On Thursday, ABC News published an opinion piece by Eve Fabre, which suggests that certain Human Factors on the flight deck between the captain and first officer lead to plane crashes. A number of high profile airline crashes are put forward illustrating the significant and ongoing need for airlines to address these issues.
VIPA, representing pilots from the Virgin Australia Group (Virgin Australia Airlines, Tiger Airways and Virgin Australia Regional Airlines) acknowledges the importance of Human Factors studies and training currently being conducted by all major airlines in Australia.
Human Factors training for pilots was institutionalised by United Airlines as far back as 1981 and has been adopted all around the world at both the regulatory and operational level of the industry. Renowned pilot and Technical Director at International Safety Systems, Glen Eastlake, led Virgin Australia’s implementation of Human Factors and Non-Technical Skills training and is recognised as industry leading.
In a more globalised labour market, VIPA recognises the importance of cultural differences that affect hierarchy, assertiveness and power imbalance on the flight deck and the need for expanding research and training focal points that address these issues.
The growth of research in neuroergonomics is welcomed by VIPA and President John Lyons says the Association looks forward to seeing advances in training associated with fatigue, stress, attention, workload, communication and cognitive biases.
VIPA Flight Training Group
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