Human factors in training

In the early days of the development of air transport, regulators set stringent controls on the performance of pilots. This represented an early system of defence against human error. Human factors in accidents should be looked for more seriously beyond the aircrew who fly the aircraft. For aircrew, an understanding of human limitations, stress, and effective communication is vital. Training extensions and failures can occur which are a direct result of the limitations of the system itself. This may be measurable in terms of significant expenditure for any airline, and here lies a very real motive for change. If training is interestingly presented, it will probably be enjoyable for the recipient, and is therefore likely to be effective. The time interval between the application of new training philosophy and any sign of quantifiable results must be measured in many years.