Integrating Human Performance with Advanced Technology: Lessons from Aviation Human FactorsDr Mark Wiggins Tuesday 28th September 2004 at 11am AbstractIn the contemporary airline environment, human operators are expected to function in concert with advanced technology to achieve the efficient and safe departure and arrival of aircraft. However, the outcomes of aircraft accidents and incidents suggest that the nature of the relationship between pilots and advanced technology is less than ideal. The difficulty relates to the nature of human information processing and the associated expectations relating to the behaviour of complex systems. The aim of this presentation is to consider some of the human performance issues that have arisen following the introduction of advanced technology aircraft, and to examine the implications for the future of the aviation industry. Short resumeDr Mark Wiggins is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Head of the Human Factors and Performance Research Laboratory within the MARCS Auditory Research Centre at the University of Western Sydney. He has a PhD from the University of Otago, is a Registered Psychologist in New South Wales, and is a qualified pilot and member of the Human Factors Advisory Group for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Dr Wiggins' research focuses on the interaction between human operators and advanced technology environments. He has been a consultant researcher for the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Australian Transportation Safety Bureau, Airservices Australia, and the State Rail Authority of New South Wales. He is the author of a number of refereed journal articles, book chapters, and books including Aviation Social Science: Research Methods in Practice published by Ashgate. |