Introduction to Human Factors and Flight Physiology

Human Factors Regardless of technology advancements, today’s aircraft still require human input and decision making at some level.

Human Factors Pilots and flight crews provide the human flight component RealityVs.Myth How the body and mind work in the flying environment Flight Physiology

More than 70% of aviation accidents and incidents are related to human factors No accident occurs without a series of incidents happening beforehand Human Factors NTSB Accident Database

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

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

Liveware – The Human Body System Let’s examine how the human body takes in and responds to stimuli.

Endocrine System Hormones – Chemical signals that control actions of the body Adrenaline is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in times of stress

Basic Human Anatomy Controls physiological, mechanical, and mental functions through electrical and biochemical signals Central Nervous System Brain

Basic Human Anatomy Bundle of nerves located in the spine that allow the signals transmitted from the brain to travel to other parts of the body Central Nervous System Spinal Cord

Basic Human Anatomy Nerves deliver information to and from the central nervous system and provide feedback to control breathing, digestion, heart rate, blood pressure, etc. Peripheral Nervous System Nerves

Basic Human Anatomy Musculoskeletal System Skeleton – Bones Tendons – Link between bone and muscle Muscles – Pull on bone to bring about movement

Basic Human Anatomy Metabolic System Allows all body systems to work together Converts resources into substances, chemicals, and energy to support brain and body activity Liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, thyroid

Basic Human Anatomy Circulatory System Carries blood, including oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste Heart Pump that allows blood to flow into arteries, capillaries, and then tissue and cells

Basic Human Anatomy Vascular System Maintains an uninterrupted blood supply

Basic Human Anatomy Respiratory System Lungs Exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide into and out of the blood stream