Human Performance

What Does Human Performance cover?

Human performance is a 2-part study in the human body as well as the brain & behaviour and the effects of illness and altitude on both. We also look at case studies of accidents and incidents so we can learn from the mistakes of others.

Human Physiology:

• The central and peripheral nervous systems
• Our senses and sensory information received from our interaction with the world
• Heart, lungs and gas exchange
• The Cardiovascular system
• The eyes, ears and vestibular system
• The mechanism of breathing or respiration
• Internal and external respiration
• Sleep & fatigue

Threats in Aviation such as:

• Hypoxia or lack of oxygen and its symptoms and effects
• Food poisoning
• Visual, auditory and cognitive illusions
• Foreign travel – sunstroke, airborne and ground-based animal diseases & illnesses
• Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, drugs, diabetes, obesity
• G forces
• Age-related illness

Brain and behaviours:

• Our cognitive functions – decision making, reasoning, memory, learning
• Personality, attitude and behaviour
• Personalities of pilots and the ideal
• Human error, mistakes & slips
• Stress and its management
• Positive & negative interactions in groups inc. MCC principles

Also:

• Ergonomics on the flight deck
• Automation on the flight deck – advantages & disadvantages