Engineering

Human Factors Advances in technology have reduced demand for human input Human input and decision making is often crucial at some level

Flight Physiology Pilots and the supporting flight crew provide the human dynamic for flight The body and mind strengths and limitations impact the design and operation of aircraft

Incidents and Accidents More than 70% of aviation accidents and incidents are related to human factors Most accidents occur as result of a series of incidents The NTSB contains a wealth of factual information about aviation accidents.

Interrelationship between human factors and the aviation environment SHEL –S = Software –H = Hardware –E = Environment –L = Liveware SHEL Model

Liveware Failure: Incapacitation Not able to perform at normal levels –Sudden –Subtle –Total –Partial –Distraction –Recognized –Unrecognized

Human Body System A human body has multiple systems which impact aircraft and spacecraft design Understanding these systems help Aerospace Engineers design safer vehicles

Cardiovascular System Maintains an uninterrupted blood movement including oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste The heart pumps blood into arteries, capillaries, and then tissue and cells

Central Nervous System Collects, transfers and processes information with the brain and spinal cord

Musculoskeletal System Support bones Allows for movement

Respiratory System Exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide into and out of the blood stream through lungs

Metabolic System Allows all body systems to work together Converts resources into substances, chemicals, and energy to support brain and body activity

Crucial for –Balance –Sense of spatial orientation Impact on aviation –Helps to maintain orientation –Can give confused messages Vestibular System

References International Civil Aviation Organization (2009). Safety Management Manual (SMM). Retrieved from _FULL_EN.pdf